Ecology Basics: Populations and Communities

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What is the primary reason why humans alter the earth's ecosystems more than any other species?

Due to their small population size
Because of their impact on biodiversity and climate change (correct)
Because of their ability to coexist with other species
Due to their ability to adapt to different environments

What is the term for the scientific study of the interactions between organisms and their environments?

Environmental Science
Conservation Biology
Ecology (correct)
Ecosystems

What type of factors include water, light, air, and minerals?

Ecosystem components
Biotic factors
Ecological interactions
Abiotic factors (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a type of microorganism?

Invertebrate (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the living components of an ecosystem?

Biotic factors (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process of controlling changes caused by humans to ecosystems?

Conservation biology (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a major concern related to the growth of human populations and the decline of other species?

Explosive growth of populations of some living things and dwindling numbers of others (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following disciplines is NOT typically drawn upon in the study of ecology?

Sociology (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor influencing an organism's ability to grow and reproduce in a particular environment?

The organism's adaptability to the environment (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of human ecology?

Examining the relationships between humans and the natural environment (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to Klemow's 11 basic ecological concepts, what is a key aspect of ecological literacy?

Determining what comprises basic ecological literacy (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of understanding ecosystem interactions and energy flow?

To understand the complex relationships within ecosystems (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor that prevents a population from growing indefinitely?

Factors in the environment (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of producers in an ecosystem?

To convert non-living energy into biologically useful forms (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process by which nutrients are converted from non-biological to biological forms?

Nutrient cycling (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the interaction between organisms in a community?

Either helpful or harmful effects on each other (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a group of populations of different species that live in the same area?

Community (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of energy for all ecosystems?

The sun (C) Signup and view all the answers