Ecology Basics: Biotic Factors, Niche, Habitat, Competitive Exclusion Principle

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Which of the following organisms is an example of a primary consumer?

Deer (correct)
Mushroom
Bacteria
Lion

What is the term used to describe organisms that feed on secondary consumers?

Tertiary consumers (correct)
Primary consumers
Decomposers
Quaternary consumers

Which principle states that two species competing for the same resources cannot coexist in the same ecological niche?

Resource partitioning principle
Species diversity principle
Niche partitioning principle
Competitive exclusion principle (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a type of ecosystem?

Symbiotic (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

They break down dead matter and return nutrients to the soil for producers (D) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of an ecosystem, what is the term used to describe the role or functional position of a species?

Niche (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the competitive exclusion principle?

Two different species can coexist in the same niche, but one will eventually outcompete the other. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the best definition of a species' niche?

The role of a species in its ecosystem, including all its interactions with biotic and abiotic factors. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about ecosystems is true?

Ecosystems can vary in size, but they are always dependent on solar radiation for energy. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a manmade ecosystem that is dependent on fossil fuels?

Urban and industrial ecosystems (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between a species' niche and its habitat?

A niche is the role of a species in its ecosystem, while a habitat is the physical environment it lives in. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about natural ecosystems is false?

They can be created or modified by human activities. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the niche of an organism?

The role and position of an organism within its ecosystem, including its interactions with biotic and abiotic factors (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the competitive exclusion principle?

Two species with identical niches cannot coexist indefinitely in the same habitat (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of an ecosystem?

Anthropogenic factors (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between the oceanic and continental lithospheres?

The oceanic lithosphere is associated with oceanic crust, while the continental lithosphere is associated with continental crust (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a habitat?

The physical location where an organism lives and obtains its resources (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the field of ecology?

The study of the interactions between organisms and their environment (B) Signup and view all the answers