Ecosystems and Ecology: Interactive Learning Quizzes for 7th Grade Science

Question 1

What is a food web? Provide an example from the grassland ecosystem to illustrate your answer.

Accepted Answer

A food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains within an ecosystem that shows how energy and nutrients flow through the system.

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A food web is a simplified diagram that shows how organisms in an ecosystem are connected by feeding relationships.

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A food web only includes the largest and most important organisms in an ecosystem.

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A food web can only exist in aquatic ecosystems.

Question 2

Biogeochemical cycles are crucial for life on Earth. Describe their importance and explain how a specific cycle helps make essential elements and nutrients available in ecosystems.

Accepted Answer

Biogeochemical cycles recycle essential elements and nutrients within ecosystems, ensuring their availability for organisms to survive and grow.

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Biogeochemical cycles regulate Earth's climate by absorbing and releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

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Biogeochemical cycles create different types of ecosystems, such as forests and grasslands.

Question 3

How does habitat fragmentation impact ecosystems, and what can we do to mitigate its effects?

Accepted Answer

Restoring habitats and creating wildlife corridors can help reduce the negative impacts of habitat fragmentation.

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Habitat fragmentation only occurs naturally, not due to human activities.

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Habitat fragmentation increases biodiversity by creating more edge habitats.

Question 4

Question: Invasive species can disrupt ecosystems. Explain how the introduction of invasive species can disrupt ecosystem dynamics, alter ecological interactions, and affect ecosystem stability.

Accepted Answer

Invasive species often introduce new predators or diseases, leading to population declines and shifts in native species.

Accepted Answer

Invasive species may outcompete native species for resources, altering food chains and ecosystem structure.

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Invasive species generally have minimal impact on ecosystem dynamics, as they typically fill unoccupied ecological niches.

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Invasive species can enhance biodiversity by introducing new genetic diversity into ecosystems.

Question 5

How do abiotic factors, such as climate, water availability, and soil type, affect the distribution and establishment of different plant communities in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Abiotic factors influence the availability of resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients, affecting plant growth and distribution.

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Abiotic factors have no impact on plant distribution and establishment.

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Abiotic factors primarily determine the genetic makeup of plant species, which influences their distribution.

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Abiotic factors influence plant distribution and establishment only in aquatic ecosystems, not terrestrial ones.

Question 6

When making decisions that impact ecosystems, which ethical principle should guide our actions?

Accepted Answer

Strike a balance between human needs and ecosystem protection, considering both immediate and long-term effects.

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Prioritize economic gains, regardless of the harm to the ecosystem.

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Preserve the ecosystem in its natural state, even if it restricts human activities.

Question 7

What is the main importance of biogeochemical cycles?

Accepted Answer

They recycle nutrients through ecosystems.

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They form different types of rocks.

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They produce oxygen in the atmosphere.

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They are only important in marine environments.

Question 8

Invasive species are non-native organisms that can harm ecosystems when introduced to a new environment. How do invasive species impact ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

They compete with native species for resources, reducing biodiversity.

Accepted Answer

They introduce diseases or parasites, harming native populations.

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They change the physical structure of the ecosystem, altering vegetation or soil.

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They have no significant impact on ecosystems.

Question 9

Explain the importance of nutrient cycling in ecosystems. Describe the key steps involved and discuss the roles of different organisms in each stage of the cycle.

Accepted Answer

Nutrient cycling involves the continuous exchange of nutrients between organisms and the environment.

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Nutrient cycling is a one-way process that starts with nutrients being released into the air.

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Decomposers play a minor role in nutrient cycling.

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Only plants can absorb nutrients from the environment.

Question 10

Organisms that produce their own food through photosynthesis are classified as:

Accepted Answer

Producers

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Consumers

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Decomposers

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Symbionts

Question 11

The human activity that has the greatest impact on reducing the variety of living things on Earth is:

Accepted Answer

Habitat destruction

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Climate change

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Genetic modification

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Pollution

Question 12

Grasslands with few trees are called:

Accepted Answer

Temperate grasslands

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Tropical rainforests

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Boreal forests

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Deserts

Question 13

The process that converts atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants is called the:

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen cycle

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Carbon cycle

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Phosphorus cycle

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Water cycle

Question 14

In a symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit, an example is:

Accepted Answer

Lichen

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Parasitism

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Competition

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Predation

Question 15

What is the primary role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Break down organic matter and release nutrients

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Produce food for primary consumers

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Regulate the population of herbivores

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Provide shelter for animals

Question 16

How do biomes differ from ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Biomes are larger and encompass multiple ecosystems

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Ecosystems are larger and encompass multiple biomes

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Biomes include only plant life

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Ecosystems include only animal life

Question 17

Which of the following describes a symbiotic relationship where both species derive benefits?

Accepted Answer

Mutualism

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Parasitism

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Commensalism

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Predation

Question 18

What is the term for the scientific study of the interactions between living organisms and their environment?

Accepted Answer

Ecology

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Biology

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Chemistry

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Physics

Question 19

What term refers to the variety of living organisms in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity

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Biomass

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Population density

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Ecosystem services

Question 20

Which of the following is **NOT** a living or once-living part of an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Sunlight

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Plants

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Animals

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Water

Question 21

A food chain shows a sequence of organisms that feed on each other. Which of the following is **NOT** part of a food chain?

Accepted Answer

Organism that breaks down dead organisms

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Plant

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Animal that eats plants

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Animal that eats other animals

Question 22

What is the process by which plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into energy-rich food?

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis

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Respiration

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Decomposition

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Transpiration

Question 23

Which of the following human activities has the most significant impact on the variety of living things on Earth?

Accepted Answer

Changing the climate

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Cutting down forests

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Polluting the environment

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Having too many people

Question 24

The carrying capacity of an ecosystem refers to the

Accepted Answer

Most individual organisms of one type that can live in an ecosystem

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Most types of organisms that can live in an ecosystem

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Most food an ecosystem can produce

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Most water an ecosystem can hold

Question 25

What is the main role of organisms that break down dead plants and animals in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

To release nutrients back into the soil

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To make food for other organisms

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To control the populations of other organisms

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To convert sunlight into energy

Question 26

In an ecosystem, which of the following is considered a living component?

Accepted Answer

Plants

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Air

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Rocks

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Sunlight

Question 27

What is the process by which plants use sunlight to create their own food called?

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis

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Respiration

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Decomposition

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Combustion

Question 28

In a food chain, which organism produces its own food?

Accepted Answer

Grass

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Tiger

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Lion

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Zebra

Question 29

What is the term used to describe the variety of living creatures in a particular area?

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity

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Population

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Community

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Habitat

Question 30

What is the process called when nutrients are returned to the soil through the breakdown of organisms?

Accepted Answer

Decomposition

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Respiration

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Photosynthesis

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Combustion

Question 31

Which of the following is a resource that can be replaced naturally over time?

Accepted Answer

Trees

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Fossil fuels

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Coal

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Oil

Question 32

What is the study of the relationships between living things and their surroundings called?

Accepted Answer

Ecology

Answer

Biology

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Chemistry

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Physics

Question 33

What is the process by which water evaporates from oceans, forms clouds, and then returns to earth as precipitation?

Accepted Answer

Water cycle

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Photosynthesis

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Respiration

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Nutrient cycling

Question 34

Design a conservation management plan to protect the biodiversity of a threatened forest ecosystem. Consider carrying capacity, stakeholder perspectives, and the potential impacts of your choices.

Accepted Answer

Enforce regulations on hunting and logging, engaging with local communities to address their perspectives.

Answer

Increase carrying capacity by removing predators and introducing non-native species.

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Focus only on protecting endangered species, regardless of the impact on other ecosystem components.

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Allow unrestricted development within the ecosystem to boost the local economy.

Question 35

What is the primary threat to ecosystems worldwide caused by human activities?

Accepted Answer

Habitat destruction

Answer

Pollution

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Overexploitation

Question 36

What is the central principle of environmental justice?

Accepted Answer

Equal access to environmental benefits for all

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Protecting endangered species

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Reducing pollution

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Punishing environmental harm

Question 37

Which ecosystem management approach continuously tracks, assesses, and adapts to new data and changing conditions?

Accepted Answer

Adaptive management

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Ecosystem-based management

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Conservation biology

Question 38

Biodiversity refers to:

Accepted Answer

The variety of living things in an area

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The amount of life present

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The interactions between organisms

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The health of the environment

Question 39

Identify the organism that plays a critical role in maintaining the balance of an ecosystem, despite its small size.

Accepted Answer

Sea otter

Answer

Elephant

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Tiger

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Hummingbird

Question 40

Which process enables plants to create their own food using sunlight?

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis

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Digestion

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Respiration

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Reproduction

Question 41

Which human activity has the most significant negative impact on ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Pollution

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Farming

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Tourism

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Building roads

Question 42

Who are the organisms in an ecosystem that make their own energy from inorganic matter?

Accepted Answer

Producers

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Consumers

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Decomposers

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Omnivores

Question 43

Which of the following is a living component of an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria

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Rocks

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Water

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Air

Question 44

What is the term for the transfer of energy through different levels of organisms in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Energy flow

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Food chain

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Food web

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Nutrient cycle

Question 45

Which organisms break down dead plants and animals, returning nutrients to the soil?

Accepted Answer

Decomposers

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Producers

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Consumers

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Parasites

Question 46

Which relationship involves one organism benefiting and the other being harmed?

Accepted Answer

Parasitism

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Mutualism

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Commensalism

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Competition

Question 47

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a healthy ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Minimized human influence

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High levels of biodiversity

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Balanced nutrient cycles

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Stability in the face of disturbances

Question 48

Which group of organisms is primarily responsible for breaking down organic matter and releasing nutrients back into the ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Decomposers

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Producers

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Consumers

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Parasites

Question 49

The process by which plants convert sunlight into energy is known as:

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis

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Respiration

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Chemosynthesis

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Fermentation

Question 50

Which of the following is considered a renewable resource?

Accepted Answer

Solar energy

Answer

Coal

Answer

Natural gas

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Oil

Question 51

The term 'biome' refers to:

Accepted Answer

A group of similar ecosystems found in a particular region

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A specific type of ecosystem, such as a forest or grassland

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A community of plants and animals that interact with each other

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A group of organisms that share a common ancestor

Question 52

The process by which soil is gradually worn away and carried away by external forces, such as wind or water, is called:

Accepted Answer

Erosion

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Deposition

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Weathering

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Soil degradation

Question 53

Which method is **NOT** used to put a price tag on the benefits we get from nature?

Accepted Answer

Expert judgment

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Cost-benefit analysis

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Travel cost method

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Hedonic pricing method

Question 54

What is a key limitation of using remote sensing to monitor ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Cannot show changes over time

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Can cover large areas

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Provides up-to-date information

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Does not harm the environment

Question 55

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Clear and defined borders

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Interconnectedness of living and non-living things

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Exchange of energy and nutrients

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Abiotic and biotic components

Question 56

Which term refers to a group of organisms of the same species living in a particular area?

Accepted Answer

Population

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Community

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Ecosystem

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Biome

Question 57

Which of the following is considered a producer organism?

Accepted Answer

Grass

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Deer

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Snake

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Bacteria

Question 58

How does biodiversity contribute to the well-being of an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Increases ecosystem stability and resilience

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Encourages competition for resources

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Protects against species extinction

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Reduces the effects of human activities

Question 59

What is the function of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Break down organic matter

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Produce oxygen

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Fix nitrogen

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Consume primary producers

Question 60

Which of the following is an example of a mutually beneficial relationship in nature?

Accepted Answer

Lichen (fungus and alga living together)

Answer

Shark and remora

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Lion and hyena

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Grass and soil

Question 61

Which statement accurately describes an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

A community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment, exchanging energy and matter.

Answer

A collection of organisms of different species that compete for resources.

Answer

It contains only non-living components, such as soil, water, and air.

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A group of organisms that share a common habitat but do not interact.

Question 62

In an ecosystem, which organisms are responsible for converting sunlight into energy?

Accepted Answer

Producers

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Consumers

Answer

Predators

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Decomposers

Question 63

The process through which plants use sunlight to create their own food is known as:

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis

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Fermentation

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Decomposition

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Respiration

Question 64

A group of organisms of the same species living in the same area is referred to as a:

Accepted Answer

Population

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Biome

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Community

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Ecosystem