Interdependency and Environmental Changes

The roots of the prickly pear cactus spread out a wide underground network in sandy soil. How does this type of root system allow the prickly pear cactus to survive in the desert ecosystem?

• Producing fruit and store water

• Capturing sunlight and getting rid of waste materials

• Absorbing water and supporting the plant in loose, sandy soil

• Releasing nutrients into the sandy soil and taking in oxygen

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Which of these facts best describes how these birds depend on other animals to survive?

• Fact 1

• Fact 2

• Fact 3

• Fact 4

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Some beetles break down the remains of dead animals. Some mushrooms break down the remains of dead trees. Which of these actions are the MOST beneficial for plants?

• Returning nutrients to the soil

• Releasing oxygen into the air

• Making space for new animals

• Decreasing the population of herbivores

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Which fact best describes one way this bird changes its environment to meet its needs?

• Fact 1

• Fact 2

• Fact 3

• Fact 4

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In fall and winter, many trees lose their leaves in response to cooler temperatures and --

• a decrease in average wind speed.

• fewer hours of daylight.

• an increase in humidity.

• more direct sunlight.

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Crayfish live in freshwater and often hide under rocks or plants. They have very large claws, an exoskeleton for protection, and antennae that act as sensors. They come out to look for food and will eat both plants and animals. How does the crayfish interact with its living and non-living environment? They depend on-

• water to find food and survive.

• other organisms for food and use rocks or plants to hide.

• their antennae to find food and their claws to grab food.

• the sun’s energy to produce food.

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Which table shows the correct role of each organism in the food chain below?

• 
• 
• 
• 

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Which of these will most likely happen if a prairie dog’s environment is disrupted by building construction?

• The population of predators that eat prairie dogs will increase.

• Due to construction, the population of plants that prairie dogs eat will decrease.

• The number of underground tunnels will increase.

• The nutrients in the soil will increase.

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In a food chain, energy does NOT flow directly from --

• producer to decomposer

• producer to consumer

• consumer to decomposer

• consumer to producer

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What would happen if the grasses and seeds were removed?

• The mice would become the new producers.

• All the animals would either die or move away.

• The number of mice would increase.

• All the animal populations would increase.

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