Ecosystem and Food Chains Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What constitutes an ecosystem?

Only living organisms in a specific area

Only the non-living surroundings in an area

Only plants and animals in their natural habitat

The interaction of biotic and abiotic components (correct)

Which of the following is an example of a human-made ecosystem?

A mountain ecosystem

A garden (correct)

A rainforest

A pond in nature

Which abiotic component is NOT mentioned as a part of the ecosystem?

Rainfall

Soil

Fungi (correct)

Temperature

How do biotic components in an ecosystem generally interact with abiotic components?

Biotic components depend on abiotic components for growth and activities. Signup and view all the answers

What role do plants play in an aquarium ecosystem?

They contribute to the self-sustaining nature of the ecosystem Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered an abiotic component?

Oxygen Signup and view all the answers

What is one key feature of an aquarium as a human-made ecosystem?

It can become a self-sustaining system Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of environmental changes as suggested by elders?

The environment has deteriorated compared to earlier times Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct order of trophic levels in a food chain starting from the producers?

Autotrophs, Primary consumers, Secondary consumers, Tertiary consumers Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of autotrophs in a food chain?

To capture and convert solar energy into chemical energy Signup and view all the answers

What happens to energy as it flows through a food chain?

Some energy is lost to the environment and cannot be reused Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding primary consumers?

They are also known as herbivores Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of energy for living organisms in an ecosystem?

Solar energy captured by autotrophs Signup and view all the answers

Which organisms are considered tertiary consumers?

Larger carnivores that prey on secondary consumers Signup and view all the answers

What is true about decomposers in the food chain?

They help recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem Signup and view all the answers

At which trophic level do the autotrophs operate?

First trophic level Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the sunlight energy captured by green plants is converted into food energy?

1% Signup and view all the answers

How much energy is typically converted into the biomass of primary consumers from the food they consume?

10% Signup and view all the answers

What factor limits the number of trophic levels in a food chain?

Loss of energy at each step Signup and view all the answers

Which trophic level typically has the greatest number of individuals in an ecosystem?

Producers Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe a more complex representation of feeding relationships in an ecosystem?

Food web Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the energy lost when green plants are consumed by primary consumers?

It is lost as heat and used in digestion Signup and view all the answers

How is the flow of energy characterized in an ecosystem?

Unidirectional Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the energy transfer efficiency in ecosystems?

Low efficiency due to significant energy loss Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic defines biodegradable substances?

They can be broken down by environmental conditions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about non-biodegradable substances is NOT true?

They are all inert substances. Signup and view all the answers

How do biodegradable substances predominantly affect the environment?

They provide nutrients to the ecosystem. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to non-biodegradable substances over time?

They may pose harm to the ecosystem. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of materials tend to be broken down by heat and pressure?

Non-biodegradable materials Signup and view all the answers

Which property differentiates biodegradable and non-biodegradable substances?

Biodegradable substances do not persist in the environment. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a challenge associated with non-biodegradable substances?

They accumulate and can cause environmental pollution. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions represents a way to manage biodegradable waste effectively?

Composting biodegradable materials. Signup and view all the answers

What role do producers play in an ecosystem?

They make energy from sunlight available to the ecosystem. Signup and view all the answers

What impact do chemicals like CFCs have on the environment?

They endanger the ozone layer. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these groups contain only biodegradable items?

Fruit-peels, cake and lime-juice Signup and view all the answers

What consequence might occur if all organisms in one trophic level are removed?

Other trophic levels would have no food source. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a food chain?

Grass, goat and human Signup and view all the answers

Which practice would be considered environment-friendly?

Switching off unnecessary lights. Signup and view all the answers

What limits the number of trophic levels in a food chain?

The loss of energy as one moves up the chain. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of waste contributes to serious environmental problems?

Non-biodegradable waste. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ecosystem

An ecosystem is a complex system where living organisms (biotic components) interact with their non-living environment (abiotic components) to maintain a balance.
Biotic components: include plants, animals, microorganisms, and humans.
Abiotic components: include physical factors like temperature, rainfall, wind, soil, and minerals.
Examples of ecosystems: gardens, forests, ponds, lakes.
Natural ecosystems: forests, ponds, lakes.
Artificial ecosystems: gardens, crop-fields.

Food Chains and Webs

A food chain is a series of organisms in an ecosystem where each organism eats the one below it and is eaten by the one above it.
Trophic levels: Each step or level in a food chain represents a trophic level.
Producers (autotrophs): Plants are at the first trophic level; they capture sunlight and convert it into food energy.
Consumers (heterotrophs): Organisms that obtain energy by eating other organisms:
- Primary consumers (herbivores): eat producers (second trophic level)
- Secondary consumers (small carnivores): eat primary consumers (third trophic level)
- Tertiary consumers (large carnivores): eat secondary consumers (fourth trophic level)
Energy flow in food chains:
- Approximately 1% of sunlight energy captured by plants is converted into food energy.
- Only about 10% of energy from one trophic level passes to the next level; the rest is lost as heat, digestion, and work.
- This energy loss limits the number of trophic levels in a food chain.
Food Webs: Interconnected food chains, where an organism can be part of multiple food chains.

Biodegradable and Non-biodegradable Substances

Biodegradable substances: Broken down by biological processes (bacteria, fungi) into simpler substances.
Non-biodegradable substances: Not easily broken down by biological processes, they persist in the environment for long periods.
Examples of non-biodegradable substances: plastics, metals, glass, pesticides.
Environmental impact of non-biodegradable substances:
- Can accumulate in the environment, causing pollution.
- Can harm organisms, including humans.

Waste Management

Waste disposal: Proper waste management is crucial for a healthy environment.
Environmental impact of waste:
- Biodegradable waste can decompose, releasing nutrients into the soil.
- Non-biodegradable waste accumulates, causing pollution and harming ecosystems.
Recycling: Converting waste materials into new products, reducing waste and resource consumption.

Ozone Layer

Ozone layer: A layer of ozone gas in the stratosphere that protects life from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
Depletion of the ozone layer: Caused by the release of ozone-depleting substances, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
Impact of ozone layer depletion: Increased UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface, leading to health problems, damage to ecosystems, and climate change.

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Description

Explore the complexities of ecosystems, including the interaction between biotic and abiotic components. Test your knowledge on food chains, trophic levels, and the roles of producers and consumers in various ecosystems. This quiz covers both natural and artificial ecosystems to deepen your understanding.