Ecology 102

Pioneer species survive by living on rocks and minerals.

• True

• False

Secondary succession can only occur as a transition from primary succession.

• True

• False

Sunlight can be considered a food resource.

• True

• False

What determines the carrying capacity of an ecosystem?

• the number of different types of organisms in an ecosystem

• the amount of available resources

• the square mileage it encompasses

• the ratio of biotic to abiotic factors

Which of the following is not an example of an abiotic factor?

• plants

• air

• temperature

• soil

What types of organisms would you expect to see in an area that recently experienced a volcanic eruption?

• trees

• mosses and algae

• grass and bushes

• all types of organisms in fewer numbers

Which of the following scenarios represents change to an ecosystem brought about by biotic factors?

• a wildfire caused by lightning striking a tree

• a flood caused by a severe storm

• a landslide caused by cattle overgrazing

• a volcano

What types of organisms will be affected by a decreased supply of water in an ecosystem?

• Producers, consumers, and decomposers will be affected.

• Producers and consumers will be affected.

• Consumers and decomposers will be affected.

• No organisms will be affected.

Arrange the events of succession after a volcano erupted in their proper order.

• pioneer species, plant growth, soil formation

• pioneer species, soil formation, plant growth

• soil formation, pioneer species, plant growth

• soil formation, plant growth, pioneer species

An ecosystem has experienced a recent decrease in its plant populations. Which of the following is a possible reason for the decline?

• an increase in the number of predators

• a decrease in the number of prey

• a decrease in the available water

• an increase in the available land space