Bill Nye Food Webs Quiz

1. _____ are organisms that break down dead organic matter and return the nutrients to the soil.

Consumers

Carnivores

Decomposers

Producers

Decomposers are organisms that break down dead organic matter and return the nutrients to the soil. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem by recycling nutrients and breaking down complex organic compounds into simpler forms that can be used by other organisms. Decomposers include bacteria, fungi, and some types of insects. They help in the decomposition process by releasing enzymes that break down the organic matter. Without decomposers, dead organisms would accumulate and nutrients would not be recycled, leading to a depletion of resources and an imbalance in the ecosystem.

Explanation

Decomposers are organisms that break down dead organic matter and return the nutrients to the soil. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem by recycling nutrients and breaking down complex organic compounds into simpler forms that can be used by other organisms. Decomposers include bacteria, fungi, and some types of insects. They help in the decomposition process by releasing enzymes that break down the organic matter. Without decomposers, dead organisms would accumulate and nutrients would not be recycled, leading to a depletion of resources and an imbalance in the ecosystem.

2. All sources of food can be traced back to:

Animals

Plants

Bacteria

Protists

Plants are the primary source of food for most organisms on Earth. They are able to produce their own food through photosynthesis, converting sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen. This process forms the basis of the food chain, as other organisms, such as animals and bacteria, rely on plants for their energy and nutrients. Without plants, the food web would collapse, making them the ultimate source of food for all living things.

Explanation

Plants are the primary source of food for most organisms on Earth. They are able to produce their own food through photosynthesis, converting sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen. This process forms the basis of the food chain, as other organisms, such as animals and bacteria, rely on plants for their energy and nutrients. Without plants, the food web would collapse, making them the ultimate source of food for all living things.

3. Plants make sugar and ______ during photosynthesis.

Oxygen

Nitrogen

Carbon monoxide

Phosphorus

During photosynthesis, plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose (sugar) and oxygen. Oxygen is released as a byproduct of photosynthesis and is essential for the survival of many organisms, including humans. Therefore, the correct answer is oxygen.

Explanation

During photosynthesis, plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose (sugar) and oxygen. Oxygen is released as a byproduct of photosynthesis and is essential for the survival of many organisms, including humans. Therefore, the correct answer is oxygen.

4. Which of the following substances is necessary for plants to undergo photosynthesis?

Carbon dioxide

Water

Sunlight

All of these

All of these substances are necessary for plants to undergo photosynthesis. Carbon dioxide is one of the reactants in the process, while water is another key ingredient. Sunlight is also essential as it provides the energy needed for photosynthesis to occur. Therefore, all three substances are required for plants to carry out this vital process.

Explanation

All of these substances are necessary for plants to undergo photosynthesis. Carbon dioxide is one of the reactants in the process, while water is another key ingredient. Sunlight is also essential as it provides the energy needed for photosynthesis to occur. Therefore, all three substances are required for plants to carry out this vital process.

5. ______ is a technique in which plants are grown in water or a liquid mineral solution instead of in soil.

Aquatic seeding

Floral incubation

Unsoilation

Hydroponics

Hydroponics is a technique in which plants are grown in water or a liquid mineral solution instead of in soil. This method allows for precise control over the nutrients and water that the plants receive, resulting in faster growth and higher yields. It also eliminates the need for soil, making it a space-saving and resource-efficient option for growing plants.

Explanation

Hydroponics is a technique in which plants are grown in water or a liquid mineral solution instead of in soil. This method allows for precise control over the nutrients and water that the plants receive, resulting in faster growth and higher yields. It also eliminates the need for soil, making it a space-saving and resource-efficient option for growing plants.