Ecosystem Ecology

What is the primary role of a keystone species in an ecosystem?

• To be the most abundant species in the food web.

• To consume all other species, acting as a top predator.

• To maintain the structure and stability of the ecosystem.

• To produce the most energy for the ecosystem through photosynthesis.

Which of the following represents the correct hierarchical order of ecological organization from smallest to largest?

• Community, Population, Individual, Ecosystem, Biome

• Individual, Population, Community, Ecosystem, Biome

• Population, Individual, Community, Biome, Ecosystem

• Ecosystem, Community, Population, Individual, Biome

What two primary abiotic factors are used to classify terrestrial biomes?

• Altitude and humidity

• Sunlight and soil type

• Temperature and precipitation

• Wind speed and ocean currents

Which set of factors primarily determines the characteristics of aquatic biomes?

• Temperature, sunlight, and wind

• Salinity, depth, and water flow

• Nutrient availability, pH, and pressure

• Oxygen levels, substrate, and tides

In an ecosystem, which organisms occupy the lowest trophic level, producing their own food through processes like photosynthesis?

• Primary Consumers

• Secondary Consumers

• Producers

• Tertiary Consumers

What do the arrows in a food chain represent?

• The direction of population growth

• The flow of energy from one organism to another

• The movement of organisms within an ecosystem

• The evolutionary relationships between species

Why is high species diversity generally considered beneficial for an ecosystem?

• It leads to increased competition for resources, strengthening the dominant species.

• It makes the ecosystem more vulnerable to environmental changes and disturbances.

• It enhances the ecosystem's resilience and ability to adapt to changing conditions.

• It simplifies food webs, making energy transfer more efficient.

A koala is considered a niche specialist because it exclusively consumes eucalyptus leaves. Which of the following best describes a niche specialist?

• An organism that can adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions and food sources.

• An organism with a narrow range of environmental tolerance and specific resource requirements.

• An organism that plays a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community.

• An organism that primarily feeds on dead organic matter.