Ecosystems for Kids: Explore Nature's Interconnectedness

Question 1

In an ecosystem, which of these is NOT a living thing?

Accepted Answer

Stone

Answer

Plant

Question 2

How does cutting down forests impact the balance of an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

It makes it harder for animals to find homes and food.

Answer

It makes the air cleaner.

Answer

It makes the soil more fertile.

Answer

It has no effect on the ecosystem.

Question 3

How do bees and butterflies help plants and animals in a grassy field survive?

Accepted Answer

Bees and butterflies help plants make new plants, which keeps the field healthy.

Answer

Bees and butterflies take food from plants, so there are fewer plants and animals.

Answer

Bees and butterflies eat plants, which stops plants from growing and animals from having food.

Answer

Bees and butterflies don't affect plants, because plants can make new plants on their own.

Question 4

How do the amounts of food, water, and sunlight in an ecosystem affect the types of plants and animals that can live there?

Accepted Answer

The more food, water, and sunlight there are, the more different types of plants and animals can live in an ecosystem.

Answer

The amounts of food, water, and sunlight do not affect the types of plants and animals that can live in an ecosystem.

Answer

All plants and animals need the same amounts of food, water, and sunlight to survive.

Answer

The types of plants and animals that live in an ecosystem are mainly determined by the temperature and weather.

Question 5

How can you tell if something is living or nonliving in an ecosystem? Give examples to explain your answer.

Accepted Answer

Living things eat, grow, and have babies. Nonliving things do not.

Answer

Living things are made of wood, metal, or plastic. Nonliving things are made of plants or animals.

Question 6

We all live in ecosystems, which are made up of living things and their environment. How can we show that we care about the ecosystems we live in?

Accepted Answer

We should think about how our actions affect the environment and make choices that help ecosystems.

Answer

We don't need to care about the environment.

Answer

The environment can take care of itself, so we don't need to worry about it.

Question 7

How do human actions like pollution and deforestation harm ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

They damage habitats, reduce the variety of living things, and disrupt food chains.

Answer

They add more food and shelter for animals.

Answer

They make ecosystems stronger and more able to recover.

Question 8

In a forest ecosystem, the Gray Wolf is a keystone species. What does this mean?

Accepted Answer

Gray Wolves help keep the deer population in balance, which allows other plants to grow.

Answer

Gray Wolves are the most common animals in the forest.

Answer

Gray Wolves are prey for other animals, like bears and mountain lions.

Answer

Gray Wolves have sharp teeth and claws for hunting.

Question 9

In the grassland ecosystem, how does energy flow through the food chain?

Accepted Answer

Seeds -> grasshoppers -> mice -> foxes

Answer

Foxes -> mice -> grasshoppers -> seeds

Answer

Grasshoppers -> seeds -> mice -> foxes

Question 10

How does the carrying capacity of an ecosystem impact the animals that live there?

Accepted Answer

It limits the number of animals that can live in the ecosystem.

Answer

It provides more food for the animals.

Answer

It makes the animals healthier.

Answer

It has no effect on the animals.

Question 11

Decomposers are important because they break down dead things, which helps put what back into the ground so plants can grow?

Accepted Answer

Nutrients

Answer

Food

Answer

Water

Question 12

Which animal is commonly found in a tropical rainforest?

Accepted Answer

B. Toucan

Answer

A. Polar bear

Answer

C. Kangaroo

Answer

D. Elephant

Question 13

What do we call the helpful things that ecosystems provide for people?

Accepted Answer

Benefits people get from ecosystems

Answer

Things people do to help ecosystems

Answer

Things animals do for plants

Answer

Ways plants and animals help each other

Question 14

In our school garden, when leaves fall from trees, they break down into smaller pieces. What is the job of the living things that help break down these leaves?

Accepted Answer

To break down leaves and put nutrients back into the soil

Answer

To make homes for insects

Answer

To keep plants safe from pests

Answer

To give food to animals

Question 15

In an ecosystem, what happens when animals and plants interact with each other?

Accepted Answer

A. A bird eating a worm

Answer

B. A tree growing tall

Answer

C. Rain falling on the ground

Answer

D. A rock breaking into smaller pieces

Question 16

What is one way people can help keep ecosystems healthy?

Accepted Answer

Plant more trees

Answer

Throw trash on the ground

Answer

Use all the water we want

Question 17

In an ecosystem, different habitats such as forests, grasslands, and ponds are important because they provide:

Accepted Answer

Different resources and conditions for different types of animals and plants

Answer

Enough space for all animals to live together

Answer

Equal chances for all animals to find food and water

Answer

Protection from predators for all animals

Question 18

What can happen to an ecosystem if farmers use too much fertilizer on their fields?

Accepted Answer

The water in nearby rivers and lakes will become polluted.

Answer

The plants will grow bigger.

Answer

The animals in the ecosystem will have more food to eat.

Question 19

How can changes in the number of organisms in an area affect the ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Changes in population density can cause organisms to compete for resources like food, water, and shelter.

Answer

Changes in population density have no impact on an ecosystem.

Answer

Changes in population density only affect the organisms in that population.

Answer

Changes in population density are always good for an ecosystem.

Question 20

In a healthy ecosystem, how does the way different living things rely on each other help keep it stable?

Accepted Answer

They depend on each other for food, shelter, and protection, like a web of connections.

Answer

Each living thing has its own special place and doesn't need to interact with others.

Answer

A healthy ecosystem only depends on the number of different living things it has.

Answer

Depending on each other causes competition between species, which makes the ecosystem unstable.

Question 21

How do our actions impact ecosystems, and what are some simple ways we can protect them?

Accepted Answer

We can harm ecosystems by littering, polluting, and destroying animal habitats. We can help them by recycling, conserving water, and planting trees.

Answer

Our actions don't affect ecosystems because they're too large.

Answer

We should avoid interacting with ecosystems altogether.

Question 22

How might climate change affect the animals and plants in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

They might have to move to a new area with a better climate.

Accepted Answer

They might not be able to survive if they can't adjust to the new climate.

Answer

They will always be able to adjust to the new climate.

Question 23

Our local park was damaged by a storm. What are two ways people can help fix the park and make it healthy again?

Accepted Answer

Plant new trees and flowers.

Accepted Answer

Clean up trash and debris.

Answer

Remove all the damaged trees and plants.

Answer

Build a fence around the park to keep people out.

Question 24

What is ecological succession and how does it gradually change an ecosystem over time?

Accepted Answer

Ecological succession is the gradual change in the types of living things in an ecosystem over time.

Answer

Ecological succession is when new animals move into an ecosystem.

Answer

Ecological succession is when the climate of an ecosystem changes.

Answer

Ecological succession is when humans change an ecosystem.

Question 25

In an ecosystem, how does energy move from one living thing to another? What happens if this flow is interrupted?

Accepted Answer

Energy flows from plants to animals to decomposers. If this flow is disrupted, it affects all living things.

Answer

Energy flows from the sun to plants to animals. Disruptions only affect plants.

Answer

Energy flows in a circle, starting with decomposers and ending with plants. Disruptions don't have a big impact.

Question 26

When the climate changes, like when it gets hotter or rains more, what might happen to the animals and plants that live in that area?

Accepted Answer

They might have to move to a new place where the climate is better for them.

Answer

They won't be affected because they're used to living there.

Answer

They will all die because they can't adjust to the new climate.

Question 27

Which of the following is a sign that an ecosystem is unhealthy?

Accepted Answer

Lots of pollution

Answer

A wide range of plant and animal species

Answer

Clean air and water

Question 28

What does carrying capacity mean for an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

How many animals can comfortably live in a specific area.

Answer

How quickly animals reproduce.

Answer

How different animals interact with each other.

Answer

How polluted the environment is.

Question 29

In a forest, why are trees usually taller than plants in a grassland?

Accepted Answer

Taller trees can reach sunlight that shorter plants can't.

Answer

Trees need more sunlight to grow.

Answer

Shorter plants in grasslands can hide from animals.

Question 30

Forests are special places full of life. What is NOT a special feature we can find in a forest?

Accepted Answer

Big open areas with lots of grass

Answer

Tall trees that reach up to the sky

Answer

Bushes and small plants growing close to the ground

Answer

Lots of rain that helps the plants grow

Question 31

Why is it crucial to protect ecosystems, and how can we all contribute to their conservation?

Accepted Answer

We can protect ecosystems by recycling, reducing waste, and planting trees.

Answer

It's not important to protect ecosystems. Nature can take care of itself.

Answer

Protecting ecosystems is only the job of scientists and experts.

Question 32

What is NOT a part of an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Buildings

Answer

Plants

Answer

Animals

Answer

Water

Question 33

Which type of ecosystem has tall trees and animals like deer and bears?

Accepted Answer

Forest

Answer

Grassland

Answer

Ocean

Answer

Desert

Question 34

What is an adaptation?

Accepted Answer

A special feature that helps an animal survive in its home

Answer

A change in the weather

Answer

A type of plant

Answer

A type of animal

Question 35

Which of the following is an example of a plant?

Accepted Answer

Grass

Answer

Mouse

Answer

Hawk

Answer

Fungus

Question 36

A farmer plants rows of corn. What type of ecosystem is this?

Accepted Answer

Farm

Answer

Forest

Answer

Ocean

Answer

Grassland

Question 37

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of trees in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Make the air dirty

Answer

Give us oxygen

Answer

Stop the soil from washing away

Answer

Provide food for animals

Question 38

Which of these is NOT a living being found in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Rock

Answer

Tree

Answer

Bird

Answer

Grass

Question 39

In which type of ecosystem would you find a cactus?

Accepted Answer

Desert

Answer

Forest

Answer

Grassland

Answer

Ocean

Question 40

Which of these animals is built to catch food in the water?

Accepted Answer

Shark

Answer

Lion

Answer

Eagle

Answer

Rabbit

Question 41

Where does most of the energy in an ecosystem come from?

Accepted Answer

Sunlight

Answer

Water

Answer

Soil

Answer

Air

Question 42

Which of these is a producer in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Tree

Answer

Cow

Answer

Fox

Answer

Butterfly

Question 43

What is the name for the process where plants use sunlight to make energy?

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis

Answer

Breathing

Answer

Rotting

Answer

Fermenting

Question 44

Which of these is a decomposer?

Accepted Answer

Mushroom

Answer

Grass

Answer

Bird

Answer

Fish

Question 45

What is the name for the place where an ecosystem is found?

Accepted Answer

Biome

Answer

Habitat

Answer

Population

Answer

Community

Question 46

What is an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

A place where living things, such as plants, animals, and insects, interact with each other and with the non-living things in their environment

Answer

A group of animals that live together in the same area

Answer

A type of weather pattern

Answer

A natural disaster

Question 47

Which of the following is NOT a type of ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Playground

Answer

Forest

Answer

Grassland

Answer

Desert

Question 48

What is a food chain?

Accepted Answer

A way that animals and plants depend on each other for food

Answer

A type of animal

Answer

A type of plant

Answer

A weather pattern

Question 49

Which of the following is an example of a producer?

Accepted Answer

Grass

Answer

Hawk

Answer

Snake

Answer

Frog

Question 50

What is the difference between a herbivore and a carnivore?

Accepted Answer

Herbivores eat plants, while carnivores eat meat

Answer

Carnivores eat plants, while herbivores eat meat

Answer

Herbivores are larger than carnivores

Answer

Carnivores are faster than herbivores

Question 51

In an ecosystem, how do food chains and food webs differ?

Accepted Answer

Food chains are linear, while food webs are interconnected like a net.

Answer

Food webs are linear, while food chains are interconnected like a net.

Answer

Food chains and food webs are not connected.

Answer

Food chains are more complex and interconnected than food webs.

Question 52

What can scientists use to learn about faraway ecosystems without having to travel there?

Accepted Answer

A satellite

Answer

A magnifying glass

Question 53

Why is it important to consider indigenous knowledge and practices when discussing ecosystem protection?

Accepted Answer

Because they offer insights into sustainable ways of living with nature

Answer

Because they are outdated and irrelevant

Answer

Because they are only valuable to indigenous communities

Question 54

Why is it important for an ecosystem to have a variety of living things?

Accepted Answer

It keeps the ecosystem healthy and balanced.

Answer

It makes the ecosystem more visually appealing.

Answer

It helps animals find food more easily.

Question 55

What's a good way to help protect our planet?

Accepted Answer

Use less electricity at home.

Answer

Drive to school every day.

Answer

Throw away trash on the ground.

Question 56

What is NOT a type of ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Grocery store

Answer

Forest

Answer

Desert

Answer

Ocean

Question 57

What do producers do in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Make food using sunlight

Answer

Eat other organisms

Answer

Break down dead plants and animals

Answer

Provide homes for other organisms

Question 58

Which of these helps animals survive in a desert?

Accepted Answer

Storing water in their bodies

Answer

Having thick fur

Answer

Webbed feet

Answer

Claws for climbing trees

Question 59

How do plants make their own food?

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis

Answer

Breathing

Answer

Decomposing

Answer

Evaporating

Question 60

Which of these is a renewable resource?

Accepted Answer

Wood

Answer

Coal

Answer

Natural gas

Answer

Gold

Question 61

What is the difference between a predator and prey?

Accepted Answer

Predators hunt and eat others, while prey are hunted and eaten

Answer

Prey hunt and eat others, while predators are hunted and eaten

Answer

They are the same thing

Answer

They are both plants

Question 62

What is an ecosystem and how do living things connect with each other and their surroundings?

Accepted Answer

An ecosystem is a group of living things, like plants and animals, that live together and interact with their surroundings, like the air, water, and soil.

Answer

An ecosystem is only made up of plants and animals that live together.

Question 63

How does cutting down trees in a forest impact the animals that live there?

Accepted Answer

It hurts animals that rely on trees for food, shelter, or nesting.

Answer

It gives animals more space to live.

Answer

It doesn't affect the animals at all.

Question 64

In temperate forests, trees shed their leaves in autumn and grow new ones in spring. What is the reason for this adaptation?

Accepted Answer

To protect themselves from the cold

Answer

To attract animals that eat their leaves

Answer

To absorb more sunlight during winter

Answer

To help them grow taller and stronger