Ecosystems and Energy Flow Quiz
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Questions and Answers

Which type of relationship benefits both species involved?

  • Mutualism (correct)
  • Parasitism
  • Competition
  • Commensalism

    • All organisms compete for resources even if they are abundant.

    False

    What is the term for organisms that get energy from dead material?

    Decomposer

    A __________ is an animal that eats both plants and animals.

    <p>Omnivore</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the ecological term with its corresponding description:

    <p>Carnivore = eats only meat Herbivore = eats only plants Consumer = gets energy from food Producer = uses sunlight to make food</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a major source of air pollution?

    <p>Burning of fossil fuels</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Pollution can occur from naturally harmless materials if they accumulate in the environment.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term describes the organism that is captured and eaten by a predator?

    <p>Prey</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is likely to happen to the tropical ecosystem if the climate becomes cold and snowy over thousands of years?

    <p>Many species may not survive the colder temperatures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Abiotic factors have no impact on the populations in an ecosystem.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the two main categories that compose an ecosystem?

    <p>Biotic and abiotic factors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All organisms need energy to fuel their life processes, which they obtain from ________.

    <p>food</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the roles of organisms to their definitions:

    <p>Producer = Makes its own food using sunlight Consumer = Eats other organisms for energy Decomposer = Recyles nutrients from dead organisms Predator = Hunts and eats prey organisms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes what producers do in an ecosystem?

    <p>They make their own food using sunlight.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary cause of acid rain?

    <p>Gases from burning coal and oil</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Water pollution can affect food webs in an ecosystem.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Food webs show only the interactions among producers in an ecosystem.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can happen to species when their environment no longer meets their needs?

    <p>They can become extinct.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of decomposers in an ecosystem?

    <p>They recycle nutrients and break down dead organic matter.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When humans clear land for agriculture, they often cause __________ to the environment.

    <p>extinction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the type of pollution with its source:

    <p>Water pollution = Fertilizers and animal waste Air pollution = Burning coal and oil Land pollution = Improper waste disposal Soil pollution = Chemicals in precipitation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a reason for species extinction?

    <p>Increased biodiversity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Identify a human activity that contributes to climate change.

    <p>Burning fossil fuels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Landfills are meant only for biodegradable waste.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant cause of population decline in many species?

    <p>Habitat destruction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Resource depletion can occur if trees are cut down faster than they can grow.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many species are estimated to be lost each year due to factors like habitat destruction?

    <p>27,000</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Fossil fuels take billions of years to form and are considered a ______ resource.

    <p>non-renewable</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following causes of changes in ecosystems with their descriptions:

    <p>Volcanic eruption = Sudden destruction of an area followed by slow recovery Forest fire = Natural occurrence causing immediate ecological change Flood = Rapid water accumulation altering habitats Drought = Prolonged period of insufficient water supply</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What threatens fresh water supplies in some areas?

    <p>Over-pumping of underground reservoirs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The human population on Earth is decreasing rapidly.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Changes in ecosystems over time can be caused by both ______ and natural occurrences.

    <p>human activities</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the result of beavers cutting down trees to dam streams?

    <p>They form ponds that attract fish and birds.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Humans always intentionally change their environment.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is commensalism?

    <p>A symbiotic relationship where one species benefits and the other is not affected.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Burning coal and oil causes carbon dioxide to __________ in the air.

    <p>accumulate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following changes to their effects:

    <p>Logging a forest = Changes sunlight on the forest floor Forest fire = Kills organisms and disrupts food webs Beavers damming streams = Forms a pond that attracts fish Climate change due to oil usage = Raises temperatures on Earth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following human activities can lead to unintentional environmental changes?

    <p>Starting a forest fire by accident</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The relationship between cattle egrets and livestock is an example of commensalism.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What problems can too much carbon dioxide in the atmosphere cause?

    <p>Problems such as the melting of glaciers and polar ice.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Ecosystems

    • Ecosystems comprise biotic (living) and abiotic (nonliving) factors. Abiotic factors support living organisms.
    • A population consists of individuals of the same species living in the same area.
    • All populations in an ecosystem form its community.
    • Abiotic factors like water, carbon dioxide, oxygen, and nitrogen cycle through ecosystems, influencing population sizes.

    Energy Flow

    • Organisms need energy for life processes, obtained through food.
    • Producers make their own food using sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into sugars and oxygen.
    • Consumers obtain energy by eating other organisms.
    • Decomposers break down dead organisms and waste, recycling nutrients.
    • Food chains and webs illustrate energy flow through an ecosystem.
    • Energy pyramids depict decreasing energy availability within an ecosystem.

    Interactions

    • Predator-prey relationships influence population growth.
    • Predators often cooperate when hunting.
    • Organisms compete for resources, especially when limited.
    • Symbiotic relationships involve interactions between organisms of different species:
      • Mutualism: both species benefit.
      • Commensalism: one species benefits, the other is unaffected.
      • Parasitism: one species benefits, the other is harmed.

    Ecosystem Changes

    • Natural factors, like volcanic eruptions or forest fires, cause rapid ecosystem changes.
    • Human actions also impact ecosystems, affecting both biotic and abiotic components.
    • Changes can result in:
      • Climate change
      • Species extinction
      • Reduced species diversity
      • Resource depletion
      • Pollution of air, water, and land

    Pollution

    • Pollution involves harmful materials added to air, water, and land.
    • Air Pollution:
      • Fossil fuel burning (coal, oil) releases chemicals causing breathing problems and acid rain.
    • Water Pollution:
      • Chemicals (fertilizers, waste) dumped into water sources.
      • Oil spills.
    • Soil Pollution:
      • Pollutants from precipitation or polluted water flowing through soil.
      • Can affect plants, food webs, and species diversity.
      • Improper waste disposal contributes to land pollution.

    Species Extinction

    • Extinction is the complete disappearance of a species.
    • Natural changes can cause extinction.
    • Human activities, leading to habitat destruction, are a major driver of extinction:
      • Land clearing for development, agriculture, mining, and infrastructure.
      • Introduction of invasive species.

    Resource Depletion

    • The human population is rapidly growing, increasing resource demand.
    • Non-renewable resources (fossil fuels, metals) are depleted faster than they can be replenished.
    • Renewable resources like trees can be depleted if used faster than their regeneration rate.
    • Water depletion can occur if fresh water is used faster than it can be replenished.

    Natural Changes

    • Ecosystems change over time, driven by natural events.
    • Sudden changes:
      • Volcanic eruptions, forest fires, floods.
    • Gradual changes:
      • Beaver dams altering stream flow.
      • Resulting in shift of plant and animal communities.

    Changes Caused by Humans

    • Humans modify their environment to meet their needs, affecting ecosystems:
      • Logging destroys habitats and alters forest composition.
      • Accidental events like forest fires and pollution can harm organisms and disrupt food webs.
      • Climate change is caused by the release of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, resulting from fossil fuel burning.
      • This accelerated warming can lead to glaciers melting, sea level rising, and disruptions to ecosystems.

    Commensalism

    • A type of symbiotic relationship where one species benefits while the other is unaffected.
    • Examples:
      • Cattle egrets following grazing livestock to feed on insects.
      • Tropical vines growing on trees, benefiting from access to sunlight.

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    Related Documents

    Ecosystems and Interactions PDF

    Description

    Test your understanding of ecosystems, energy flow, and interactions among organisms with this quiz. Explore topics including biotic and abiotic factors, food chains, and predator-prey relationships. Perfect for students studying biology.

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