Aquatic and Desert Ecosystems Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What are the two broad classifications of aquatic ecosystems?

Terrestrial and Aquatic

Marine and Freshwater (correct)

Lakes and Rivers

Coral Reefs and Ocean Floors

Which of the following is NOT a component of marine ecosystems?

Estuaries

Coral reefs

Salt marshes

Lakes (correct)

Which species is NOT typically found in a lotic ecosystem?

Trout

River dolphins

Cacti (correct)

Beavers

Which feature is characteristic of freshwater ecosystems?

Presence of algae and plants Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant function of wetlands within the marine ecosystem?

They prevent coastal erosion. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of aquatic ecosystems?

Recycling nutrients Signup and view all the answers

How do terrestrial ecosystems differ from aquatic ecosystems?

Lower availability of water in terrestrial ecosystems. Signup and view all the answers

What defines the abiotic components of a desert ecosystem?

Nutrients present in the soil and scarcity of water Signup and view all the answers

Which type of ecosystem includes unique adaptations to life in varying salinity levels?

Estuaries Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are major types of consumers in a desert ecosystem?

Insects and reptiles Signup and view all the answers

Which element is vital for recharge of groundwater in aquatic ecosystems?

Evapotranspiration Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following ecosystems is characterized by the presence of greater temperature fluctuations?

Terrestrial ecosystems Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following ecosystems primarily exists on land?

Terrestrial ecosystem Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes desert ecosystems?

They cover 1/5th of the earth's land area. Signup and view all the answers

Which trophic group in desert ecosystems has the least diversity?

Decomposers Signup and view all the answers

Which features help desert plants to survive in arid conditions?

Water-storing abilities and dormant seeds Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the upright shape of an Energy Pyramid?

Energy is lost as heat at each step. Signup and view all the answers

Which nutrient cycling type uses the atmosphere or hydrosphere as its reservoir?

Gaseous cycle Signup and view all the answers

What role do forests play in the ecosystem regarding carbon?

Act as carbon sinks. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of forests in an ecosystem?

Increase rainfall directly. Signup and view all the answers

Grassland ecosystems are primarily characterized by which of the following?

Dominance of grasses and herbaceous plants. Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of forests on soil stability?

Forests contribute to soil stability. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following materials is a typical source obtained from forests?

Wood for construction. Signup and view all the answers

The reservoir for the sedimentary cycle is primarily found in what component of the earth?

Earth's crust. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Environmental Studies - Unit 1

Environment is derived from the French word "environer," meaning to surround, enclose, and encircle.
Environment encompasses conditions affecting living beings (humans, animals, plants) and non-living components.
Environment is a complex, mutually interactive system involving biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors.
Biotic factors include organisms like plants and animals.
Abiotic factors encompass physical conditions (temperature, pH, humidity, salinity) and chemical agents (gases, minerals).
Environmental components include lithosphere (rocks), hydrosphere (water), atmosphere (air), and biosphere (life).

Environmental Components

Lithosphere: Earth's outermost rigid layer.
- Includes the crust and uppermost mantle.
- Composed of different layers:
  - Crust (top, sedimentary rocks, then granitic and metamorphic rocks, basaltic rocks).
- Exists both terrestrially and oceanically.
Hydrosphere: All water bodies on Earth (oceans, seas, rivers, lakes, etc.).
- Covers 70% of Earth's surface.
- 97.5% is saltwater, 2.5% is freshwater, of which 30.8% is groundwater, 68.9% is frozen (glaciers), remaining 0.3% is in accessible surface water.
Atmosphere: Gaseous layer surrounding Earth.
- Primarily composed of nitrogen (78.08%), oxygen (20.95%), and argon (0.93%).
- Contains variable amounts of water vapor, other gases, and aerosols (solid or liquid particles).
- Divided into layers (troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, exosphere).
Biosphere: Regions on Earth where life exists.
- Includes all living organisms in soil, air, water, or on land.
- Represents complex ecosystems.

Layers of the Earth

Crust: Outermost layer (0-100 km thick)
Mantle: Beneath the crust (700 km thick)
Lithosphere (Crust + Upper Mantle)
Asthenosphere:
Outer core: Liquid (2900 km)
Inner core: Solid (5100 km)

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Description

Test your knowledge about the characteristics and components of aquatic and desert ecosystems. This quiz covers various aspects, including classification, species presence, and ecosystem functions. Challenge yourself to differentiate between these unique environments!