Types of Grasslands and Ecosystems Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the main goal of Environmental Science?

To understand and solve environmental issues and problems.

How did hunter-gatherers obtain food?

By collecting plants, hunting, or scavenging.

What impact did hunter-gatherers have on the environment?

Burned grasslands, overhunted some animals, took plants from their native areas.

What is agriculture?

The growing of plants and breeding of animals for human use. Signup and view all the answers

What was the major energy source during the Industrial Revolution?

Fossil fuels. Signup and view all the answers

What are some impacts of the Industrial Revolution on society?

Population growth, advancements in sanitation, nutrition, medicine, and inventions. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Eltonian Niche refer to?

The place of an animal in the biotic environment, its relations to food and enemies. Signup and view all the answers

Define Homeostasis in the Ecosystem.

Equilibrium or balance of the organisms in an ecosystem. Signup and view all the answers

What is a biome?

A community of plants and animals with common characteristics for the environment they exist in. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of freshwater ecosystems?

Running water and standing water Signup and view all the answers

List four primary terrestrial ecosystems.

Forest Ecosystems, Desert Ecosystem, Grasslands Ecosystem, Tundra Ecosystem. Signup and view all the answers

Describe a Forest Ecosystem.

Formed by a community of plants including trees, shrubs, climbers, and ground cover; home to various plant and animal species. Signup and view all the answers

What type of bottom is typically found in fast-moving streams?

Rocks and gravel Signup and view all the answers

What is the prey-predation relationship?

It refers to the food chain where organisms are consumed by predators. Signup and view all the answers

What type of organisms are commonly found in slowly moving streams?

Aquatic insects and their larvae, worms, snails, crayfish Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes lakes from ponds?

Lakes are usually larger and deeper than ponds Signup and view all the answers

What type of vegetation is commonly found in swamps?

Shrubs and trees Signup and view all the answers

What kind of organisms are considered benthos in marine ecosystems?

Starfish, clams, worms, snails, crabs Signup and view all the answers

What are montane grasslands?

High-altitude grasslands located on high mountain ranges and valleys. Signup and view all the answers

Where are xeric or desert grasslands located?

Very sparse grasslands located in and on the outskirts of deserts. Signup and view all the answers

Define desert ecosystem.

A barren area of landscape with little precipitation, hostile for plant and animal life. Signup and view all the answers

What are the main types of deserts?

Sand desert, Stony desert, Rock desert, Plateau desert, Mountain desert, Cold desert. Signup and view all the answers

What are the features of desert ecosystems?

Rainfall, Temperature, Soil, Light. Signup and view all the answers

What are examples of nekton organisms?

Squid, fishes, turtles, seals, and whales Signup and view all the answers

What are aquatic ecosystems?

Communities of plants and animals living in water. Signup and view all the answers

Where do estuaries form?

Estuaries form where a river flows into the ocean. Signup and view all the answers

What type of aquatic ecosystem has high salt content?

Marine ecosystems Signup and view all the answers

What kind of water allows sunlight to penetrate completely for photosynthesis?

Shallow water Signup and view all the answers

Why do birds use estuaries?

Birds use estuaries for resting, nesting, and feeding due to abundant food resources. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Environmental Science Goals

Main goal is to study interactions between physical, chemical, and biological processes affecting the environment.
Aims to understand human impact on ecosystems and develop sustainable practices.

Hunter-Gatherer Lifestyle

Hunter-gatherers obtained food through hunting wild animals and foraging for edible plants.
Relied on natural resources for sustenance, leading to a varied diet based on their environment.

Impact of Hunter-Gatherers on Environment

Generally had a low environmental impact compared to modern societies.
Contributed to ecosystem changes through activities like fire use and selective hunting.

Agriculture

Defined as the practice of cultivating soil for growing crops and raising animals for food, fiber, and other products.
Marked the shift from nomadic lifestyles to settled communities.

Industrial Revolution Energy Source

Major energy source was coal, driving machines and transforming manufacturing processes.

Impacts of the Industrial Revolution on Society

Led to urbanization as people moved to cities for factory work.
Resulted in significant changes in social structures, economic practices, and increased pollution.

Eltonian Niche

Refers to the role and position a species has in its environment, including its habitat, interactions, and relationships with other organisms.

Homeostasis in Ecosystem

Homeostasis describes the ability of an ecosystem to maintain stability and balance despite environmental changes.

Biome Definition

A biome is a large ecological area characterized by specific climate conditions, vegetation, and wildlife.

Freshwater Ecosystems

Two types are lotic ecosystems (flowing water, like rivers and streams) and lentic ecosystems (standing water, like lakes and ponds).

Primary Terrestrial Ecosystems

Forests, grasslands, deserts, and tundras are the four main terrestrial ecosystems.

Forest Ecosystem Description

Diverse ecosystems filled with trees, wildlife, and undergrowth.
Play vital roles in carbon storage, oxygen production, and habitat provision.

Bottom Types in Fast-Moving Streams

Typically have rocky or gravel bottoms that facilitate oxygenation and support specific organisms.

Prey-Predation Relationship

Describes the dynamic between predator and prey, where predators hunt prey for food, influencing population dynamics.

Organisms in Slowly Moving Streams

Commonly host organisms like algae, detritus feeders, and organisms that thrive in less turbulent waters.

Lakes vs. Ponds

Lakes are typically larger and deeper than ponds, affecting light penetration and biodiversity.

Vegetation in Swamps

Generally characterized by woody plants, shrubs, and water-tolerant species.

Benthos in Marine Ecosystems

Organisms living on or in the ocean floor, such as crabs, mollusks, and certain fish species.

Montane Grasslands

Grasslands found at high elevations, characterized by cooler temperatures and unique flora and fauna.

Xeric or Desert Grasslands Location

Typically found in dry regions with low moisture and distinct seasonal temperature variations.

Desert Ecosystem Definition

An ecosystem characterized by low precipitation, extreme temperatures, and specialized flora and fauna adapted to arid conditions.

Main Types of Deserts

Arid, semi-arid, coastal, and cold deserts, each with distinct climates and ecosystems.

Features of Desert Ecosystems

Includes low biodiversity, specific adaptations in organisms (e.g., water conservation), and minimal vegetation.

Nekton Organisms Examples

Active swimming organisms in aquatic ecosystems, including fish, whales, and squid.

Aquatic Ecosystems Description

Ecosystems primarily dominated by water, supporting varied plant and animal life.

Estuaries Formation

Form where freshwater from rivers meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean.

Aquatic Ecosystem with High Salt Content

Marine ecosystems, including oceans and coastal regions.

Water for Photosynthesis

Clear waters allow sunlight to penetrate deeply, facilitating photosynthesis in aquatic plants.

Birds Using Estuaries

Utilize estuaries as crucial feeding and nesting grounds due to the rich biodiversity and nutrient availability.

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Description

Test your knowledge on different types of grasslands and ecosystems including montane grasslands, xeric or desert grasslands, tundra ecosystem, and desert ecosystem. Learn about the characteristics and locations of each ecosystem.