Community Ecology Quiz: How Much You Know?

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Quizzes Created: 2 | Total Attempts: 2,718
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  • 1/30 Questions

    Mutaulism

    • + -
    • + +
    • + o
    • - -
    • + -
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About This Quiz

Community ecology quiz: how much you know? Living things depend on each other for survival. Do you know how organisms interact with each other and where they lie when it comes to the pyramid structure? In this quiz you will get to test out how well you understand ecosystems and different animal species. Do check it out and see how well you do. All the best as you tackle it!

Community Ecology Quiz: How Much You Know? - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    The relationship between a flower and the insect that feeds on its nectar is an example of

    • Mutualism because the flower provides the insect with food, and the insect pollinates the flower.

    • Parasitism because the insect lives off the nectar from the flower

    • Commensalism because the insect doesn't harm the flower and the flower doesn't benefit from the relationship

    • Predation because the insect feeds on the flower

    Correct Answer
    A. Mutualism because the flower provides the insect with food, and the insect pollinates the flower.
    Explanation
    The relationship between a flower and the insect that feeds on its nectar is an example of mutualism because both the flower and the insect benefit from the relationship. The flower provides the insect with food (nectar), which is a source of energy for the insect. In return, the insect pollinates the flower by transferring pollen from one flower to another, aiding in the reproduction of the flower. This mutual exchange of resources and services between the flower and the insect demonstrates mutualism.

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  • 3. 

    Omnivores consume producers and consumers. 

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Omnivores are organisms that have the ability to consume both producers (plants) and consumers (animals). This means that they can obtain nutrients from both plant-based sources and other animals. Therefore, the statement "Omnivores consume producers and consumers" is true.

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  • 4. 

    Primary consumers are called herbivores. 

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Primary consumers are called herbivores because they are the first level of the food chain and primarily feed on plants. They obtain their energy by consuming plant material, such as leaves, fruits, and seeds. This distinguishes them from secondary and tertiary consumers, which are carnivores and omnivores that feed on other animals. Herbivores play a crucial role in transferring energy from plants to higher trophic levels, making them an essential part of ecosystems. Therefore, it is true that primary consumers are called herbivores.

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  • 5. 

    Producers are always autotrophic. 

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Producers are always autotrophic because they have the ability to produce their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. They do not rely on consuming other organisms for energy, but instead convert sunlight or inorganic compounds into organic molecules. This allows them to sustain themselves and provide energy for other organisms in the food chain. Therefore, the statement "Producers are always autotrophic" is true.

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  • 6. 

    Approximately what percentage of energy will be passed on to the next trophic level in a typical food chain?

    • 10%

    • 100%

    • 1%

    • 50%

    • 90%

    Correct Answer
    A. 10%
    Explanation
    In a typical food chain, only about 10% of the energy is passed on to the next trophic level. This is due to the inefficiency of energy transfer between trophic levels. As organisms consume food, they use a significant amount of energy for their own metabolic processes, such as respiration and movement. Additionally, energy is lost as heat during these processes. Therefore, only a small fraction of the energy from one trophic level is available for consumption by the next level, resulting in an approximate 10% transfer of energy.

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  • 7. 

    A species that has an essential role in maintaining an ecosystem structure is called a :

    • Predator

    • Threatened species

    • Keystone species

    • Endangered species

    • Critical species

    Correct Answer
    A. Keystone species
    Explanation
    A keystone species is a species that plays a crucial role in maintaining the structure and functioning of an ecosystem. They have a disproportionately large impact on their environment compared to their abundance. Removing a keystone species can cause a significant disruption to the entire ecosystem, as their absence can lead to cascading effects and the decline of other species. Therefore, a keystone species is essential for the overall health and stability of an ecosystem.

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  • 8. 

    Exposed rock > lichens and mosses > small herbs and shrubs > black spruce > white spruce What kind of succession??

    • Primary

    • Secondary

    Correct Answer
    A. Primary
    Explanation
    This is an example of primary succession. Primary succession occurs in an area where there is no existing soil or organic matter, such as on exposed rock. The process starts with pioneer species like lichens and mosses, which gradually break down the rock and create a thin layer of soil. This allows for the establishment of small herbs and shrubs, which in turn create more soil and provide conditions for the growth of black spruce. Eventually, white spruce can also establish in the area. This sequence of vegetation colonization starting from bare rock is characteristic of primary succession.

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  • 9. 

    Large organisms like eagles, lions, or salmon are primary consumers of energy while small organisms like mice, rabbits, and sparrows are secondary consumers. 

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    The given statement is false because large organisms like eagles, lions, or salmon are actually secondary consumers, not primary consumers. Primary consumers are typically herbivores that feed on plants or other primary producers, while secondary consumers are carnivores that feed on other consumers. In this case, the small organisms like mice, rabbits, and sparrows would be considered primary consumers as they feed on plants or insects.

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  • 10. 

    The FIRST trophic level refers to

    • Sunlight

    • All herbivores

    • All producers

    • All consumers

    • All animals

    Correct Answer
    A. All producers
    Explanation
    The FIRST trophic level refers to all producers. Producers, such as plants and algae, are the organisms that convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis. They are the primary source of food and energy in an ecosystem, forming the base of the food chain. This trophic level includes all autotrophic organisms that produce their own food and do not rely on consuming other organisms.

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  • 11. 

    Predation/ Parastisim

    • + -

    • - -

    • - o

    • + o

    Correct Answer
    A. + -
    Explanation
    The given pattern represents a predator-prey relationship. The "+ -" represents a predator (+) and its prey (-). The "- -" represents two prey species interacting. The "- o" represents a predator (-) and its parasite (o). The "+ o" represents a predator (+) and a parasite (o). This pattern suggests that both predation and parasitism are present in the ecosystem.

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  • 12. 

    Occasional disturbances from natural forces such as fire are good for many ecosystems. 

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Occasional disturbances from natural forces such as fire are beneficial for many ecosystems. Fires can help to clear out dead vegetation, allowing new growth to occur. They can also help to control the population of certain plants and animals, preventing them from becoming too dominant. In addition, fires can help to recycle nutrients in the soil, promoting overall ecosystem health. Therefore, it is true that occasional disturbances from natural forces like fire are good for many ecosystems.

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  • 13. 

    Consumers are always heterotrophic.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Consumers are organisms that obtain energy by consuming other organisms. They cannot produce their own food and rely on consuming other organisms for their energy needs. This makes them heterotrophic, as they depend on external sources for their nutrition. Therefore, the statement "Consumers are always heterotrophic" is true.

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  • 14. 

    Comensalism

    • + +

    • - -

    • + o

    • + -

    Correct Answer
    A. + o
    Explanation
    The given pattern represents a symbiotic relationship known as commensalism. In commensalism, one organism benefits (+) while the other is neither harmed nor benefited (o). The first and fifth rows indicate that one organism benefits (+) while the other is unaffected (o). The second and fourth rows show that both organisms are negatively affected (- -). Therefore, the correct answer is + o, representing commensalism.

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  • 15. 

    Which of the following statements describes the movement of energy in food chains?

    • Energy is the same at each trophic level

    • Energy is recycled at each trophic level

    • Energy increases at higher trophic levels

    • Energy decreases at higher trophic levels

    • Energy is not transferred from one trophic level to another

    Correct Answer
    A. Energy decreases at higher trophic levels
    Explanation
    The statement "energy decreases at higher trophic levels" describes the movement of energy in food chains. This is because as energy is transferred from one trophic level to another, some of it is lost as heat or used for metabolic processes, resulting in a decrease in the amount of energy available at higher trophic levels.

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  • 16. 

    In a food chain, the trophic level that has the greatest biomass is the:

    • Secondary consumer

    • Third order consumer

    • Primary consumer

    • Producer

    Correct Answer
    A. Producer
    Explanation
    The trophic level that has the greatest biomass is the producer. Producers, such as plants and algae, are able to convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis. This allows them to create organic matter and store energy, resulting in a large biomass. Secondary and third order consumers, as well as primary consumers, rely on consuming other organisms for energy and do not have the ability to create their own energy. Therefore, their biomass is typically lower than that of producers.

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  • 17. 

    The process that bacteria hydrothermal wents perform that is not performed by other organisms is most ecosystems is:

    • Metabolism

    • Chemosythesis

    • Cellular respiration

    • Photosysthesis

    Correct Answer
    A. Chemosythesis
    Explanation
    Chemosynthesis is the process that bacteria in hydrothermal vents perform, which is not performed by other organisms in most ecosystems. Chemosynthesis is a type of metabolism that allows bacteria to convert inorganic compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide or methane, into organic molecules. This process provides energy for the bacteria to survive and thrive in the extreme conditions of hydrothermal vents, where sunlight is not available for photosynthesis. Cellular respiration and photosynthesis, on the other hand, are processes performed by various organisms in different ecosystems.

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  • 18. 

    Where might an ecologist be able to study primary succession?

    • A new island formed by a volcanic eruption

    • A gravel-filled valley that had been covered by a glacier until recently

    • A huge boulder or rock layer on top of a mountain

    • All of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. All of the above
    Explanation
    An ecologist might be able to study primary succession in all of the given locations. Primary succession refers to the process of colonization and establishment of life in an area that was previously devoid of any life. In the case of a new island formed by a volcanic eruption, the ecologist can observe the gradual colonization of the barren land by pioneer species. In a gravel-filled valley that had been covered by a glacier until recently, the ecologist can study the colonization of plants and animals as the ice retreats. Similarly, on a huge boulder or rock layer on top of a mountain, the ecologist can observe the establishment of life forms.

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  • 19. 

    Different species can share the same habitat, but competition among them is reduced if they 

    • REproduce at different times

    • Eat less

    • Have mutualistic relationships

    • Occupy different niches

    Correct Answer
    A. Occupy different niches
    Explanation
    Different species can share the same habitat, but competition among them is reduced if they occupy different niches. Niches refer to the specific roles and resources that each species utilizes within their environment. When species occupy different niches, they have access to different food sources or utilize different parts of the habitat, thereby reducing competition for limited resources. This allows multiple species to coexist in the same habitat without directly competing with each other.

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  • 20. 

    Which of the following represents a typical example of ecological succession in a temperate deciduous forest?

    • Bare soil, weeds, grasses, shrubs, conifers, deciduous trees

    • Shrubs, grasses, deciduous trees

    • Shrubs, grasses, conifers, deciduous trees

    • Grasses, conifers, shrubs, deciduous

    • Bare soil, weeds, conifers, shrubs, deciduous trees

    Correct Answer
    A. Bare soil, weeds, grasses, shrubs, conifers, deciduous trees
    Explanation
    Ecological succession refers to the process of change in the species composition of an ecosystem over time. In a temperate deciduous forest, the typical example of ecological succession starts with bare soil, which is colonized by pioneer species such as weeds and grasses. As the ecosystem develops, shrubs, conifers, and finally deciduous trees become dominant. This sequence represents the gradual progression of species in a temperate deciduous forest during ecological succession.

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  • 21. 

    Despite the diversity of ecosystems in the world, all have similar trophic levels.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Trophic levels refer to the different positions in a food chain or food web, such as producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers, and so on. Despite the diversity of ecosystems, they all follow a similar pattern of energy flow and organization, with producers at the bottom and higher-level consumers at the top. This is because energy is transferred from one trophic level to another as organisms consume each other. Therefore, the statement that all ecosystems have similar trophic levels is true.

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  • 22. 

    Competition

    • + -

    • + o

    • + +

    • - -

    Correct Answer
    A. - -
    Explanation
    The given pattern represents a competition between two teams, with "+" representing a win and "-" representing a loss. The first team wins the first match, loses the second match, and wins the third match. The second team loses all three matches. Therefore, the correct answer is "- -", indicating that the second team lost both matches.

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  • 23. 

    Exposed rock > lichens and mosses> small herbs and shrubs > black spruce > white spruce Pioneer organisms?

    • Lichens and mosses

    • Black spruce

    • Exposed rock

    • Small herbs and shrubs

    Correct Answer
    A. Lichens and mosses
    Explanation
    Lichens and mosses are considered pioneer organisms because they are the first to colonize and grow on exposed rock surfaces. They are able to survive in harsh conditions and can tolerate extreme temperatures and lack of soil. As they grow and decompose, they contribute to the formation of organic matter and soil, creating a more suitable environment for the growth of small herbs and shrubs. Eventually, this process leads to the establishment of larger plants like black spruce and white spruce.

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  • 24. 

    Abandoned farmland usually reverts back to the forest. This process of forest regeneration is called:

    • Primary succession

    • Secondary succession

    • Climax community

    • Biorestoration

    • Bioeremediation

    Correct Answer
    A. Secondary succession
    Explanation
    Secondary succession is the correct answer because it refers to the process of ecological succession that occurs in an area that has previously been colonized by plants and other organisms but has undergone a disturbance that has removed most of the vegetation. In the case of abandoned farmland, when it is no longer actively managed or cultivated, the land is left to its natural processes, and over time, it will undergo secondary succession where new plant species gradually colonize the area and the ecosystem transitions back to a forested state.

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  • 25. 

    The chemical process through which glucose and other organic molecules are broken down to release energy is known as

    • Chemosynthesis

    • Digestion

    • Cell metabolism

    • Cellular respiration

    • Photosynthesis

    Correct Answer
    A. Cellular respiration
    Explanation
    Cellular respiration is the correct answer because it is the chemical process by which glucose and other organic molecules are broken down to release energy. This process occurs in the cells of living organisms and involves the conversion of glucose and oxygen into carbon dioxide, water, and ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the energy currency of the cell. Chemosynthesis is a different process in which organisms use chemical energy to produce carbohydrates, while digestion is the breakdown of food in the digestive system. Cell metabolism refers to all the chemical reactions that occur in a cell, including cellular respiration. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

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  • 26. 

    Exposed rock > lichens and mosses > small herbs and shrubs > black spruce  > white spruce Which is the pioneer? Climax community?

    • Small herbs; black spruce

    • White spruce; exposed rock

    • Exposed rock; white spruce

    Correct Answer
    A. Exposed rock; white spruce
    Explanation
    The correct answer is exposed rock; white spruce. In ecological succession, a pioneer species is the first to colonize a barren area with no soil. Exposed rock is the initial stage of succession, where lichens and mosses can grow. These organisms break down the rock and create a thin layer of soil, allowing small herbs and shrubs to establish. Eventually, black spruce can grow in the area. Finally, white spruce is considered part of the climax community, which is the stable and mature community of organisms in the area.

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  • 27. 

    A species may become invasive if___________are absent from the environment. 

    • Keystone species

    • Pioneers

    • Introduced Species

    • Limiting factors

    • Zebra mussels

    Correct Answer
    A. Limiting factors
    Explanation
    A species may become invasive if limiting factors are absent from the environment. Limiting factors are factors that restrict the growth, abundance, or distribution of a population within an ecosystem. These factors can include availability of resources, competition, predation, and disease. When these factors are absent or reduced, a species can experience unrestricted growth and expansion, leading to invasive behavior.

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  • 28. 

    Through photosynthesis, carbon atoms from carbon dioxide molecules in the air will be:

    • Converted to oxygen

    • Destroyed

    • Broken down to release energy

    • Converted to water

    • Incorporated into glucose molecules

    Correct Answer
    A. Incorporated into glucose molecules
    Explanation
    During photosynthesis, carbon dioxide molecules are converted into glucose molecules. This process involves capturing the carbon atoms from carbon dioxide and incorporating them into the structure of glucose. Glucose is a sugar molecule that serves as a source of energy for plants and other organisms. Therefore, the correct answer is that the carbon atoms are incorporated into glucose molecules.

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  • 29. 

    All ecosystems use sunlight as their primary source of energy.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    This statement is false because not all ecosystems use sunlight as their primary source of energy. While many ecosystems, such as forests and grasslands, rely on photosynthesis to convert sunlight into energy, there are also ecosystems in deep ocean areas where sunlight does not reach. In these ecosystems, organisms rely on chemosynthesis, using chemical energy from sources like hydrothermal vents, as their primary source of energy. Therefore, it is incorrect to say that all ecosystems use sunlight as their primary source of energy.

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  • 30. 

    Succession is made possible because

    • Of changes in the genetic material of species within a community

    • It is a rapid and chaotic process that is very different to control

    • Of evolutionary pressures that select certain species extinction

    • Immigrating species make the environment less suitable for species already there.

    Correct Answer
    A. Immigrating species make the environment less suitable for species already there.
    Explanation
    Succession refers to the gradual and predictable changes in a community over time. It occurs because immigrating species, which are species that move into a particular area, can outcompete or disrupt the existing species in that environment. This can happen through competition for resources, predation, or other interactions. As a result, the environment becomes less suitable for the species that were originally there, leading to a shift in the composition and structure of the community.

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  • Current Version
  • Mar 21, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Dec 08, 2011
    Quiz Created by
    Miknat
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