Life Science Test Russo (Squiterri)

A producer is an organism that can produce its own food through photosynthesis. Grass is a producer because it can convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis and does not rely on consuming other organisms for nutrition.

Mushrooms are decomposers because they break down dead organic matter, such as fallen leaves or dead animals, into simpler substances. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem by recycling nutrients back into the soil, making them available for other organisms to use. Grass and hawk, on the other hand, are not decomposers. Grass is a producer, as it can make its own food through photosynthesis, while hawks are consumers, as they feed on other organisms.

Sunlight is considered an abiotic factor because it is a non-living component of the environment. Abiotic factors are physical or chemical factors that affect living organisms but do not arise from other living organisms. Sunlight is a form of energy that plays a crucial role in various ecological processes, such as photosynthesis, which is essential for the growth and survival of plants. Therefore, sunlight is an abiotic factor that influences the distribution and behavior of living organisms in an ecosystem.

A hawk is a consumer because it is a predator that feeds on other organisms. It is higher up in the food chain and obtains its energy by consuming other animals, such as rodents or smaller birds. Unlike grass or mushrooms, which are producers that make their own food through photosynthesis or decomposition, the hawk relies on consuming other organisms for its energy needs.

Insects are considered biotic factors because they are living organisms that interact with other living organisms and their environment. They play important roles in ecosystems such as pollination, decomposition, and serving as a food source for other organisms. Insects have a direct impact on the balance and dynamics of ecosystems, making them a significant biotic factor.

Evolution is the correct answer because it accurately describes the concept of change over time. Evolution refers to the gradual development and transformation of organisms, species, or ideas over generations. It encompasses the processes of adaptation, mutation, and natural selection, which lead to the diversification and modification of living beings. Therefore, evolution is an appropriate word to describe the phenomenon of change over time.

An organism is another name for a living thing. It refers to any individual form of life, whether it is a plant, animal, or microorganism. Organisms are characterized by their ability to grow, reproduce, respond to stimuli, and maintain homeostasis. They can be single-celled or multicellular, and they can range in complexity from simple bacteria to complex organisms like humans. Therefore, the correct answer is organism.

A food chain shows how each living thing gets food and how nutrients and energy are passed from creature to creature. It illustrates the flow of energy and nutrients through different organisms in an ecosystem, starting from producers (plants) and ending with consumers (animals). This helps us understand the interdependence of organisms and how energy is transferred and utilized in an ecosystem.

The ability to walk is not a characteristic of all living things because there are many organisms that cannot walk, such as plants, bacteria, and certain types of animals that are immobile or have other means of locomotion. However, growth and development, ability to sweat, get rid of waste, and breathe, as well as the ability to reproduce, are characteristics that are common to all living things.

Homeostasis is the best characteristic of living things that explains why humans sweat when they get hot. Homeostasis refers to the ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes. When humans get hot, their body temperature rises, and sweating is a mechanism that helps regulate and cool down the body temperature. Sweat is produced by sweat glands and evaporates from the skin, which helps to dissipate heat and maintain a stable body temperature within a narrow range.