Organisms and Ecosystems

What is the correct definition of an organism’s habitat?

• The place where the organism lives.

• The place where the organism is at a point in time.

• The place where all the abiotic factors are suited to the organism’s survival.

• A place where the organism hunts for food.

A decomposer is….

• An animal that eats another animal.

• A plant that loses its leaves in winter.

• An organism that breaks down organic matter so it is recycled.

• An animal that uses sound as its main method of communication.

What is the major source of energy for all organisms in a food web?

• soil for providing essential minerals

• water to prevent dehydration

• green plants for photosynthesis

• the Sun for providing light

There are consequences of the introduction of the European fox into Australia in the 1860s. What is the consequence that is a benefit for the natural environment?

• It attacks lambs and chickens.

• It eats a wide variety of native animals.

• It eats rabbits—another introduced species.

• It provided sport for fox hunters.

Which of these human activities would have a negative impact on a natural environment?

• Clearing forests and replacing them with exotic trees.

• Removing grazing cattle from a natural woodland.

• Replanting eucalypt trees.

• Reintroducing koalas into eucalypt forests.

Which of these human activities has a positive effect on food webs?

• Opening up an area of bushland for recreational activities.

• Removing introduced predators from an area.

• Overfishing particular fish species causing a decline in numbers.

• Introducing exotic species, such as rabbits and foxes.

What is the type of the scientist who names and classifies things?

• Ecologist

• Biologist

• Taxonomist

• Zoologist

Why do we need to group things together?

• groups are fun

• groups are easy to do

• groups help animals and plants

• groups makes communication and understanding about the real world easier.

What is a vertebrate?

• Animals with a backbone

• all animals

• plants with flowers

• animals without a backbone

A dichotomous key is a tool that many scientists use in their fieldwork. A dichotomous key is a detailed list:

• that has the names of organisms

• that scientists use to write down their observations of animal behaviour

• of characteristics used to identify organisms that includes their scientific name

• that outlines the diets of many organisms