(Rs43) -science 10 Digital- "Biology" Chapter 3 Quiz

Sustainability refers to the ability of an ecosystem to sustain ecological processes. This means that an ecosystem is able to maintain its functions and processes, such as nutrient cycling, energy flow, and biodiversity, over a long period of time. It implies that the ecosystem is able to support the organisms living within it, and that these organisms can continue to thrive and reproduce. Sustainability is important for the long-term health and stability of ecosystems, as well as for the well-being of human societies that depend on them.

The given correct answer is "Native species" because the rare type of bird mentioned in the question has been living in the same biome for hundreds of years. This indicates that the bird is naturally occurring in that particular habitat and is not introduced or non-native to the area. Therefore, it can be classified as a native species.

Pioneers are named as such because they are the first to arrive and successfully reproduce in an area. They are the initial species that colonize and establish themselves in a previously uninhabited or disturbed habitat. These species are able to tolerate harsh conditions and have adaptations that allow them to thrive in challenging environments. As pioneers begin to establish themselves, they create more favorable conditions for other species to follow, eventually leading to the development of a more diverse community through succession.

Floods can occur in oceans, lakes, and rivers. Oceans can experience coastal flooding due to storm surges or tsunamis. Lakes can flood when there is excessive rainfall or when dams break. Rivers are prone to flooding when there is heavy rainfall, snowmelt, or when dams release water. Therefore, floods can happen in all of these water bodies.

Soil is the most essential for Secondary Succession to take place. Soil provides the necessary nutrients and support for plant growth, allowing new vegetation to establish and grow. It also serves as a habitat for various organisms, such as bacteria and fungi, which play important roles in the breakdown of organic matter and nutrient cycling. Without soil, there would be no foundation for the development of a new ecosystem, making it a critical component for secondary succession.

Lichens and other pioneer species that die and decompose provide the soil for plants in primary succession. These organisms are the first to colonize barren land and their decomposition contributes to the formation of organic matter in the soil. As they break down, they release nutrients that enrich the soil, making it suitable for the growth of other plants. Over time, the accumulation of organic matter from these pioneer species allows for the establishment of more complex plant communities in the area.

During a climax community, an ecosystem has the largest amount of species. A climax community is the final and most stable stage of ecological succession, where the community is in balance and species diversity is at its peak. This is because over time, different species have colonized and established themselves in the ecosystem, creating a complex web of interactions and niches. This results in a high biodiversity and a wide variety of species coexisting in the ecosystem.

Habitat fragmentation refers to the breaking up of a continuous habitat into smaller, isolated patches. In the given scenario, the construction of the new bridge has created a barrier in the water, blocking the path for aquatic animals. This obstruction disrupts the connectivity of their habitat, leading to fragmentation. As a result, the aquatic animals are no longer able to freely move and access different parts of their habitat, which can have negative impacts on their population dynamics and overall ecosystem health.

A mine upstream from a pocket of water could be the most logical cause to find large amounts of cyanide in a river. Mining operations often involve the use of cyanide to extract minerals, and if proper containment measures are not in place, cyanide can easily leak into nearby water sources. The cyanide from the mine could have reached the pocket of water through runoff or seepage, leading to the presence of large amounts of cyanide in the river. This would explain why the river contains a deadly poison like cyanide.

The correct answer is "invasive" because when American bullfrogs are released in the wild, they have a negative impact on the local ecosystem. They reproduce rapidly, compete with native species for resources, and can disrupt the natural balance of the environment. As a result, they are considered invasive species.

Slower decomposition is not considered an effect of resource exploitation because resource exploitation typically refers to the extraction or use of natural resources such as minerals, forests, or water. Slower decomposition, on the other hand, is a natural process that occurs in ecosystems and is influenced by various factors such as temperature, moisture, and the presence of decomposers. While resource exploitation can have negative impacts on ecosystems, such as habitat loss, contamination, soil degradation, and extinction, it does not directly affect the rate of decomposition.

Overexploitation refers to the excessive use or extraction of natural resources beyond their sustainable limits. This can lead to the depletion or extinction of certain species within an ecosystem, disrupting the delicate balance of the food web. When certain species are overexploited, their predators may suffer from a lack of food, causing a ripple effect throughout the entire food chain. This disruption can have severe ecological consequences, including population declines, loss of biodiversity, and altered ecosystem dynamics.

Secondary succession occurs when an ecosystem is disturbed but the soil remains intact. Thunderstorms, although they can be intense and cause damage, do not typically result in significant changes to the soil or the removal of existing vegetation. On the other hand, drought, flood, and earthquake can all cause more severe disturbances that can lead to secondary succession. Drought can dry out the soil and kill off plants, floods can wash away existing vegetation, and earthquakes can cause landslides or disrupt the ecosystem. Therefore, thunderstorms are least likely to cause secondary succession compared to the other options.

European starlings are known for their aggressive behavior and ability to adapt to various environments. When they are introduced to new areas, they often out-compete native bird species for limited resources such as food and shelter. This can lead to a decline in populations of native birds, as the starlings dominate and take over their habitats. Therefore, the greatest impact of European starlings is their ability to out-compete native birds for food and shelter.

GOERT stands for Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team. This team is dedicated to the restoration and conservation of Garry oak ecosystems, which are a unique and endangered habitat in North America. By focusing on recovery efforts, the team aims to protect and restore these ecosystems, ensuring the survival of the diverse plant and animal species that rely on them.

An introduced species that feeds on other introduced species would not necessarily be considered invasive because it is not directly impacting native species. Invasive species are known for causing harm to native species by outcompeting them for resources or directly preying on them. However, if an introduced species only feeds on other introduced species, it may not pose a significant threat to the native ecosystem.

Deforestation is the correct answer because it refers to the permanent removal of trees and vegetation from an area. This process leads to soil degradation as it exposes the soil to erosion, reduces its fertility, and disrupts the natural balance of nutrients. Without the protection and stability provided by trees, the soil becomes vulnerable to erosion caused by wind and water, leading to the loss of topsoil and degradation of soil quality. Deforestation also disrupts the water cycle, leading to reduced water retention and increased runoff, further contributing to soil degradation.

In the past 30 years, international travel has increased significantly, allowing for easier transportation of species to different ecosystems in Canada. This has increased the threat of invasive species as these introduced species may not have natural predators or competitors in their new environment, allowing them to thrive and outcompete native species. This is supported by the fact that climate change has already made many parts of Canada more hospitable for foreign species, further exacerbating the problem.

Primary succession refers to the process of ecological succession that occurs in an area where no soil or organisms exist. It typically begins in barren landscapes such as newly formed volcanic islands or glacial retreats. The process involves the colonization of pioneer species, which gradually transform the environment and create conditions suitable for the establishment of more complex plant and animal communities. Although the specific species and timeline may vary depending on the temperature, elevation, and geographical location, the general process of primary succession remains the same regardless of these factors. Therefore, the statement that primary succession happens the same way in any temperature, elevation, and area of the world is true.

Wild boars are not causing problems in the Garry Oak ecosystem because they are not present in that particular ecosystem. Invasive species are non-native species that can cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health. The Gypsy Moth, Grey Squirrel, and Scotch Broom are known to be invasive species that have negative impacts on the Garry Oak ecosystem, but wild boars are not causing problems in this specific ecosystem.

The correct answer is "Reclamation." Reclamation refers to the process of restoring land or resources that have been damaged or depleted. In the context of a paper industry, minimizing ecological damage and impact on the environment would involve reclaiming land, water, or other resources that have been affected by the industry's activities. This could include restoring habitats, improving water quality, or implementing sustainable practices to reduce environmental harm. Reclamation is a proactive approach that aims to restore and protect the environment while still allowing for industrial activities to take place.

Soil compaction is not considered a human action part of a sustainable ecosystem. Soil compaction occurs when the soil is compressed, reducing pore space and limiting the movement of air, water, and nutrients within the soil. This can lead to decreased plant growth, reduced soil fertility, and increased runoff and erosion. While soil compaction can occur naturally through processes like rainfall and animal activity, it is often exacerbated by human activities such as heavy machinery use, construction, and intensive agriculture. Therefore, soil compaction is not beneficial for a sustainable ecosystem.

Scotch Broom, an invasive species, introduces excessive amounts of nitrogen into the soil, which in turn poisons other native species. This is the main effect caused by Scotch Broom on its environment. The high levels of nitrogen disrupt the balance of nutrients in the soil, making it toxic for other plants to grow. As a result, the native species suffer and are unable to thrive in the presence of Scotch Broom.

A drought is considered a natural succession because it is a natural process that occurs due to a lack of rainfall over an extended period of time. It leads to changes in the ecosystem, such as the drying up of rivers and lakes, loss of vegetation, and an increase in wildfires. Droughts are a part of the natural cycle of the Earth's climate and can have significant impacts on the environment and the organisms that depend on it.

Reclamation refers to the process of restoring or rehabilitating land that has been disturbed or damaged by human activities. In the given options, the only one that aligns with this definition is "A mine site that replaces topsoil after it has been removed to place machinery." When mining operations require the removal of topsoil to access minerals, reclamation involves replacing the topsoil and restoring the land to its original or a functional state. This helps to mitigate the environmental impact of mining activities and promote the recovery of the ecosystem.

Blister rust is an invasive fungus that attacks whitebark pines, which are the nesting sites for Clark's nutcrackers. The fungus weakens the whitebark pines, affecting their ability to produce seeds. Since the seeds of whitebark pines are an important food source for nutcrackers, the weakening of the trees due to the fungus ultimately affects the availability of food for the nutcrackers.

The answer "Niche, Population, Community, Biome, Ecosystem" is arranged from smallest to biggest because it starts with niche, which refers to the specific role or position of an organism within its community. Next is population, which is a group of organisms of the same species living in the same area. Then comes community, which is a group of populations living and interacting in the same area. Biome is next, which is a large geographical area characterized by its distinct climate and vegetation. Lastly, ecosystem is the largest level of organization, encompassing all living organisms and their physical environment within a specific area.

Primary succession refers to the process of colonization and establishment of plant and animal life in an area that was previously devoid of life, such as a barren landscape or a newly formed landmass. In this case, spores moving into a destroyed landscape to replant trees would be considered a primary succession. This is because the spores are the first organisms to colonize the area and initiate the process of ecological succession, leading to the establishment of a new community of plants and eventually other organisms.

False. The statement suggests that when an invasive fungus species affects a bird species like the Clark's nutcracker, the fungus weakens oak trees, which provide food for the nutcracker. However, this is not true. Blister rust primarily affects whitebark pine trees, not oak trees. The nutcracker relies on the seeds of whitebark pine trees for food, not oak trees.