Ecology Trivia: Test Your Ecology Knowledge
1.
In the following food chain, which organism is the secondary consumer? grass ------> rabbit -------> snake ------> hawk
Answer:
Snake
Explanation:
In the given food chain, the organism that is the secondary consumer is the snake
Here's the breakdown:
- Grass is at the bottom of the food chain and is a primary producer.
- The rabbit feeds on the grass, making it the primary consumer (herbivore).
- The snake, in turn, feeds on the rabbit, making it the secondary consumer (carnivore).
- The hawk, if present in this food chain, would be a tertiary consumer, feeding on the snake.
Here's the breakdown:
- Grass is at the bottom of the food chain and is a primary producer.
- The rabbit feeds on the grass, making it the primary consumer (herbivore).
- The snake, in turn, feeds on the rabbit, making it the secondary consumer (carnivore).
- The hawk, if present in this food chain, would be a tertiary consumer, feeding on the snake.
2.
Which process does the term "nitrogen fixation" refer to?
Answer:
The process where bacteria turns nitrogen into a form that plants can use (ammonia).
Explanation:
Nitrogen fixation is the process where bacteria convert nitrogen gas in the atmosphere into a form that plants can use, specifically ammonia. This process is essential for plants to obtain the nitrogen they need for growth and development. The conversion of nitrogen gas into ammonia by bacteria allows it to be incorporated into organic compounds and utilized by plants as a nutrient source.
3.
What is the release of water vapor from the leaves of trees called?
Answer:
Transpiration
Explanation:
Transpiration refers to the process by which water vapor is released from the leaves of trees. It is a natural process through which plants lose water primarily through small openings called stomata on the surface of leaves. Transpiration helps in the regulation of temperature in plants and also aids in the absorption of nutrients from the soil. Condensation is not correct; it is a phase change of a substance from gas to liquid. Evaporation is not correct; it is a phase change from a substance from liquid to gas. Precipitation is the process where water falls to Earth in a liquid or solid form.
4.
Sea anemones contain venom that stings and paralyzes their prey, while clownfish have an enzyme in their scales that makes them immune to the venom. What type of relationship is this an example of?
Answer:
Mutualism
Explanation:
This is an example of mutualism. Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship between two species in which both benefit from the association. In the case described, the clownfish benefits by gaining protection from predators, and the sea anemone benefits by having potential threats or parasites removed by the clownfish.
5.
What are mushrooms and other fungi responsible for breaking down dead organic matter called in an ecosystem?
Answer:
Decomposers
Explanation:
Mushrooms and other fungi play a crucial role in the ecosystem by breaking down dead organic matter. They secrete enzymes that break down complex organic compounds into simpler forms, which can then be absorbed by other organisms. This process of decomposition helps to recycle nutrients back into the soil, making them available for other plants and organisms to use.
6.
What percentage of energy is passed from one organism to the next in a food chain?
Answer:
10%
Explanation:
In a food chain, energy is transferred from one organism to the next through the process of feeding. However, not all of the energy is passed on. Energy is lost as heat during metabolic processes and used by the organism for its own growth and maintenance. The 10% rule states that only about 10% of the energy available at one trophic level is transferred to the next trophic level. This is because energy is inefficiently converted and lost at each level
7.
On what trophic level would you find organisms that use the sun's energy directly to make their own food?
Answer:
1
Explanation:
Organisms that use the sun's energy directly to make their own food are known as autotrophs or producers. They are capable of photosynthesis, a process in which they convert sunlight into energy-rich organic compounds. These autotrophs form the base of the food chain and are found on the first trophic level. This level is also called the primary producer level, as it provides energy and nutrients to the rest of the trophic levels.
8.
A lichen is a symbiotic decomposer that attaches itself to trees and slowly breaks them down. They obtain nutrients from the tree, allowing them to survive and reproduce. What type of relationship is this?
Answer:
Parasitism
Explanation:
In parasitism, one organism, known as the parasite, benefits at the expense of the other organism, known as the host. The parasite relies on the host for resources such as nutrients or shelter, often causing harm or detriment to the host in the process. In the scenario described, the lichen is acting as a parasite by attaching itself to the trees and deriving nutrients from them. While the lichen benefits from this relationship by obtaining nutrients and a habitat for growth and reproduction, the trees are harmed as the lichen slowly breaks them down.
9.
What is the ultimate source of energy for all organisms in life?
Answer:
The Sun
Explanation:
The Sun is the ultimate source of energy for all organisms in life. Through the process of photosynthesis, plants convert sunlight into chemical energy in the form of glucose. This energy is then transferred through the food chain as organisms consume plants or other organisms. Ultimately, all energy in an ecosystem can be traced back to the Sun. Water, oxygen, and nitrogen are important for life, but they are not the ultimate source of energy.
10.
In the nitrogen cycle, what does the term "denitrification" refer to?
Answer:
The conversion of nitrates into nitrogen gas.
Explanation:
Denitrification is a process in the nitrogen cycle where nitrates, which are compounds containing nitrogen and oxygen, are converted into nitrogen gas. This process is carried out by certain bacteria in the soil, water, or other environments lacking oxygen. These bacteria use the nitrates as an alternative source of oxygen, and as a result, nitrogen gas is released into the atmosphere. This conversion is important as it helps to balance the levels of nitrogen in ecosystems and prevents an excess buildup of nitrates, which can be harmful to plants and aquatic life.
11.
What process occurs when the ground has absorbed the maximum amount of precipitation it can hold?
Answer:
Runoff
Explanation:
When the ground has absorbed the maximum amount of precipitation that it can hold, the excess water flows over the surface of the ground, forming streams, rivers, or other bodies of water. This process is known as runoff.
12.
In which cycle would you find denitrification?
Answer:
Nitrogen
Explanation:
Denitrification is a process in the nitrogen cycle where nitrates are converted back into nitrogen gas and released into the atmosphere. This process occurs in the nitrogen cycle specifically because it involves the conversion of nitrogen compounds.
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