- 1. Ecosystem ecology is the study of interactions and relationships between living organisms and their environment within an ecosystem. It seeks to understand the flow of energy, nutrients, and materials through ecological systems and how these processes shape and influence the structure and function of ecosystems. Ecosystem ecologists examine the biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components of ecosystems and their interconnections, as well as the impacts of human activities on these natural systems. By studying the complex web of relationships within ecosystems, ecosystem ecology plays a crucial role in informing conservation efforts, ecosystem management, and our understanding of global environmental issues.
What is an ecosystem?
A) A community of living organisms in conjunction with the nonliving components of their environment.
B) A single species living in a specific area.
C) An individual organism interacting with its surroundings.
D) A biome defined by its climatic conditions.
- 2. What term describes the process of organic matter breakdown into simpler compounds in an ecosystem?
A) Autotrophic nutrition
B) Decomposition
C) Assimilation
D) Photosynthesis
- 3. What is the term for the total mass of living organisms in a given area?
A) Biomass
B) Energy pyramid
C) Trophic level
D) Population density
- 4. What is the main role of decomposers in an ecosystem?
A) Create new genetic variations
B) Regulate the climate
C) Produce oxygen for other organisms
D) Break down dead organic matter and recycle nutrients
- 5. What is a trophic level in an ecosystem?
A) Geographical zone where species live
B) Position an organism occupies in a food chain
C) Type of soil composition
D) Seasonal pattern of weather in an area
- 6. What term is used to describe the variety of living organisms in an ecosystem?
A) Endangered species
B) Biodiversity
C) Habitat destruction
D) Ecological succession
- 7. How does energy flow through an ecosystem?
A) In cycles, between different trophic levels
B) Vertically, from soil to plants
C) Unidirectionally, from producers to consumers
D) Bidirectionally, between predators and prey
- 8. Which term is used to describe the range of physical and biological conditions in which an organism lives?
A) Ecosystem
B) Habitat
C) Community
D) Biosphere
- 9. What is the process of water moving through and between ecosystems known as?
A) Transpiration
B) Runoff
C) Aquatic cycle
D) Water cycle
- 10. What is a climax community in ecological succession?
A) Intermediate stage before reaching maturity
B) Temporary community after a disturbance
C) Stable, self-sustaining community at the final stage of succession
D) First group of pioneer species in an area
- 11. What is the term for the process by which toxins become more concentrated in successive trophic levels?
A) Biomagnification
B) Photosynthesis
C) Mutualism
D) Adaptation
- 12. Which process is responsible for converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants?
A) Nitrogen fixation
B) Ammonification
C) Denitrification
D) Nitrification
- 13. What is the primary source of energy in most ecosystems?
A) Wind
B) Chemical energy
C) Sunlight
D) Geothermal heat
- 14. What is the process by which green plants use sunlight to synthesize food from carbon dioxide and water?
A) Decomposition
B) Respiration
C) Transpiration
D) Photosynthesis
- 15. What type of organisms break down dead plant and animal material in an ecosystem?
A) Herbivores
B) Decomposers
C) Producers
D) Carnivores
- 16. Which gas is a byproduct of respiration and combustion that contributes to the greenhouse effect?
A) Methane
B) Nitrogen
C) Oxygen
D) Carbon dioxide
- 17. What term describes the maximum population size of a species that an environment can sustain indefinitely?
A) Biodiversity
B) Population density
C) Carrying capacity
D) Habitat fragmentation
- 18. What is the study of the relationships between organisms and their environment?
A) Genetics
B) Ecology
C) Physics
D) Biology
- 19. Which term describes a species that plays a unique and crucial role in the ecosystem?
A) Endangered species
B) Keystone species
C) Invasive species
D) Indicator species
- 20. Which term refers to organisms that feed on primary producers in a food chain?
A) Herbivores
B) Autotrophs
C) Carnivores
D) Decomposers
- 21. What type of species is typically the first to colonize a barren or disturbed ecosystem?
A) Invasive species
B) Indicator species
C) Endemic species
D) Pioneer species
- 22. What type of relationship between two species benefits both organisms involved?
A) Competition
B) Parasitism
C) Predation
D) Mutualism
- 23. What process involves the release of excess nutrients into a body of water, leading to excessive plant growth and oxygen depletion?
A) Biological magnification
B) Infiltration
C) Eutrophication
D) Deforestation
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