Exploring Community Interactions in Ecology

What defines a community in ecological terms?

• A group of interacting populations

• A single species population

• A non-interacting group of animals

• A single organism

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

What is an example of obligate mutualism?

• Wolves and moose

• Mycorrhizal fungi and plant roots

• Oxpecker and zebra

• Honeybees and various plants

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

Which relationship is an example of facultative mutualism?

• Owls and mice

• Mycorrhizal fungi and plant roots

• Yucca plant and moth

• Honeybees and plants

What does predation involve in ecological terms?

• Species coexisting without interaction

• One species consuming another

• Species sharing resources

• All species benefiting mutually

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

How do predators positively impact biodiversity within a community?

• By eliminating all competition

• By promoting mutualism

• By increasing resource availability

• By reducing dominant species populations

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

What is a foundation species?

• A species providing habitat structure

• A species that preys on others

• A species that competes for resources

• A species that does not interact with others

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

What role does competition play in an ecosystem?

• Eliminates predation

• Decreases species diversity

• Increases resource availability

• Ensures survival of the fittest

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

How does predation act as a top-down control in ecosystems?

• By increasing prey populations

• By decreasing predator numbers

• By promoting mutualism

• By reducing prey populations

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

What happens when predator populations are low?

• Resource competition decreases

• Predator populations increase

• Prey populations increase

• Prey populations decrease

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

How do predators influence the evolution of their prey?

• By promoting species cooperation

• By forcing them to migrate

• By limiting their food sources

• By driving natural selection

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

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