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WorksheetsEarth Science Biosphere Study Guide
Total questions: 15
Worksheet time: 9mins
Which is a biotic factor that could affect an ecosystem?
dust storms moving through an ecosystem
bacteria harming the health of organisms in an ecosystem
large amounts of acid rain precipitation seeping into the soil in an ecosystem
high levels of carbon dioxide entering the atmosphere within an ecosystem
Sweet potatoes grow best in sandy, well-drained soil. In which North Carolina ecological region would you MOST likely grow sweet potatoes?
Piedmont
Tidewater
Coastal Plains
Mountain
Leafcutter ants tend fungus gardens within their colony to feed to their larvae. The ants keep the fungus alive by feeding it fresh plant material. How does a leafcutter ant colony help to support the tropical rain forest biome?
The colony recycles nutrients back to the soil for plants to use.
The colony removes dead leaves from trees and other plants.
The colony clears the forest floor of living plant material.
The colony removes fungi from trees and the forest floor.
Which of these is a threat to the survival of an ecosystem?
predator-prey population cycles
less biomass at higher levels of the food web
a shrinking variety of animal and plant species
competition among some consumer populations
The Venus flytrap is native to areas around Wilmington, North Carolina. This plant has hinged leaves that trap insects. Glands in these leaves secrete enzymes that break down the insects into nutrients that the plant can use. The carnivorous nature of this plant makes it attractive to nurseries and others who sell plants. What is one likely threat to wild populations of this plant, based on its appeal to humans?
Fire Suppression
Inbreeding
Habitat Loss
Poaching
Coal ash is a byproduct produced when coal is burned for energy. Coal ash contains sand, unburned carbon, and a variety of metals, such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, and zinc. Some energy companies mix coal ash with water and store this waste in ponds. How could the accidental release of coal ash waste impact ecosystems?
Unburned carbon could enter waterways and provide food for organisms.
Coal ash particles that mix with rain could acidify lakes and rivers.
Heavy metals could bioaccumulate in aquatic food chains.
Leaking waste could increase blooms of toxic algae.
Nonnative flathead catfish that prey on smaller fish were accidentally introduced into the Yadkin River in North Carolina. What is the MOST likely effect these catfish could have on the ecology of the Yadkin River?
They could increase pollution in the water.
They could damage streambeds and shoreline.
They could decrease water flow in the river.
They could reduce native fish populations.
The Southern Blue Ridge ecoregion contains many large blocks of unfragmented temperate forest. These forest blocks support high densities of breeding birds, as well as large populations of other animals, such as forest salamanders. Scientists have identified areas of core forests in this ecoregion that are protected and allowed to undergo natural disturbances. Surrounding these core forest areas are matrix forests, which are managed for multiple uses. Which of the following would be allowed to occur in core forest areas of this ecoregion?
clear-cutting of trees
spread of forest fires
management of game
building of hiking trails
Scientific experts have recommended a number of management practices to protect the Waccamaw Drainage System. Which one of these recommendations would reduce stream bank erosion?
encourage no-till agriculture near waterways
remove downed trees from river channels
dredge certain segments of the river
plant shoreline buffer zones
Nitrogen is a nutrient needed by plants for growth. Nitrogen is naturally cycled into the soil where it is rapidly absorbed by plants. What would a farmer MOST likely do to replenish nitrogen that was depleted from the soil?
use water that is enhanced with phosphates
add fertilizer to the soil to provide a source of nitrogen
use genetically altered crops that fix their own nitrogen
add bacteria to the soil in order for the crop to grow stronger roots
Farmers use fertilizer on their crops to increase crop yield. How does the fertilizer affect plants and animals in nearby lakes and streams?
Fertilizer directly kills fish and plant life in lakes and streams.
Fertilizer leads to the growth of oxygen-depleting organisms.
Fertilizer that becomes airborne pollutes the air around aquatic plants.
Fertilizer improves crops which draws animals away from the lakes and streams.
The Great Miami Aquifer is a large underground water supply that lies under much of southwest Ohio. The water level of the aquifer could be reduced over time by too much ________.
rainfall
pollution
irrigation
evaporation
Can Earth’s human population increase indefinitely?
yes, even though resources are finite
yes, because resources are infinite
no, even though resources are infinite
no, because resources are finite
What will MOST likely happen to a stable ecosystem when a population of animals exceeds the ecosystem’s carrying capacity?
The ecosystem will improve
The ecosystem will degrade.
The ecosystem will change type.
The ecosystem will remain unchanged.
Which human activity MOST likely contributes to the solid waste pollution in streams and landfills?
using natural fertilizers on lawns
buying products packaged in disposable containers
combining leaves and grass clippings with paper products to use in composting
recycling glass, paper, and aluminum products
