Exploring Ecosystems and Biodiversity

What is primary succession?

• The process by which a previously inhabited area is colonized by new species after a disturbance

• The process by which life begins to colonize an area where no soil or life previously existed

• The process of adding nutrients to a lake

• The maximum number of organisms an area can support

Which of the following is an example of a limiting factor in an ecosystem?

• Sunlight

• Biodiversity

• Succession

• Eutrophication

What does the term "carrying capacity" refer to?

• The number of species in an ecosystem

• The maximum population size an environment can support

• The process of succession

• The amount of water in a lake

Which process describes the excessive growth of algae in a body of water due to increased nutrients?

• Overpopulation

• Eutrophication

• Succession

• Dynamic equilibrium

What is biotic potential?

• The ability of an ecosystem to recover from disturbance

• The maximum reproductive capacity of a population under ideal conditions

• The number of different species in an area

• The process of succession

Which of the following is a benefit of biodiversity?

• Increased risk of disease

• Greater ecosystem stability

• Lower food production

• Reduced genetic variation

What is secondary succession?

• The process of colonization in an area with no soil

• The process of recovery in an area where soil and some organisms remain after a disturbance

• The process of eutrophication

• The process of calculating biodiversity

Which of the following is a human threat to biodiversity?

• Habitat destruction

• Pollination

• Seed dispersal

• Natural succession

What is dynamic equilibrium in an ecosystem?

• The process of succession

• A stable state where the number of organisms and resources remain balanced over time

• The process of eutrophication

• The maximum number of species in an area

Which of the following is a regulating service provided by ecosystems?

• Water purification

• Food production

• Recreation

• Cultural heritage