Biomes and Species Interactions Quiz

A relationship where one organism (the predator) eats another organism (the prey).

A symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit from the interaction.

A symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed.

A symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of the other.

A biome characterized by cold temperatures year-round, little rainfall, permafrost, and a short growing season. Plants include grasses, lichen, and moss.

A biome characterized by hot summers, cold winters, and seasonal rainfall. Plants include broadleaf trees that lose their leaves in the fall.

A biome characterized by warm temperatures year-round and high levels of rainfall. Plants include vines, palms, orchids, and ferns.

A biome characterized by hot summers, cold winters, and moderate rainfall. Plants include grasses that regrow each year.

A biome characterized by grassy plains with scattered trees, adapted to seasonal wildfires.

The process of converting carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into organic compounds by plants.

The process of releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere as a byproduct of respiration.

The breakdown of dead organic matter, releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

A species that has a narrow range of tolerance for environmental changes, such as a specialized diet or habitat.

A species that can tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions, such as a varied diet and habitat.

The process of carbon being stored in the earth for long periods, like in sediments and fossils.

The process of carbon being released into the atmosphere from burning fossil fuels.

The average number of children a woman is expected to have in her lifetime.

The number of infants who die before reaching their first birthday per 1000 live births.

The rate at which a population is increasing or decreasing.

The time it takes for a population to double in size.

A model that describes the population growth of a country as it transitions from a pre-industrial stage to a post-industrial stage.

Two tectonic plates move toward each other.

Two tectonic plates move away from each other.

Two tectonic plates slide past each other.

A type of survivorship curve where most individuals survive to old age, with mortality rates increasing sharply later in life. This is typical of species with high parental care and long lifespans.

A type of survivorship curve where the mortality rate is constant throughout the lifespan. This means individuals have an equal chance of dying at any age. This type of curve is typical of species with moderate parental care and intermediate lifespans.

A type of survivorship curve where a high proportion of offspring die early in life, with mortality rates declining sharply later in life. This pattern is characteristic of species with low parental care and short lifespans.

The maximum population size that an environment can sustain given available resources.

Population growth pattern where the population size increases exponentially at first, but then slows down as the population approaches carrying capacity.

A representation of the age structure of a population, showing the relative proportions of individuals in different age groups.

The number of births per 1000 individuals in a population per year.

The number of deaths per 1000 individuals in a population per year.

A species that is particularly sensitive to changes in the environment and can be used to identify environmental changes because their populations fluctuate in response to these changes.

The ability of a species to adapt to changes in the environment, such as the introduction of a new species.

Islands closer to mainland and larger islands tend to have more species diversity due to colonization events, larger habitat areas, and greater resources.

Species on islands often evolve to become specialists because they have fewer resources and higher competition. This means they are better adapted to use specific resources with less competition.

The first organisms to colonize a barren area, such as a newly formed volcanic island or a glacier that has retreated, are known as pioneer species. They play an important role in breaking down rocks and creating soil, paving the way for other species to colonize the habitat.

Primary succession is the process of ecological change in a newly formed area where no previous life has existed. Secondary succession is similar but occurs when life is already present and the ecosystem is disturbed.

Keystone species are species that have a disproportionately large impact on the structure and function of their ecosystem. Removal of a keystone species can cause major changes and destabilization of an ecosystem. Apex predators are often keystone species, like wolves in Yellowstone.

K-selected species have a slower reproductive rate, they typically have fewer offspring, invest more energy in parenting, and live longer lives. R-selected species have a faster reproductive rate, they typically have many offspring, invest less energy in parenting, and have shorter lifespans.

A shared resource that is available for use by anyone, like air, water, or the ocean.

The depletion of a shared resource by individuals acting in their own self-interest, leading to its degradation or exhaustion.

The benefits provided by ecosystems to humans, such as clean air, water, pollination, and carbon sequestration.

The practice of cutting down all trees in an area, which can lead to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and carbon release.

The process of burning trees, which releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and can contribute to climate change.

A period of rapid agricultural development in the mid-20th century that focused on increasing food production using modern technologies and practices.

A type of agriculture that uses high inputs of fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation, but can lead to environmental problems such as water pollution, soil degradation, and loss of biodiversity.

A practice used in tropical regions to clear land for agriculture by burning vegetation, which releases nutrients into the soil but can also lead to soil erosion, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity.