Ecology Quiz: Test Your Ecology Knowledge

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Daniel P, MSEd (Science Education) |
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Daniel P. is an experienced STEM club teacher with 11 years of urban teaching experience. He holds a MSEd in Science Education from The City College of New York and a BA in History from Binghamton University. He is committed to enhancing student education, using his expertise in curriculum design, differentiated instruction, and Google Classroom.
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  • 1/20 Questions

    Which of the following organisms is an autotroph?

    • Algae
    • A bear
    • A cheetah
    • A fish
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About This Quiz


Think you know the ins and outs of ecosystems? This "Ecology Quiz" dives into the fascinating world of ecology to challenge your understanding of how living organisms interact with each other and their environments. Ecology is all about balance—how plants, animals, and microorganisms coexist and sustain the ecosystems we depend on. This ecology practice test covers the essentials of ecology, including food chains, habitats, energy flows, and the impact humans have on natural systems.

Whether you are prepping for an exam or just looking to brush up on your knowledge, these ecology test questions will test your understanding with thought-provoking questions. From ecosystems and biodiversity to conservation efforts, each question helps you understand the building blocks of life on Earth. Remember, ecology is a serious science that holds the key to sustaining our planet’s future—every question answered correctly is a step closer to understanding how to protect it.

Ecology Quiz: Test Your Ecology Knowledge - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    What are mushrooms and other fungi responsible for breaking down dead organic matter called in an ecosystem?

    • Producers

    • Consumers

    • Decomposers

    • Scavengers

    Correct Answer
    A. Decomposers
    Explanation
    Mushrooms and other fungi play a crucial role in the ecosystem by breaking down dead organic matter. They secrete enzymes that break down complex organic compounds into simpler forms, which can then be absorbed by other organisms. This process of decomposition helps to recycle nutrients back into the soil, making them available for other plants and organisms to use. 

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  • 3. 

    In an ecosystem, what role do decomposers play?

    • They produce energy for primary consumers.

    • They recycle nutrients back into the soil.

    • They compete with herbivores for resources.

    • They remove oxygen from the environment.

    Correct Answer
    A. They recycle nutrients back into the soil.
    Explanation
    Decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, play a critical role in ecosystems by breaking down dead organisms and organic waste, returning essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus to the soil. This process sustains plant growth and supports other life forms, as nutrients become available for producers (like plants) to use again. Without decomposers, ecosystems would accumulate dead material and organic waste, depleting nutrient availability and disrupting the cycle that supports life.

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  • 4. 

    Which of the following is an abiotic factor in an ecosystem?

    • Bird

    • Tree

    • Rock

    • Deer

    Correct Answer
    A. Rock
    Explanation
    An abiotic factor refers to a non-living component of an ecosystem. In this case, a rock is the only option that fits this criterion. Birds, trees, and deer are all living organisms and therefore considered biotic factors. Rocks, on the other hand, are non-living and do not possess any biological characteristics. They play a role in shaping the physical environment and can affect the availability of resources for living organisms in the ecosystem.

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  • 5. 

    On which trophic level would you find organisms that use the sun's energy directly to make their own food?

    • 1

    • 2

    • 3

    • 4

    Correct Answer
    A. 1
    Explanation
    Organisms that use the sun's energy directly to make their own food are known as autotrophs or producers. They are capable of photosynthesis, a process in which they convert sunlight into energy-rich organic compounds. These autotrophs form the base of the food chain and are found on the first trophic level. This level is also called the primary producer level, as it provides energy and nutrients to the rest of the trophic levels.

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  • 6. 

    What is the ultimate source of energy for all life on Earth?

    • Water

    • Oxygen

    • Nitrogen

    • The Sun

    Correct Answer
    A. The Sun
    Explanation
    The Sun is the ultimate source of energy for all organisms in life. Through the process of photosynthesis, plants convert sunlight into chemical energy in the form of glucose. This energy is then transferred through the food chain as organisms consume plants or other organisms. Ultimately, all energy in an ecosystem can be traced back to the Sun. Water, oxygen, and nitrogen are important for life, but they are not the ultimate source of energy.

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  • 7. 

    Which of the following is not a way to protect the biosphere?

    • Recycling

    • Protecting waterways from the dumping of illegal chemicals

    • Burning fossil fuels

    • Decreasing the process of deforestation

    Correct Answer
    A. Burning fossil fuels
    Explanation
    Burning fossil fuels is not a way to protect the biosphere because it releases harmful greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change and air pollution. On the other hand, recycling helps reduce waste and conserve resources, protecting the environment. Protecting waterways from illegal chemical dumping prevents contamination and maintains the health of aquatic ecosystems. Decreasing deforestation helps preserve biodiversity and maintain the balance of ecosystems. 

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  • 8. 

    In which biogeochemical cycle does denitrification occur?

    • Water

    • Carbon

    • Nitrogen

    • Energy

    Correct Answer
    A. Nitrogen
    Explanation
    Denitrification is a critical process within the nitrogen cycle where bacteria convert nitrates back into nitrogen gas, which is released into the atmosphere. This cycle helps regulate nitrogen levels in ecosystems, preventing excessive buildup of nitrates. The nitrogen cycle involves various transformations of nitrogen-containing compounds, which play essential roles in ecosystems and support plant and animal life by making nitrogen available in forms they can use.

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  • 9. 
    What type of relationship does the above image represent?  - ProProfs

    What type of relationship does the above image represent? 

    • Competition

    • Mutualism

    • Parasitism

    • Predator-prey

    Correct Answer
    A. Parasitism
    Explanation
    The above image represents a parasitic relationship because one organism (the insect, a parasite in this instance), benefits at the expense of the other organism (the human, a host in this instance). In parasitism, the parasite relies on the host for resources, such as nutrients or shelter, while causing harm or damage to the host. This relationship is often characterized by the parasite living on or inside the host, and it can have negative effects on the host's health or survival.

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  • 10. 

    What percentage of energy is passed from one organism to the next in a food chain?

    • 5%

    • 10%

    • 15%

    • 20%

    Correct Answer
    A. 10%
    Explanation
     In a food chain, energy is transferred from one organism to the next through the process of feeding. However, not all of the energy is passed on. Energy is lost as heat during metabolic processes and used by the organism for its own growth and maintenance. The 10% rule states that only about 10% of the energy available at one trophic level is transferred to the next trophic level. This is because energy is inefficiently converted and lost at each level

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  • 11. 

    In the following food chain, which organism is the secondary consumer? grass ------> rabbit -------> snake ------> hawk

    • Grass

    • Rabbit

    • Snake

    • Hawk

    Correct Answer
    A. Snake
    Explanation
    In the given food chain, the organism that is the secondary consumer is the snake

    Here's the breakdown:

    - Grass is at the bottom of the food chain and is a primary producer.
    - The rabbit feeds on the grass, making it the primary consumer (herbivore).
    - The snake, in turn, feeds on the rabbit, making it the secondary consumer (carnivore).
    - The hawk, if present in this food chain, would be a tertiary consumer, feeding on the snake.

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  • 12. 

    Which of the following cannot be recycled?

    • Nitrogen

    • Carbon

    • Water

    • Energy

    Correct Answer
    A. Energy
    Explanation
    Energy cannot be recycled because it is not a physical substance that can be broken down and reprocessed. Energy is a property or a force that can be transferred or converted from one form to another, but it cannot be created or destroyed. While we can harness and utilize different forms of energy, such as solar or wind, we cannot recycle energy itself. Recycling typically refers to the reprocessing of physical materials like nitrogen, carbon, and water, which can be broken down and reused in various ways.

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  • 13. 
    A lichen is a symbiotic decomposer that attaches itself to trees and slowly breaks them down. What type of relationship is this? - ProProfs

    A lichen is a symbiotic decomposer that attaches itself to trees and slowly breaks them down. What type of relationship is this?

    • Predator-prey

    • Mutualism

    • Parasitism

    • Competition

    Correct Answer
    A. Parasitism
    Explanation
    In parasitism, one organism, known as the parasite, benefits at the expense of the other organism, known as the host. The parasite relies on the host for resources such as nutrients or shelter, often causing harm or detriment to the host in the process. In the scenario described, the lichen is acting as a parasite by attaching itself to the trees and deriving nutrients from them. While the lichen benefits from this relationship by obtaining nutrients and a habitat for growth and reproduction, the trees are harmed as the lichen slowly breaks them down.

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  • 14. 

    What is the release of water vapor from the leaves of trees called?

    • Evaporation

    • Precipitation

    • Condensation

    • Transpiration

    Correct Answer
    A. Transpiration
    Explanation
    Transpiration refers to the process by which water vapor is released from the leaves of trees. It is a natural process through which plants lose water primarily through small openings called stomata on the surface of leaves. Transpiration helps in the regulation of temperature in plants and also aids in the absorption of nutrients from the soil. Condensation is not correct; it is a phase change of a substance from gas to liquid. Evaporation is not correct; it is a phase change from a substance from liquid to gas. Precipitation is the process where water falls to Earth in a liquid or solid form.

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  • 15. 

    After a wildfire, which event would support secondary succession?

    • Animals that survive migrate to surrounding areas.

    • Plant life that survives begins to die out as a result of the lack of available nutrients.

    • The dead bodies of animals that did not survive the fire return nutrients to the soil.

    • Omnivores that survive create a decline of both the herbivore and carnivore populations.

    Correct Answer
    A. The dead bodies of animals that did not survive the fire return nutrients to the soil.
    Explanation
     Secondary succession occurs when nutrient cycling restores an ecosystem after a disturbance, such as a wildfire. The decomposition of dead animals releases nutrients back into the soil, enriching it and creating conditions favorable for new plant growth. As plants establish themselves, they support herbivores, predators, and a developing food web, enabling the ecosystem to recover and regenerate.

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  • 16. 

    What process occurs when the ground has absorbed the maximum amount of precipitation it can hold?

    • Seepage

    • Evaporation

    • Condensation

    • Runoff

    Correct Answer
    A. Runoff
    Explanation
    Runoff occurs when the soil has absorbed all the water it can hold, and excess water flows over the land's surface. This water may form streams, rivers, or eventually join larger bodies of water. Runoff is essential for transporting water and nutrients to different parts of ecosystems. It differs from processes like evaporation and condensation, which involve changes in water’s physical state, and seepage, which is the downward movement of water through soil.

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  • 17. 

    Which statement is true about matter and energy in an ecosystem?

    • Matter is not recycled; energy is recycled.

    • Matter is recycled; energy is not recycled.

    • Both matter and energy are recycled.

    • Neither matter nor energy are recycled.

    Correct Answer
    A. Matter is recycled; energy is not recycled.
    Explanation
    This statement suggests that matter can be recycled, meaning it can be reused or transformed into different forms, while energy cannot be recycled. Energy can be converted from one form to another, but it cannot be created or destroyed. Therefore, the statement implies that matter can go through a recycling process, while energy cannot.

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  • 18. 

    Which process does the term "nitrogen fixation" refer to?

    • The process that turns nitrates and nitrites into nitrogen.

    • The process where bacteria turns nitrogen into a form that plants can use (ammonia).

    • The process where nitrogen gas in the atmosphere is converted to nitrates.

    • None of the above.

    Correct Answer
    A. The process where bacteria turns nitrogen into a form that plants can use (ammonia).
    Explanation
    Nitrogen fixation is the process where bacteria convert nitrogen gas in the atmosphere into a form that plants can use, specifically ammonia. This process is essential for plants to obtain the nitrogen they need for growth and development. The conversion of nitrogen gas into ammonia by bacteria allows it to be incorporated into organic compounds and utilized by plants as a nutrient source.

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  • 19. 

    Sea anemones contain venom that stings and paralyzes their prey, while clownfish have an enzyme in their scales that makes them immune to the venom. What type of relationship is this?

    • Predator-prey

    • Mutualism

    • Commensalism

    • Parasitism

    Correct Answer
    A. Mutualism
    Explanation
    This is an example of mutualism. Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship between two species in which both benefit from the association. In the case described, the clownfish benefits by gaining protection from predators, and the sea anemone benefits by having potential threats or parasites removed by the clownfish.

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  • 20. 

    In the nitrogen cycle, what does the term "denitrification" mean?

    • The conversion of ammonia into nitrogen.

    • The conversion of nitrogen into ammonia.

    • The conversion of nitrates into nitrogen gas.

    • The conversion of nitrogen gas into nitrates.

    Correct Answer
    A. The conversion of nitrates into nitrogen gas.
    Explanation
    Denitrification is a process in the nitrogen cycle where nitrates, which are compounds containing nitrogen and oxygen, are converted into nitrogen gas. This process is carried out by certain bacteria in the soil, water, or other environments lacking oxygen. These bacteria use the nitrates as an alternative source of oxygen, and as a result, nitrogen gas is released into the atmosphere. This conversion is important as it helps to balance the levels of nitrogen in ecosystems and prevents an excess buildup of nitrates, which can be harmful to plants and aquatic life.

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Daniel P |MSEd (Science Education) |
Science Teacher
Daniel P. is an experienced STEM club teacher with 11 years of urban teaching experience. He holds a MSEd in Science Education from The City College of New York and a BA in History from Binghamton University. He is committed to enhancing student education, using his expertise in curriculum design, differentiated instruction, and Google Classroom.

Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Jun 13, 2025 +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Jun 13, 2025
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team

    Expert Reviewed by
    Daniel P
  • Jan 08, 2009
    Quiz Created by
    Mbromell
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