Environmental Science: Soil and Pests Quiz

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the most common control method used for introduced species?

Cultural management

Mechanical control

Pesticide use (correct)

Biological control

Which of the following best describes freshwater ecosystems?

Always rich in nutrients

Includes moving and nearly stationary bodies of water (correct)

Consists of oceans and seas

Contains high salt concentration

What is a watershed?

A type of mechanical control

A control method for introduced species

An area of land draining into a single water body (correct)

A nutrient-poor water body

What type of ecosystem covers more than 70% of the Earth's surface?

Marine ecosystems Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a cultural service of ecosystems?

Hunting for food Signup and view all the answers

What limits the size of a population in an ecosystem?

Limiting factors Signup and view all the answers

How do abiotic factors influence ecosystems?

By influencing survival capabilities of species Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the largest industries in Ontario as mentioned?

Forestry Signup and view all the answers

What is bioamplification?

The concentration of toxins in organisms higher up the food chain. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes primary succession?

It occurs on bare rock or soil where no life existed. Signup and view all the answers

Which trophic level does grass occupy in a food chain?

Trophic level 1 Signup and view all the answers

What does species richness measure?

The variety of life forms in a given area. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common consequence of habitat destruction on biodiversity?

Decline in species populations. Signup and view all the answers

What is an invasive species?

A non-native species that negatively impacts local ecosystems. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios represents secondary succession?

A forest recovers after a fire has occurred. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first action in response to species at special concern?

Monitoring and assessing the species. Signup and view all the answers

What effect do synthetic fertilizers have on soil organisms?

They disrupt the natural balance of soil organisms. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of using pesticides in agriculture?

They can lead to bioaccumulation in the food chain. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process by which nutrients are removed from soil as water passes through it?

Leaching Signup and view all the answers

Which type of pesticide is toxic to a limited number of species?

Narrow-spectrum pesticide Signup and view all the answers

How does soil compaction affect plant roots?

It makes it difficult for roots to access oxygen. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major risk of using broad-spectrum pesticides?

They may lead to pest resistance. Signup and view all the answers

What type of water sources do farmers primarily rely on?

Surface sources and groundwater Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason weeds are considered pests?

They compete with and damage crop species. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Managing the Soil

Soil is a complex, critical component of ecosystems.
Fertilizers (natural or synthetic) add nutrients to soil, but synthetic use can harm organisms and water supply.
Natural fertilizers are better for the environment when used correctly.
Nutrients from fertilizers can leach into groundwater, harming aquatic ecosystems.
Proper drainage systems are essential for soil health to aid root growth.
Soil compaction hinders root growth and oxygen absorption.

Pests and Poisons

Pests are organisms that damage or compete with crops.
Monocultures (planting one type of crop) create ideal conditions for pests.
Pesticides are poisons used to kill pests, including herbicides to kill plants.
Some pesticides persist in the environment, affecting non-target species long term.
Some pests can develop resistance to pesticides.

Bioamplification

Pesticides accumulate in organisms as they eat contaminated food.
This bioaccumulation affects organisms higher up in the food chain.
The concentration of toxins increases as organisms consume each other.
Top-level consumers are particularly vulnerable to higher levels of pesticides.
Organic farming practices can reduce pesticide use and contamination.

Equilibrium and Change

Most natural ecosystems remain in a state of relative equilibrium, with reasonably stable conditions over time.
When ecosystems experience major disturbances they return to equilibrium through succession.
Primary succession occurs on bare rock where no life previously existed.
Secondary succession occurs where some life exists already, such as after a fire.

Food Webs and Food Chains

Food webs and chains show the flow of energy through an ecosystem.
A food web is more complex than a food chain.
Food webs demonstrate the interconnectedness and biodiversity of organisms in the ecosystem.

Biodiversity

Biodiversity is the variety of life in an area.
It's often measured by counting the number of species.
Biodiversity is higher closer to the equator.
Human activities (deforestation, agriculture) are threatening biodiversity and causing species extinction.
Many species are at risk due to environmental degradation.

Non-native Species

Introducing non-native species can disrupt ecosystems.
Successfully introduced species may have no natural predators or disease to regulate their population growth.
Methods of controlling invasive non-native species include chemical, mechanical, and biological controls.

Aquatic Ecosystems

Aquatic ecosystems are divided into freshwater (less than 1% salt) and marine (about 3% salt).
Freshwater examples include rivers and lakes.
Some wetlands, like bogs and marshes, have high nutrient concentrations.
Water sheds determine where water flows into oceans or lakes.
Most of the Earth's surface is covered with marine ecosystems.

Ecosystem Services

Natural ecosystems provide multiple vital services to humans.
These include ecotourism, recreation, plant/animal harvest, and protection from some natural hazards (water erosion).

Influences on Ecosystems

Various abiotic and biotic factors influence the size and distribution of populations.
Limiting factors restrict population sizes.
Abiotic factors like temperature, light, soil type affect species survival and distribution.
Tolerance ranges describe the optimum conditions for each species.

Energy Flow

Radiant energy from the sun is the primary energy source for most ecosystems.
Photosynthesis converts light energy into chemical energy in plants (producers).
Chemical energy then flows through food chains and webs to consumers.
Some energy is lost at each stage of the food chain or web; thus, organic matter needs a constant energy input.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on the role of soil in ecosystems and the impact of fertilizers. Explore the relationship between pests, pesticides, and bioamplification. Understand how agricultural practices affect our environment and the importance of sustainable methods.