Biology: Energy Flow in Ecosystems

What happens to an ecosystem when a keystone species is removed?

• The ecosystem becomes more stable.

• The ecosystem may collapse.

• The ecosystem remains unchanged.

• The ecosystem becomes more diverse.

Which of the following is a primary source of energy for producers?

• Organic carbon compounds

• Inorganic carbon sources

• Other organisms

• Decomposed material

What is the main difference between autotrophs and heterotrophs?

• Autotrophs consume other organisms.

• Heterotrophs produce their own food.

• Autotrophs make food from inorganic sources.

• Heterotrophs use sunlight for energy.

In a food chain, what do the arrows represent?

• The direction of energy flow

• The size of the organism

• The speed of energy transfer

• The number of organisms

How does a food web differ from a food chain?

• A food web is less complex than a food chain.

• A food web only includes producers.

• A food web shows a single path of energy.

• A food web shows multiple energy paths.

What is the primary role of producers in an ecosystem?

• To decompose organic material

• To consume other organisms

• To convert inorganic carbon to organic compounds

• To provide shelter for animals

Why is energy transfer inefficient at higher trophic levels?

• Energy is lost as heat.

• Organisms at higher levels are smaller.

• Energy is stored in the soil.

• Higher levels have more producers.

What is an apex predator?

• An organism with no natural predators

• An organism that only eats plants

• An organism that is always a keystone species

• An organism that decomposes dead material

How did the removal of sea otters affect the kelp forests?

• The kelp forests thrived.

• The kelp forests became more diverse.

• The kelp forests were destroyed.

• The kelp forests were unaffected.

What role do keystone species play in an ecosystem?

• They decrease biodiversity.

• They increase the number of producers.

• They have no significant impact.

• They stabilize the ecosystem.