Community Relationships - Reading

1. Biotic and abiotic factors determine the productivity of an ecosystem.

True

False

Biotic factors refer to living organisms in an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, while abiotic factors include non-living components like temperature, sunlight, soil, and water availability. Both biotic and abiotic factors play crucial roles in determining the productivity of an ecosystem. Biotic factors, through processes like photosynthesis and decomposition, contribute to the production and cycling of nutrients. Abiotic factors, on the other hand, influence the availability of resources and the metabolic rates of organisms. Therefore, the productivity of an ecosystem is dependent on the interactions and influences of both biotic and abiotic factors.

Explanation

Biotic factors refer to living organisms in an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, while abiotic factors include non-living components like temperature, sunlight, soil, and water availability. Both biotic and abiotic factors play crucial roles in determining the productivity of an ecosystem. Biotic factors, through processes like photosynthesis and decomposition, contribute to the production and cycling of nutrients. Abiotic factors, on the other hand, influence the availability of resources and the metabolic rates of organisms. Therefore, the productivity of an ecosystem is dependent on the interactions and influences of both biotic and abiotic factors.

2. In parasitism, one organism obtains nutrition from another without killing it.

True

False

Parasitism is a type of symbiotic relationship where one organism, known as the parasite, benefits by obtaining nutrition from another organism, known as the host, without causing immediate death. The parasite relies on the host for survival and derives nutrients from it, often causing harm or inconvenience to the host in the process. This interaction is different from predation, where the predator kills and consumes its prey. Therefore, the statement that in parasitism, one organism obtains nutrition from another without killing it is true.

Explanation

Parasitism is a type of symbiotic relationship where one organism, known as the parasite, benefits by obtaining nutrition from another organism, known as the host, without causing immediate death. The parasite relies on the host for survival and derives nutrients from it, often causing harm or inconvenience to the host in the process. This interaction is different from predation, where the predator kills and consumes its prey. Therefore, the statement that in parasitism, one organism obtains nutrition from another without killing it is true.

3. Ecosystems constantly change.

True

False

Ecosystems are dynamic and ever-changing systems. They are influenced by various factors such as climate, natural disturbances, and human activities. These changes can occur over short or long periods of time and can affect the composition and structure of the ecosystem. Therefore, it is true that ecosystems constantly change.

Explanation

Ecosystems are dynamic and ever-changing systems. They are influenced by various factors such as climate, natural disturbances, and human activities. These changes can occur over short or long periods of time and can affect the composition and structure of the ecosystem. Therefore, it is true that ecosystems constantly change.

4. Primary succession occurs where fertile soil already exists.

True

False

Primary succession occurs in areas where there is no existing soil or where the soil has been completely destroyed, such as on bare rock or after a volcanic eruption. In these cases, organisms like lichens and mosses are the first to colonize the area and begin the process of soil formation. Over time, as more plants and organisms establish themselves, the soil becomes more fertile. Therefore, the statement that primary succession occurs where fertile soil already exists is incorrect.

Explanation

Primary succession occurs in areas where there is no existing soil or where the soil has been completely destroyed, such as on bare rock or after a volcanic eruption. In these cases, organisms like lichens and mosses are the first to colonize the area and begin the process of soil formation. Over time, as more plants and organisms establish themselves, the soil becomes more fertile. Therefore, the statement that primary succession occurs where fertile soil already exists is incorrect.

5. In mutualism, one organism kills another.

True

False

Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship where both organisms involved benefit from each other. It is characterized by cooperation and mutual support, rather than one organism killing another. Therefore, the statement that "In mutualism, one organism kills another" is false.

Explanation

Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship where both organisms involved benefit from each other. It is characterized by cooperation and mutual support, rather than one organism killing another. Therefore, the statement that "In mutualism, one organism kills another" is false.

6. Lichens are examples of a pioneer species.

True

False

Lichens are indeed examples of pioneer species. Pioneer species are the first organisms to colonize a barren or disturbed area, such as a newly formed volcanic island or a recently cleared field. Lichens are able to survive in harsh environments with minimal soil and nutrients, making them one of the first organisms to establish and pave the way for other plant species to follow. Therefore, the statement that lichens are examples of a pioneer species is correct.

Explanation

Lichens are indeed examples of pioneer species. Pioneer species are the first organisms to colonize a barren or disturbed area, such as a newly formed volcanic island or a recently cleared field. Lichens are able to survive in harsh environments with minimal soil and nutrients, making them one of the first organisms to establish and pave the way for other plant species to follow. Therefore, the statement that lichens are examples of a pioneer species is correct.

7. Symbiosis means "living together."

True

False

Symbiosis refers to a relationship between two different organisms where they live together in close association. This can be a mutually beneficial relationship (mutualism), where both organisms benefit, or it can be a one-sided relationship (parasitism or commensalism), where one organism benefits while the other is unaffected or harmed. Therefore, the statement "Symbiosis means 'living together'" is true as it accurately defines the concept of symbiosis.

Explanation

Symbiosis refers to a relationship between two different organisms where they live together in close association. This can be a mutually beneficial relationship (mutualism), where both organisms benefit, or it can be a one-sided relationship (parasitism or commensalism), where one organism benefits while the other is unaffected or harmed. Therefore, the statement "Symbiosis means 'living together'" is true as it accurately defines the concept of symbiosis.

8. In commensalism, both organisms benefit.

True

False

In commensalism, only one organism benefits while the other organism is neither harmed nor benefited. It is a type of symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits from the association, but the other organism is unaffected. Therefore, the statement "both organisms benefit" is incorrect.

Explanation

In commensalism, only one organism benefits while the other organism is neither harmed nor benefited. It is a type of symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits from the association, but the other organism is unaffected. Therefore, the statement "both organisms benefit" is incorrect.

9. According to the competitive exclusion principle, multiple species can occupy the same niche in the same habitat.

True

False

The competitive exclusion principle states that two species with identical niches cannot coexist in the same habitat. This is because they would compete for the same resources, leading to one species outcompeting and eventually eliminating the other. Therefore, multiple species cannot occupy the same niche in the same habitat.

Explanation

The competitive exclusion principle states that two species with identical niches cannot coexist in the same habitat. This is because they would compete for the same resources, leading to one species outcompeting and eventually eliminating the other. Therefore, multiple species cannot occupy the same niche in the same habitat.

10. Lava flows and glaciers cause secondary succession.

True

False

Lava flows and glaciers do not cause secondary succession. Secondary succession occurs after a disturbance, such as a fire or human activity, where the soil is still intact. Lava flows and glaciers, on the other hand, completely destroy the existing ecosystem and leave behind barren land, making it a primary succession. Therefore, the statement is false.

Explanation

Lava flows and glaciers do not cause secondary succession. Secondary succession occurs after a disturbance, such as a fire or human activity, where the soil is still intact. Lava flows and glaciers, on the other hand, completely destroy the existing ecosystem and leave behind barren land, making it a primary succession. Therefore, the statement is false.

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