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Relationships in Ecosystems

Total questions: 8

Worksheet time: 40mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

These graphs show how two factors for a certain region changed over time: the number of predators that prey on mice and number of plants of the type that the mice eat. Based on the information from these graphs, in which of the following years would the population of mice have been the lowest?

a)

1997

b)

1999

c)

2001

d)

2003

2.

The table provides information on population density of mayflies, a kind of insect, in a certain area over a few years. Based on the population density data provided, which data provides evidence that there was a decrease in the population of birds that prey on mayflies?

a)

2005

b)

2006

c)

2007

d)

2008

3.

An example of a predator and a prey species for four separate ecosystems is provided. Which of the following would demonstrate an appropriate prediction for the changes to one of the populations of organisms due to a predator/prey interaction?

a)

A bird whose main diet consists of dragonflies moves into the area, causing a decrease in the mosquito population.

b)

During hunting season many deer are killed by hunters, causing an increase in the mountain lion population.

c)

A bird whose main diet consists of dragonflies moves into the area, causing an increase in the mosquito population.

d)

A disease that only affects snakes causes a decrease in their population, causing a decrease in the mouse population.

4.

Clownfish live in and around sea anemones. They have a mutualistic relationship. Which of the following observations best supports the claim that this relationship is beneficial to the sea anemones?

a)

When the clownfish are removed from the sea anemones their (the clownfish) population declines.

b)

The sea anemone has stinging tentacles that are used against predators.

c)

42 Wallaby Way, Sydney

d)

The clownfish eat the algae that accumulates on the sea anemone, and chases away butterfly fish.

5.

Which of the following describes a competitive relationship?

a)

Owl and field mouse

b)

Oak tree and pine tree

c)

Spider and fly

d)

Shark and Remora fish

6.

How do commensalistic and mutualistic relationships differ?

a)

In a commensalistic relationship one organism benefits while the other one is unaffected, while in a mutualistic relationship one organism benefits while the other is harmed.

b)

In a commensalistic relationship one organism benefits while the other one is unaffected, while in a mutualistic relationship both organisms benefit.

c)

In a commensalistic relationship one organism benefits while the other one is harmed, while in a mutualistic relationship both organisms benefit.

d)

In a commensalistic relationship one organism benefits while the other one is harmed, while in a mutualistic relationship one organism benefits while the other one is unaffected.

7.

A marine food web is provided below (energy travels from the prey to the predator). Describe the relationship between the lantern fish and the sunfish. Is it symbiotic, predatory, or competitive? Explain your answer.

a)

Symbiotic, they live on the same tier.

b)

Predatory, sunfish eat lantern fish.

c)

Competitive, both fish eat copepods.

d)

Parasitic, sunfish are parasites that live in lantern fish.

8.

When would a mutualistic relationship become parasitic?

a)

When both organisms no longer benefit, and one is harmed while the other benefits.

b)

When both organisms no longer benefit, and one is harmed while the other is unaffected.

c)

When both organisms no longer benefit, and one is harmed while the other is unaffected.

d)

When both organisms no longer benefit and both are harmed.