Ecology Unit Post-assessment (Grade 7)

This question asks the respondent to rate their knowledge about ecology on a scale of 1 to 4. The answer "1,2,3,4" suggests that the respondent knows a little bit (1), some (2), quite a bit (3), and a lot (4) about ecology.

This question asks the respondent to rate their level of interest in ecology on a scale of 1 to 4, with 1 being the lowest and 4 being the highest. The answer provided, "1,2,3,4," indicates that the respondent is equally interested in ecology across all levels, from the lowest to the highest.

The scorpion is described as a predator because it stalks and kills its prey, which in this case is the spider. It is also a carnivore because it feeds on other animals. Lastly, it is a consumer because it obtains energy by consuming other organisms.

Ecological succession refers to the process of gradual change and replacement of species in an ecosystem over time. It involves the colonization of new species in an area and the subsequent replacement of existing species. This process occurs due to changes in environmental conditions, such as disturbances or natural events. Ecological succession is an important concept in understanding the dynamics and stability of ecosystems, and it helps to explain how different species interact and adapt to their environment.

Plankton is the autotroph in the food web because autotrophs are organisms that can produce their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. Plankton are microscopic organisms that can perform photosynthesis, converting sunlight into energy and producing their own food.

Photosynthesis and respiration are the two major life processes that involve carbon and oxygen. Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and some other organisms convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen, using sunlight as a source of energy. Respiration, on the other hand, is the process by which living organisms break down glucose and oxygen to release energy, carbon dioxide, and water. Both processes are essential for the cycling of carbon and oxygen in the biosphere.

The relationship between ants and aphids is an example of mutualism because both species benefit from their association. The aphids provide the ants with sugary substances, which the ants feed on, while the ants protect the aphids from predators and parasites. This mutually beneficial interaction allows both species to thrive and is a classic example of mutualistic symbiosis.

The Sun is the main source of energy for a wetlands ecosystem. It provides sunlight, which is essential for photosynthesis in plants. Plants in wetlands use this energy to convert water and carbon dioxide into oxygen and glucose. This process not only provides energy for the plants themselves but also for other organisms in the ecosystem, such as fish, that rely on the plants for food. Without the Sun's energy, the wetlands ecosystem would not be able to sustain life.

Flood protection represents an indirect economic value of biodiversity because the presence of diverse ecosystems, such as wetlands and forests, can help regulate water flow and prevent or mitigate floods. These natural habitats act as natural sponges, absorbing excess water during heavy rainfall and reducing the risk of flooding in surrounding areas. By providing flood protection, biodiversity indirectly contributes to economic benefits by reducing the costs associated with flood damage, such as property destruction, infrastructure repair, and loss of livelihoods.

When the predator population decreases, there will be fewer predators to control the herbivore population. As a result, the herbivores will have less competition for resources and their population will increase. This increase in herbivores can lead to overgrazing and depletion of food sources, causing them to turn to crops as a food source. Therefore, the most likely result of a decrease in predator population is that herbivores will exceed the carrying capacity and begin eating crops.

Decomposers are an important biotic factor missing from the food web. Decomposers play a crucial role in breaking down dead organisms and organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. Without decomposers, the food web would lack the ability to efficiently recycle nutrients and maintain a healthy balance. Decomposers are essential for the overall functioning and sustainability of an ecosystem.

In the biosphere, elements such as carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen are recycled, meaning they are constantly reused and transferred between organisms and the environment. However, energy cannot be recycled and must be constantly added from the outside in the form of sunlight or chemical energy. Therefore, the statement "Elements are recycled, but energy must be added from the outside" best describes how energy and elements are used in the biosphere.