Ecosystems and Interdependence Practice

The diagram above represents relationships in an

ecosystem. What is the primary source of energy in

this environment?

• cellular respiration in the plants

• energy from minerals in the soil

• fossil fuels

• solar energy

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Mistletoe is an evergreen shrub that can produce most

of its own food. Often, mistletoe can be found living

on trees and taking water and nutrients away from the

tissues of the trees. The relationship between

mistletoe and trees is an example of

• consumer/herbivore

• predator/prey

• scavenger/decomposer

• parasite/host

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What is one of the best ways to represent the

interdependence of all of the organisms in an

ecosystem?

• a cell model

• a food chain

• a diagram of the water cycle

• a food web

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The bar graph below shows the number of species in

four pond ecosystems.

Based on this information, which ecosystem is likely

to be the most stable?

• A

• B

• C

• D

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Which human activity most directly causes a

significant increase in the amount of carbon dioxide

in the atmosphere?

• growing corn for food

• not using products containing plastics

• driving cars long distances

• planting large numbers of trees

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Producers are generally found at the beginning of a

food chain. Which statement best explains why this

is true?

• Producers are usually smaller in size than

  consumers.

• Producers do not rely on other organisms for

  food.

• There are always more consumers than

  producers in food chains.

• Consumers are always more complex

  organisms than producers.

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An invasive species, the spiny water flea, was

recently found in a New York lake. These water fleas

eat zooplankton, a food also consumed by native

fishes. The fleas spread from lake to lake by

attaching to fishing lines, anchor ropes, and boats.

Which statement best describes the effect of the

water flea on the lake?

• It will not compete with animals in the local

  food chain.

• It will feed on organisms that are important

  to other species.

• The number of water fleas will decrease due to

  a lack of food.

• There will be no effect on native species in the

  lake.

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How is the way a cactus survives in the dry desert different from the way other plants survive?

• The cactus stores water inside its stem

• The cactus only grows during the night

• The cactus absorbs water from the rocks

• The cactus has adapted to not need water

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A plant in a desert and a plant in a rain forest often have very different types of leaves. How does the design of each type of leaf help the plant to survive in its environment?

• The leaf type helps the plant create flowers

• The leaf type helps the plant regrow after disasters

• The leaf type helps protect the leaf from cold temperatures

• The leaf type helps the plant adjust to the available amount of water

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Many animals in an ecosystem depend on other animals for

• air

• energy

• shelter

• water

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