1.
Which of the following is the best example of biodiversity?
Correct Answer
D. There are over a million different species in the jungles of Africa.
Explanation
The best example of biodiversity is the presence of over a million different species in the jungles of Africa. Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, in a particular habitat or ecosystem. The presence of a large number of different species indicates a high level of biodiversity, which is important for the stability and functioning of ecosystems. The other options mentioned in the question, such as birds with different colored feathers, a small population of Siberian Lynx, and different kinds of cells in the body, do not represent biodiversity on the same scale as the vast number of species in the African jungles.
2.
Finch species in the Galapagos Islands have a wide variety of beak shapes. The theory of natural selection suggests that these differences arose because
Correct Answer
B. The birds on different islands have different food sources.
Explanation
The correct answer is that the birds on different islands have different food sources. This is because the theory of natural selection states that organisms with traits that are advantageous for their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. In the case of the finches in the Galapagos Islands, the variety of beak shapes evolved in response to the different types of food available on each island. Finches with beak shapes that were best suited for particular food sources had a higher chance of survival and passing on their genes, leading to the diversity of beak shapes observed in the different finch species.
3.
A scientist wants to know how a certain fertilizer affects the growth of tomato plants growing in two different soils. What conclusion can be drawn from the graph shown here?
Correct Answer
C. The fertilizer has a greater effect in Soil 2
Explanation
The graph shows that the tomato plants in Soil 2 had a higher growth rate compared to the tomato plants in Soil 1 when the fertilizer was applied. This suggests that the fertilizer has a greater effect in Soil 2.
4.
Which of the following is not an example of a scientific model?
Correct Answer
D. A data table from a plant-growth experiment
Explanation
A data table from a plant-growth experiment is not an example of a scientific model because it is a representation of collected data rather than a simplified or conceptual representation of a scientific phenomenon. Scientific models are typically visual or physical representations that help scientists understand and explain complex concepts or systems. In this case, the data table is a record of observations and measurements rather than a model that represents a plant-growth process.
5.
In which direction does energy flow through this energy pyramid?
Correct Answer
A. 1,2,3,4
Explanation
The energy flows from the bottom of the pyramid to the top. In an energy pyramid, the producers (plants) are at the bottom and they capture energy from the sun through photosynthesis. The primary consumers (herbivores) eat the producers, obtaining energy from them. The secondary consumers (carnivores) eat the herbivores, getting energy from them. Finally, the tertiary consumers (top carnivores) eat the secondary consumers, obtaining energy from them. Therefore, the correct answer indicates the correct direction of energy flow, starting from 1 (producers) and going up to 4 (top carnivores).
6.
In the carbon cycle, through what process does carbon move from an abiotic resource into organic matter?
Correct Answer
A. Combustion
Explanation
Combustion is the process in which carbon moves from an abiotic resource, such as fossil fuels or biomass, into organic matter. During combustion, the carbon in these resources combines with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide. This carbon dioxide is then absorbed by plants during photosynthesis and incorporated into organic matter, such as carbohydrates. Therefore, combustion is the process by which carbon is transferred from abiotic resources to organic matter in the carbon cycle.
7.
This food web shows the relationships between organisms in an ecosystem. Which type of organism not shown in this food web is important to the stability of the ecosystem?
Correct Answer
A. Decomposer
Explanation
Decomposers play a crucial role in the stability of an ecosystem by breaking down dead organisms and organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the environment. They help in the decomposition process, releasing essential nutrients for other organisms to use. Without decomposers, dead matter would accumulate, leading to nutrient imbalance and the potential collapse of the ecosystem. Therefore, decomposers are important for maintaining the stability and functioning of the ecosystem.
8.
In many parts of the United States, native plants that once grew on the forest floor have been replaced by garlic mustard, an invasive species that thrives in cool forest understories. This situation is an example of ___.
Correct Answer
D. Competition between species.
Explanation
This situation is an example of competition between species because garlic mustard is an invasive species that is outcompeting native plants for resources and taking over their habitat on the forest floor.
9.
Archaeologists find that the disappearance of a large mammal occurred shortly after the arrival of hominids in a certain area. What most likely occurred between these two species?
Correct Answer
B. Predation
Explanation
The most likely occurrence between the hominids and the large mammal is predation. This means that the hominids likely hunted and killed the large mammal for food or other resources. The fact that the disappearance of the mammal coincided with the arrival of the hominids suggests a possible cause-effect relationship between the two species.
10.
What is the function of autotrophs in the carbon cycle?
Correct Answer
C. To use carbon dioxide to produce glucose
Explanation
Autotrophs play a crucial role in the carbon cycle by using carbon dioxide to produce glucose through the process of photosynthesis. This process helps in removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and converting it into organic compounds, which are then used as a source of energy for autotrophs and other organisms in the ecosystem. This glucose can be further utilized by autotrophs for growth, reproduction, and other metabolic processes.
11.
Which of these best completes the concept map?
Correct Answer
A. Extreme drought
Explanation
Extreme drought can be considered as a result or consequence of pollution, acid rain, or an earthquake. However, it is important to note that the concept map is incomplete and lacks the necessary connections or relationships between the given terms. Without further information, it is difficult to determine the most appropriate completion for the concept map.