Ecosystems and Species

Multiple Choice

1. Which of the following best describes an ecosystem?

A) A single organism

B) A group of organisms of the same species

C) A group of organisms of different species interacting with their physical environment

D) A group of physical objects like rocks and soil

2. Which of the following is an example of a biotic factor in an ecosystem?

A) Water

B) Sunlight

C) Soil

D) Plants

3. Which of the following is an example of an abiotic factor in an ecosystem?

A) Predators

B) Herbivores

C) Rainfall

D) Decomposers

4. Which of the following best describes a keystone species in an ecosystem?

A) A species that is able to outcompete other species for resources

B) A species that has a small impact on the ecosystem

C) A species that has a large impact on the ecosystem despite its low abundance

D) A species that is only present in the ecosystem for a short period of time

5. What is the main cause of extinction of species?

A) Changes in climate

B) Habitat destruction and fragmentation

C) Competition from other species

D) Overconsumption of resources by humans

6. Which of the following best describes the relationship between a predator and its prey in an ecosystem?

A) The predator always kills and eats the prey

B) The prey always escapes from the predator

C) The predator and prey have a mutually beneficial relationship

D) The predator and prey have a dynamic relationship where the predator may or may not be successful in catching the prey

7. Which of the following best describes a food chain?

A) A sequence of organisms where each organism eats the one before it and is eaten by the one after it

B) A group of organisms of the same species

C) A group of organisms of different species interacting with their physical environment

D) A group of physical objects like rocks and soil

8. Which of the following is an example of a decomposer in an ecosystem?

A) Grass

B) A rabbit

C) A hawk

D) Fungi

9. What is the relationship between biodiversity and the stability of an ecosystem?

A) There is no relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem stability

B) Ecosystems with lower biodiversity are generally more stable than those with higher biodiversity

C) Ecosystems with higher biodiversity are generally more stable than those with lower biodiversity

D) The relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem stability is unpredictable and varies depending on the ecosystem

10. Which of the following best describes a trophic level in an ecosystem?

A) The number of different species in an ecosystem

B) The amount of sunlight an ecosystem receives

C) The position of an organism in a food chain

D) The type of physical environment in an ecosystem

Fill in the Blank

1. An __________ is a community of living and non-living things that interact with each other in a specific environment.
   
2. The place where an organism lives and obtains its food, water, and shelter is called its __________.
   
3. __________ are organisms that can make their own food using energy from the sun or chemicals in the environment.
   
4. A __________ is a group of the same species of organisms living in the same area at the same time.
   
5. A __________ is a group of different species of organisms living in the same area at the same time.
   
6. The process by which plants convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into food energy is called __________.
   
7. The __________ is the region of the Earth where life exists.
   
8. The process by which animals breathe in oxygen and release carbon dioxide is called __________.
   
9. A __________ is a natural or artificial environment in which a particular species lives.
   
10. __________ is the variety of living organisms in a particular area or on Earth as a whole.
    

Short Answer

1. Define the term “ecosystem” and provide an example.
2. What is a keystone species? Provide an example.
3. Explain the difference between a food chain and a food web.
4. What is the relationship between predator and prey populations in an ecosystem?
5. What factors can lead to the decline of a species in an ecosystem?
6. What is biodiversity and why is it important for ecosystems?
7. How do human activities impact ecosystems and their species?
8. Explain the concept of carrying capacity and how it relates to ecosystems and species.
9. What is an invasive species? Provide an example and explain why they can be harmful to ecosystems.
10. What are some ways that humans can work to protect and preserve ecosystems and their species?

Answers

Multiple Choice

1. C
2. D
3. C
4. C
5. B
6. D
7. A
8. D
9. C
10. C

Fill in the Blank

1. ecosystem
2. habitat
3. producers
4. population
5. community
6. photosynthesis
7. biosphere
8. respiration
9. niche
10. biodiversity