Ecology Practice Test Questions!

Ecology is the study of how organisms interact with their environment. It focuses on understanding the relationships between organisms and their surroundings, including other organisms, the physical environment, and the resources available. This field of study helps scientists understand how ecosystems function and how human activities can impact the natural world.

An organism that eats both plants and meat is described as an omnivore. This means that it has a varied diet and can consume both plant-based foods and animal-based foods. Unlike herbivores that only eat plants or carnivores that only eat meat, omnivores have the ability to adapt to different food sources and obtain nutrients from both plant and animal sources. This allows them to have a more diverse and flexible diet compared to other types of organisms.

The producers in this diagram would be represented by Level 4.

A parasitic relationship is one in which one organism benefits at the expense of the other. In the case of the Guinea Worm and Human, the Guinea Worm is a parasite that lives inside the human body and causes painful infections. The Guinea Worm benefits from the human host, while the human suffers from the infection. This relationship fits the definition of a parasitic relationship.

Zebra mussels reproduce and spread quickly, which leads to a decrease in native producer populations. This is because zebra mussels compete with native species for resources, such as food and space, and can outcompete them due to their rapid reproduction and spread. As a result, the native producer populations are reduced, as they have less access to the necessary resources for growth and survival.

The arrows in the diagram indicate the direction of the flow of energy. This means that they show the transfer of energy from one organism to another in a food chain or food web. The arrows point from the organism being eaten to the organism doing the eating, representing the flow of energy as it is transferred from one level of the food chain to another.

The statement "They create better fishing experience by catching bigger fish" is not a reason to be concerned about invasive species because it suggests a positive outcome. Invasive species can have negative impacts on ecosystems, such as outcompeting native species for resources, disrupting food chains, and causing ecological imbalances. While they may increase fish populations temporarily, this can lead to long-term negative consequences for the overall health and diversity of the ecosystem. Therefore, the statement is not a valid concern regarding invasive species.

If the Salmon and Lake Trout were to leave, the Plankton population would go down. This is because Salmon and Lake Trout feed on Plankton, so their absence would result in a decrease in the Plankton population. On the other hand, the absence of these predators would lead to an increase in the forage fish population, as they would no longer be preyed upon by the Salmon and Lake Trout.

The correct answer is Carrying Capacity. Carrying capacity refers to the maximum number of individuals of a species that an ecosystem can support sustainably. It takes into account the availability of food, water, and shelter, and ensures that these resources are not depleted to the point where the ecosystem becomes unable to support the organisms living in it.

The video suggests that humans and pets have the biggest impact on the piping plover population. This could be due to factors such as habitat destruction, disturbance of nesting sites, and predation by domestic animals. Human activities and the presence of pets can disrupt the natural environment of the piping plovers, leading to a decline in their population.

The correct answer includes Black Locust, Black Swallow-worts, Water Chestnut, and Common Reed. These are invasive species found in New Jersey. Invasive species are non-native species that can cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health. They often outcompete native species for resources and disrupt the natural balance of ecosystems. It is important to identify and manage invasive species to protect native biodiversity and maintain ecosystem health.

In a dune ecosystem, the animal would most likely be found in the foredune. The foredune is the area closest to the beach and is characterized by sand dunes that are closest to the shore. This area is typically exposed to strong winds and salt spray, making it a harsh environment for many organisms. However, some animals have adapted to these conditions and can be found in the foredune, where they may burrow in the sand or feed on the plants that are able to grow in this challenging habitat.

This list is a check of all the native trees found in northern New Jersey. The correct answer is Maple, Dogwood, Elm, and Oak.