EcoSystem Knowledge Trivia: Ultimate Quiz

Tansley is credited with proposing the term "ecosystem". He introduced this concept in 1935 to describe the dynamic interactions between organisms and their environment. Tansley's idea emphasized the interconnectedness and interdependence of different components within a natural system, highlighting the importance of studying ecosystems as a whole. His proposal revolutionized the field of ecology and has since become a fundamental concept in understanding the relationships between living organisms and their surroundings.

Solar energy is the correct answer because it is the ultimate source of energy for all ecosystems on Earth. Through the process of photosynthesis, plants and other autotrophs convert solar energy into chemical energy, which is then passed on to other organisms in the food chain. Solar energy is essential for the survival and functioning of all living organisms, as it provides the energy needed for growth, reproduction, and other biological processes. Without solar energy, ecosystems would not be able to sustain life.

The pyramid of energy is always erect because it represents the flow of energy through different trophic levels in an ecosystem. As energy is transferred from one level to another, there is a decrease in the amount of energy available. This results in a pyramid shape, where the energy available at each higher level is less than the energy available at the lower levels. This pyramid shape is consistent and always upright, making the pyramid of energy the correct answer.

As the succession progresses in a lithosphere, there is an increase in soil formation. This is because over time, the accumulation of organic matter and the breakdown of rocks and minerals contribute to the development of soil. Additionally, there is an increase in biodiversity as the ecosystem becomes more established and different species colonize the area. However, there is also a loss of soil during succession, especially during early stages when erosion and disturbance can occur. Therefore, both options (A) and (B) are correct.

The correct answer is (A) and (B). The food chain starts with producers, which are organisms that can produce their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. These producers are then consumed by primary consumers, which are herbivores that eat plants. The primary consumers are in turn consumed by secondary consumers, which are carnivores that eat herbivores. Finally, the food chain ends with tertiary consumers, which are top predators that are not typically preyed upon by other organisms. Therefore, both (A) and (B) are correct as they correctly identify the starting point and ending point of the food chain.

The correct answer is Elton. Charles Elton, a British ecologist, developed the concept of ecological pyramid. He proposed the idea of organizing organisms into a hierarchical structure based on their trophic levels and energy transfer in an ecosystem. Elton's ecological pyramid illustrates the decreasing energy availability as we move up the food chain, with producers at the bottom and top-level predators at the top. This concept helps in understanding the flow of energy and the interdependence of different organisms in an ecosystem.

The correct answer is the Phosphorous cycle. The sedimentary bio-geochemical cycle refers to the movement and transformation of phosphorous through various processes in the Earth's crust, oceans, and living organisms. Phosphorous is an essential nutrient for all living organisms and is primarily found in rocks and minerals. Weathering and erosion release phosphorous into the soil, where it can be taken up by plants. It then moves through the food chain as organisms consume and excrete it. Eventually, phosphorous is returned to the soil through decomposition and sedimentation, completing the cycle.

Crustose lichens are considered pioneers of the lithosphere because they are the first organisms to colonize bare rocks and initiate the process of primary succession. These lichens have a crust-like growth form that allows them to attach to and grow on the surface of rocks. They are able to withstand harsh environmental conditions such as extreme temperatures and lack of soil, and they secrete acids that break down the rocks, contributing to the formation of soil. Through their growth and decomposition, crustose lichens create a suitable habitat for other organisms to colonize and establish a more diverse ecosystem.

Mineral recycling is a process in which minerals are broken down and reused in the ecosystem. Detrivores are organisms that consume dead organic matter, including minerals, and break them down into simpler forms. Osmotrophs are organisms that obtain nutrients, including minerals, through osmosis. Transformers refers to organisms that transform or convert minerals into different forms. Therefore, all of these organisms play a role in mineral recycling by either consuming, breaking down, or transforming minerals in the ecosystem.

An autotrophic insectivorous plant is considered a producer because it can produce its own food through photosynthesis. It is also considered a secondary consumer because it obtains nutrients by consuming insects. Therefore, both options (A) and (B) are correct.

Tropical rain forests develop in zones near the equator. This is because these regions receive high amounts of rainfall and have consistently warm temperatures throughout the year. The equator itself is a zone where tropical rain forests are found, but they also extend to areas near the equator. Therefore, the correct answer is (A) and (B).

The correct answer is (A) and (B). This is because a pond ecosystem can be both limnetic and lentic. Limnetic refers to the open water area of a pond, where sunlight penetrates and photosynthesis occurs. Lentic refers to the still or slow-moving water in a pond, which allows for the accumulation of organic matter and the development of diverse habitats. Therefore, a pond ecosystem can exhibit characteristics of both limnetic and lentic zones.

The correct answer is Migration, ecesis, colonization, climax. Plant succession refers to the process of how plant communities change and develop over time. In this sequence, migration refers to the arrival of new plant species into an area. Ecesis is the establishment and growth of these new plants. Colonization is the process by which the new plants spread and occupy the area. Finally, climax is the stable and mature stage of the plant community where there is a balance between birth and death rates. This sequence represents the natural progression of plant succession.

All of these options are correct because all three - phytoplanktons, brown algae, and red algae - are primary producers in the oceans. Phytoplanktons are microscopic plants that float near the surface and form the base of the marine food chain. Brown algae, also known as kelp, are large seaweeds that grow in colder waters and provide habitat and food for many marine organisms. Red algae are another group of seaweeds that play a crucial role in marine ecosystems by providing shelter and food for various marine species. Therefore, all three contribute to the primary production in the oceans.

Psammosere is the correct answer for this question. Plant succession in a sandy habitat is referred to as psammosere. Psammosere is a type of succession that occurs in areas with sandy soil, such as sand dunes or beaches. In this process, pioneer plants like grasses and lichens colonize the bare sand, gradually creating a more stable environment for other plant species to establish. Over time, the community of plants evolves, leading to the development of a diverse ecosystem in the sandy habitat.