1.
Aphids
are small plant-eating insects that secrete sugary substances that attract ants. In exchange
for receiving access to the aphids' sugary excretions, ants attack the
predators and parasites of aphids.
The relationship between ants
and aphids is an example of what kind of symbiotic association? (Standards 6.1f, 6.1g, 6.3a)
Correct Answer
D. Mutualism
Explanation
The relationship between ants and aphids is an example of mutualism because both species benefit from the association. The aphids provide the ants with sugary substances, while the ants protect the aphids from predators and parasites.
2.
In
the food web depicted below, which organism is the autotroph (Standards 1.1a,
1.1b, 1.1c, 6.1a)?
Correct Answer
C. Tree
Explanation
The correct answer is Tree because autotrophs are organisms that can produce their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. Trees are autotrophs because they use photosynthesis to convert sunlight into energy and produce their own food.
3.
What important biotic
factor is missing from the food web (Standards 1.1b, 1.1c, 6.1a, 6.1g)?
Correct Answer
B. Decomposers
Explanation
Decomposers are an important biotic factor missing from the food web. Decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, break down dead organisms and waste materials, returning nutrients back into the ecosystem. They play a crucial role in the nutrient cycle and help maintain the balance of the food web. Without decomposers, dead organisms and waste materials would accumulate, leading to nutrient depletion and disrupting the flow of energy in the ecosystem.
4.
The process is best
described as (Standards 6.3b, 6.3c):
Correct Answer
A. Ecological Succession
Explanation
Ecological succession refers to the process of change in the species composition and structure of an ecological community over time. It involves the gradual replacement of one community by another in a particular area. This process occurs due to changes in environmental conditions, such as disturbances or the natural aging of an ecosystem. Ecological succession is the most appropriate description for the given process because it captures the idea of a sequential and predictable change in the community structure, which aligns with the concept of ecological succession.
5.
Which of the following
organisms could fit in the space labeled x in this food chain? (Standards 1.1a,
1.1b, 1.1c)
Grass → X → Snake → Puma
Correct Answer
B. Mice
Explanation
In a food chain, each organism occupies a specific trophic level, representing its position in the transfer of energy. In the given food chain, the grass is the producer, the snake is the primary consumer, and the puma is the secondary consumer. The space labeled x represents the position of the organism that would be the primary consumer, feeding on the grass. Among the given options, mice are the only organism that fits this description, as they are primary consumers that eat grass.
6.
Coyote, wolves, and other
carnivores occasionally kill chickens, pigs, and cows that live on farms,
although they mostly eat small mammals that live in the wild. Farmers will frequently kill these predators
to protect their livestock. Which result
is most likely to occur when the predator population decreases (Standard 6.1d,
6.1e)?
Correct Answer
A. Herbivores will exceed carrying capacity and begin eating crops.
Explanation
When the predator population decreases, there will be fewer predators preying on herbivores. As a result, the herbivore population may increase unchecked, leading to overgrazing of crops. This can cause herbivores to exceed the carrying capacity of their environment and start consuming crops, leading to crop damage and potential loss for farmers. Therefore, the most likely result of a decrease in the predator population is that herbivores will exceed carrying capacity and begin eating crops.
7.
All life requires energy,
carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen.
Which statement best describes how they are used in the biosphere?
(Standards 6.1a, 6.1b)
Correct Answer
B. Elements are recycled, but energy must be added from the outside.
Explanation
In the biosphere, elements such as carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen are recycled, meaning they are continually being reused and cycled through living organisms and the environment. However, energy cannot be recycled and must be constantly added from an external source. This is because energy is constantly being converted and used up by organisms in various processes such as growth, reproduction, and metabolism. 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.
8.
The main source of energy
for a wetlands ecosystem is (Standard 1.1b, 1.1e, 1.1f)
Correct Answer
E. The Sun
Explanation
The Sun is the main source of energy for a wetlands ecosystem. It provides light and heat energy through photosynthesis, which is essential for the growth of plants and the survival of other organisms in the ecosystem. The Sun's energy is captured by plants through photosynthesis, and then transferred to other organisms in the food chain. Without the Sun's energy, the wetlands ecosystem would not be able to sustain life.
9.
What are the two major
life processes that involve carbon and oxygen (Standards 6.1d, 6.1e)?
Correct Answer
B. Photosynthesis and respiration
Explanation
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 use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce glucose and oxygen. Respiration, on the other hand, is the process by which organisms break down glucose and oxygen to release energy, carbon dioxide, and water. Both processes are essential for the survival of living organisms and play a crucial role in the carbon and oxygen cycles.
10.
Which
term represents an indirect economic
value of biodiversity?
Correct Answer
C. Flood Protection
Explanation
Flood protection represents an indirect economic value of biodiversity because biodiversity plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, which in turn helps to regulate water flow and prevent flooding. Biodiverse ecosystems, such as wetlands and forests, act as natural buffers, absorbing excess water and reducing the risk of floods. This ecosystem service provided by biodiversity has economic benefits as it helps to protect infrastructure, property, and human lives from the damages and costs associated with flooding events.
11.
Rate, on a scale of 1 – 4, 1 being the lowest and 4
being the highest, how much do you know about ecology?
Correct Answer
1
2
3
4
Explanation
This question asks the respondent to rate their knowledge about ecology on a scale of 1 to 4, with 1 being the lowest and 4 being the highest. The correct answer is 1,2,3,4, indicating that the respondent's knowledge about ecology can range from the lowest to the highest level. This answer suggests that the respondent may have varying levels of knowledge about ecology, and it allows for a wide range of possibilities in their understanding of the subject.
12.
Rate, on a scale of 1 – 4, 1 being the lowest and 4
being the highest, how interested you are in ecology?
Correct Answer
1
2
3
4
Explanation
The given answer options allow the respondent to rate their interest in ecology on a scale of 1-4, with 1 being the lowest and 4 being the highest. The respondent can choose any of the options based on their level of interest, ranging from low to high.