Earth Science And Ecology Quiz: Trivia!

The term "abiotic" refers to the non-living components of the environment. This includes factors such as temperature, sunlight, water, air, and soil. Biotic factors, on the other hand, refer to the living organisms and their interactions within the environment. Therefore, "abiotic" is the correct answer as it specifically indicates the non-living portion of the environment.

The physical place where an organism lives is called its habitat. A habitat provides the necessary resources and conditions for an organism to survive and reproduce. It includes factors such as food, water, shelter, and suitable temperature and climate. The habitat of an organism can vary depending on its specific needs and adaptations.

In both parasitism and predation, one organism benefits while the other is harmed. In parasitism, the parasite benefits by obtaining nutrients or shelter from the host, while the host is harmed. In predation, the predator benefits by capturing and consuming the prey, while the prey is harmed. This characteristic of one organism benefiting and the other being harmed is what makes parasitism and predation similar.

Natural disturbances such as fire play a vital role in maintaining the health and diversity of ecosystems. These disturbances can remove accumulated debris, promote nutrient cycling, and create new habitats for various species. Fire, for example, can help control invasive species and stimulate the growth of certain plants. Additionally, some species have evolved to depend on periodic disturbances for their survival and reproduction. Therefore, occasional disturbances from natural forces like fire are indeed beneficial for many ecosystems.

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 in the form of nectar, while the insect pollinates the flower by transferring pollen from one flower to another, aiding in the flower's reproduction. This mutually beneficial interaction is characteristic of mutualism, where both parties involved receive some form of advantage.

The correct answer is the basic data needed is: the initial size of the population, the population growth rate, the limiting factors (such as prey and predator populations), and the carrying capacity. This information is necessary to understand and predict the growth pattern of a population. The initial size of the population provides a starting point, while the population growth rate indicates the rate at which the population is increasing or decreasing. The limiting factors, such as prey and predator populations, influence the population's growth by affecting its availability of resources and potential threats. Finally, the carrying capacity represents the maximum number of individuals that the environment can sustainably support.

Symbiosis refers to the close relationship between two different organisms living together. It can be mutually beneficial, where both organisms benefit, or it can be parasitic, where one organism benefits at the expense of the other. This term is used to describe the interaction between different species in an ecosystem, highlighting the interdependence and interconnectedness of living organisms.

Mutualism is a cooperative partnership between two species in which both species benefit. This type of relationship is characterized by mutual dependence and cooperation, where both species provide resources or services to each other. Unlike commensalism, where only one species benefits, and parasitism, where one species benefits at the expense of the other, mutualism is a mutually advantageous interaction.

The role an organism plays in their environment is known as their niche. A niche refers to the specific position or function that an organism has within its habitat. It includes the organism's interactions with other species, its behavior, and its adaptations to the environment. Understanding an organism's niche helps to understand its ecological relationships, such as its food sources, predators, and competitors. It also helps to determine how an organism contributes to the overall functioning of its ecosystem.

The arrow in a food chain represents the flow of energy. It indicates the direction in which energy is transferred from one organism to another as they consume and are consumed by each other. This flow of energy is essential for the functioning of an ecosystem, as it allows for the transfer of nutrients and sustains the life of different organisms within the food chain.

When two species occupy the same niche and resources are scarce, they will compete for those limited resources. This competition can lead to competitive exclusion, where one species outcompetes and displaces the other species. The dominant species will have better access to resources, such as food and habitat, and will be able to reproduce and survive more successfully, eventually leading to the elimination of the other species from the community. This process helps to maintain the balance and efficiency of resource utilization within the community.

In this scenario, the spider benefits from the azalea bush as it provides a good hunting ground and protection from bad weather. However, the azalea bush is not affected positively or negatively by the presence of the spider. This is an example of commensalism, where one organism benefits while the other is unaffected.

When two species in a community occupy the same niche, they compete for the same limited resources. This competition can lead to competitive exclusion, where one species outcompetes and displaces the other species. The species that is better adapted to the available resources will have a competitive advantage and will be able to survive and reproduce, while the other species will be lost from the community. This process is a result of intense competition for resources and the inability of both species to coexist in the same niche.

If pesticides drastically reduced the number of caterpillars in this food chain, the strangler fig population would increase because there would be less competition for resources. However, the lizard population would decrease because they rely on caterpillars as a food source.

Consumers are organisms that obtain their energy by consuming other organisms. They cannot produce their own food through photosynthesis like autotrophs. Heterotrophic means that they obtain their energy by consuming organic matter. Since consumers rely on consuming other organisms for their energy needs, it can be concluded that they are always heterotrophic. Therefore, the correct answer is true.

A keystone species is a species that plays a crucial role in maintaining the structure and functioning of an ecosystem. These species have a disproportionate impact on their environment, often exerting control over the abundance and distribution of other species. Their removal can lead to significant changes in the ecosystem, causing a cascade of effects throughout the food chain. Therefore, a keystone species is essential for the overall health and stability of an ecosystem.

In a typical food chain, only about 10% of the energy is passed on to the next trophic level. This is due to the loss of energy through various processes such as respiration, heat production, and waste production. The energy is transferred from one organism to another as they consume each other, but a significant amount of energy is lost in each transfer. Therefore, only a small fraction of the energy is available for the next level in the food chain.

The actual population growth can be calculated by subtracting the total number of deaths and emigration from the total number of births and immigration. In this case, the total number of births and immigration is 25 + 12 = 37, and the total number of deaths and emigration is 34 + 42 = 76. Subtracting 76 from 37 gives us -39, indicating a decline in the population.

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 plant and animal life in an area that was previously devoid of life. In the case of a new island formed by a volcanic eruption, the ecologist can observe how organisms gradually colonize the barren land. In a gravel-filled valley that was covered by a glacier until recently, the ecologist can study the initial stages of plant and animal colonization. Similarly, on a huge boulder or rock layer on top of a mountain, the ecologist can observe the gradual establishment of life. Therefore, all of the given options provide opportunities for studying primary succession.

Lichens and mosses are pioneer organisms that are well-suited to colonize new rock surfaces. They are able to tolerate harsh conditions such as extreme temperatures, lack of soil, and limited nutrients. Lichens are a symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae, allowing them to survive in environments where other organisms cannot. Mosses have the ability to absorb and retain water, which helps them establish on bare rock surfaces. These organisms play a crucial role in primary succession by breaking down rock and creating a suitable environment for other plants to colonize.

The number of people living in a particular area at a particular point in time is known as the population of that area. This term refers to the total count of individuals residing in a specific geographic location. It does not specify the density or distribution of the population, nor does it indicate any growth or change over time.

Organisms in an ecosystem are connected through feeding relationships. Energy is transferred through these relationships. Mice obtain energy by eating grass, and in turn serve as an energy source for owls. When mice die, the nutrients that make up their bodies provide an energy source for decomposers.

A Remember that producers, consumers, and decomposers rely on different sources of energy.

B Correct!

C Remember what you have learned about how energy moves through ecosystems.

D Think about how producers, consumers, and decomposers get energy.

A heterotroph is an organism that cannot produce its own food and relies on consuming other organisms or organic matter for energy. This is in contrast to autotrophs, which are able to produce their own food through processes like photosynthesis. Chemotrophs, on the other hand, obtain energy from chemical reactions, while photosynthesis refers specifically to the process by which autotrophs convert sunlight into food. Therefore, the correct answer is heterotroph.

The organisms wheat, mouse, snake, and owl belong to the same food chain because wheat is a producer, mouse is a primary consumer that feeds on wheat, snake is a secondary consumer that feeds on the mouse, and owl is a tertiary consumer that feeds on the snake. This represents a simple example of a food chain where energy is transferred from one organism to another.

When a non-native plant is introduced into a diverse, mature ecosystem in equilibrium without any natural enemies, it can thrive and outcompete the native species. As a result, the non-native plant will likely spread and dominate the ecosystem, leading to a decrease in the number of native species. This is because the non-native plant can outcompete the natives for resources such as sunlight, water, and nutrients, reducing their population and potentially causing some native species to become extinct.

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The producer in a food chain, such as plants or algae, has the greatest biomass because they are able to convert sunlight energy into food through photosynthesis. As a result, they can accumulate a large amount of organic matter, which supports the growth of other organisms in the food chain. Secondary consumers and third order consumers have a smaller biomass compared to producers because they obtain energy by consuming other organisms, which results in energy loss and a decrease in biomass at each trophic level. Similarly, primary consumers have a smaller biomass compared to producers as they obtain energy by consuming plants or algae.

The correct answer is (Births + Immigration) - (Deaths + Emigration). This formula is used to calculate the change in population size by taking into account the number of births and immigrants that contribute to population growth, and subtracting the number of deaths and emigrants that contribute to population decline. By subtracting the number of deaths and emigrants, we can accurately calculate the net change in population size.

In a food chain, energy is transferred from one trophic level to another. However, as energy is transferred, 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. This decrease in energy is due to the inefficiency of energy transfer between trophic levels, with only a fraction of the energy being passed on to the next level. Hence, the correct answer is that energy decreases at higher trophic levels.

The FIRST trophic level refers to all producers. Producers, such as plants, are able to convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis. They are the primary source of energy in an ecosystem and form the base of the food chain. Other organisms, including herbivores and consumers, depend on producers for their energy and nutrients. Therefore, the correct answer is all producers.

A climax community refers to the final stage of succession, where a stable and diverse ecosystem has reached a state of equilibrium. This community is characterized by a balance between the various plant and animal species, and it can persist for an extended period of time under prevailing environmental conditions. The climax community represents the ultimate goal of succession, where the ecosystem has reached its maximum potential in terms of biodiversity and stability.

Population dispersement or distribution refers to the way in which people are spread out over an area. It is a measure of how concentrated or dispersed a population is within a given geographic area. This can be measured by looking at the number of people per unit of land, such as square kilometer or square mile. A high population density indicates that people are closely packed together, while a low population density suggests that people are more spread out. Understanding population dispersement or distribution is important for various reasons, such as urban planning, resource allocation, and assessing the impact of population growth on a specific area.

The relationship described in the question is mutualism. Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship where both species involved benefit from the interaction. In this case, the birds benefit by feasting on the honey and bees, while the humans benefit by being led to the wild beehives. Both species rely on each other for their own survival and gain an advantage from the relationship.

Limiting factors are factors that restrict the growth or existence of certain populations in an ecosystem. These factors can include availability of resources like food, water, and shelter, as well as the presence of predators, competition for resources, and disease. They act as constraints on population growth and can determine the carrying capacity of an ecosystem. Abiotic factors refer to non-living components of the ecosystem, such as temperature, sunlight, and soil composition, which can also impact the growth and survival of populations. Independent variable refers to a variable that is manipulated in an experiment.

An ecosystem refers to the interaction between a community of living organisms and their physical environment, including both living and nonliving elements. It encompasses the relationships and interdependencies between plants, animals, microorganisms, and their surroundings. The term "population" refers to a group of individuals of the same species in a specific area, "habitat" refers to the specific place where an organism lives, and "biome" refers to a large-scale community of plants and animals that occupy a particular region. Therefore, the most appropriate term to describe the community and its physical environment is an ecosystem.

A lichen is a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an alga. In this relationship, both organisms benefit from each other's presence. The fungus provides a protective environment and absorbs water and nutrients for the alga, while the alga produces food through photosynthesis for the fungus. This mutualistic relationship ensures the survival and success of both organisms.

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 different species utilize within an ecosystem. When species occupy different niches, they are able to utilize different resources and occupy different ecological roles, reducing competition for limited resources. This allows multiple species to coexist in the same habitat without direct competition, promoting biodiversity and ecosystem stability.

The Tropical Rainforest biome is characterized by high levels of precipitation and high temperatures throughout the year. This biome receives a significant amount of rainfall, which supports the growth of a diverse range of plant and animal species. The warm temperatures in this biome create a favorable environment for the growth and development of vegetation. Due to these climatic conditions, the Tropical Rainforest biome is known for its lush greenery and abundant biodiversity.

The term that best describes all the density-dependent living factors in an environment is "biotic factor". Biotic factors are the living components of an ecosystem that interact with each other and with the non-living components. Density-dependent factors are those that are influenced by the population density of a species, such as competition for resources, predation, and disease. Therefore, biotic factors encompass all the living factors that can be affected by population density.

In the given scenario, the population increased by 5. This can be determined by adding up the number of births (20), the number of immigrants from the neighboring town (3), and subtracting the number of deaths (13) and the number of people who emigrated to the United States (5). The resulting calculation is 20 + 3 - 13 - 5 = 5, indicating an overall increase in population by 5.

Graph E shows a population growth curve that is logistical because it starts with a slow growth rate, then increases rapidly until it reaches a point where the growth rate starts to slow down. Eventually, the population levels off and reaches a stable carrying capacity. This pattern is characteristic of a logistical growth curve, where the population growth is limited by factors such as available resources or competition.

Autotrophs are organisms that can produce their own food using energy from the environment. They do this by converting simple inorganic compounds into complex organic compounds, which are then used to build living tissue. This process is known as photosynthesis, where autotrophs use sunlight as their source of energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. Therefore, the correct answer is that autotrophs use energy from the environment to fuel the assembly of simple inorganic compounds to produce living tissue.

All of the given options are examples of abiotic factors. Elevation refers to the height above sea level and affects temperature and air pressure. Latitude refers to the distance from the equator and affects climate and sunlight intensity. Chemicals in the environment, such as pH levels and nutrient concentrations, can impact the growth of organisms. Sunlight is a crucial abiotic factor that provides energy for photosynthesis and influences temperature and climate. Therefore, all of these options are abiotic factors as they are non-living components that affect the ecosystem.

The correct answer is community. A community refers to all the populations of different species that live and interact in a specific area. It includes various organisms such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, and their interactions can be complex and diverse. A community is an important ecological concept that helps understand the relationships and dynamics between different species in an ecosystem.

Sea birds that migrate were affected the least by the catastrophic event. The passage states that the oil spilled into the harbor and washed up on the shoreline, causing significant damage to the local ecosystem. However, sea birds that migrate do not reside in the area permanently and therefore were not as directly impacted by the spill as the other options. While they may have encountered some oil during their migration, their exposure and overall impact would likely be less than that of the plants, fisherman, and crustaceans that reside in the affected area.

Succession in ecology refers to the process by which a series of organisms colonize and establish themselves in an ecosystem over time. This process occurs in a predictable sequence, with one group of organisms gradually replacing the previous group. It involves the gradual change in species composition and community structure, as well as the development of ecosystem functions and processes. This process can occur after a disturbance, such as a fire or flood, or in the colonization of a newly formed habitat.

Density-independent factors are those that affect population size regardless of the population's density. These factors include natural disasters like fire, drought, and heavy snow, as well as environmental conditions like frequent winds. These factors can cause significant changes in population size by directly impacting the availability of resources, habitat suitability, and survival rates. However, the supply of food is a density-dependent factor because it directly influences population growth and size based on the availability of resources for individuals within the population.

Secondary succession occurs when an existing ecosystem is disturbed or destroyed, but the soil is still intact. In the given examples, both the flood depositing mud and the nuclear disaster causing humans to abandon the city would result in the destruction of the existing ecosystem but leave the soil intact. This would allow for secondary succession to occur, where new plant and animal species gradually colonize and restore the ecosystem. On the other hand, the volcano dumping a thick layer of ash would likely result in primary succession, as the ash would need to break down and form soil before new organisms can establish themselves.

In a food chain/web, energy is transferred from one organism to another. The secondary consumer is one level above the producer and obtains energy by consuming other organisms. The amount of energy transferred from one trophic level to the next is typically around 10%. Therefore, if there is 97,000 kJ of energy available in the producer, the secondary consumer will gain 10% of that energy, which is 970 kJ.

In a tropical forest with six species of rodents, it is likely that they eat different foods and occupy different areas. This is because in order to minimize competition for resources, each species would have evolved to specialize in consuming a specific type of food and occupy a specific habitat. By doing so, they can coexist and reduce direct competition with each other, ultimately increasing their chances of survival and reproduction.