TN Ready Review: Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy and Dynamics

The table shows typical temperatures in a gray wolf habitat.

Which of these best describes a way that gray wolves adapt to survive the changing temperatures?

• Wolves develop a heavy coat in the fall and shed it in the spring.

• Each wolf’s howl sounds different from the others.

• A wolf pack works together to find food in the fall.

• Wolves are most active at sunrise and sunset.

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An area with many different types of plants is experiencing a drought. The table shows rainfall for four years.

Scientists predict that the rainfall pattern will continue during a fifth

year. Which two types of plants will have the best chance of surviving in

these conditions?

• plants with stems that store water and plants with large colorful flowers

• plants with large colorful flowers and plants with sharp thorns

• plants with sharp thorns and plants with long root systems

• plants with long root systems and plants with stems that store water

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Most fox squirrels have a mixture of gray, red, and brown fur. However, some fox squirrels have entirely black fur. Which of the following statements most likely

describes a benefit of a squirrel having black fur?

• Squirrels with black fur blend into their surroundings during

  snowy winter months.

• Squirrels with black fur have a slightly higher body

  temperature during cold winter months.

• Squirrels with black fur hibernate during winter months.

• Squirrels with black fur attract more predators during winter

  months.

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Kudzu is a non native species that was introduced to the southeastern United States to help control erosion. However, it grew rapidly and covered large areas of land, including trees

and other plants, preventing them from receiving sunlight.

• The non native species can outcompete the native species for

  resources, causing the native species to decline.

• The non native species can create a new food source for

  native predators, helping to maintain balance.

• The non native species can help native species to adapt to

  changes in the environment.

• The non native species can increase the biodiversity of the

  ecosystem.

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As the temperatures in an area increase, which of the

following plants is most likely to survive?

• A plant with large, dark leaves that absorb and retain heat

• A plant with delicate, thin leaves that requires frequent watering

• A plant with small, light colored leaves that reflect heat and can

  tolerate drought

• A plant with large, broad leaves that lose heat by releasing

  water

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In the woodlands of New York, the whitetail deer population has greatly

increased in the past decade. Deer prefer to feed on plants that are native

to the region rather than invasive species of plants.

What effect does the growing deer population have on the ecosystem?

• The number of native plants increases.

• The amount of water increases.

• The amount of plants considered

  invasive species increases. The region receives more

  precipitation.

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How have humans had a positive impact on ecosystems?

• By building highways

• By cutting down forests

• By using pesticides on farms

• By creating nature preserves

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The nine-banded armadillo is a small mammal with a scaled shell. They spend a lot

of time digging burrows to hide and for food. They are omnivores, but primarily feed on

insects.

Which of the following would most likely occur if armadillos were removed from an area?

• The populations of armadillos’

  predators would increase.

• The number of burrows would

  increase.

• The populations of insects would

  increase.

• Other predators of insects would go

  extinct.

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Livestock, such as cows and goats, graze in pastures with grass. Which of the following is not an effect of overgrazing?

• The number of plants in the

  pasture decreases.

• Soil loses nutrients that plants

  need to grow.

• The number of producers in the

  pasture increases.

• Soil erosion occurs.

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