Elephant Vocab Set #1

What is the term for the nonliving parts of an ecosystem?

• Biotic

• Abiotic

• Producer

• Consumer

Answer explanation

The term 'abiotic' refers to the nonliving components of an ecosystem, such as water, soil, and air. In contrast, 'biotic' refers to living organisms. Therefore, the correct answer is 'abiotic'.

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Which of the following is an example of a limiting factor in an ecosystem?

• Photosynthesis

• Water availability

• Population density

• Trophic level

Answer explanation

Water availability is a limiting factor because it directly affects the survival and growth of organisms in an ecosystem. Without sufficient water, populations cannot thrive, unlike photosynthesis, population density, or trophic levels.

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Define "carrying capacity" in the context of an ecosystem.

• The number of different species in an ecosystem

• The maximum number of organisms that an environment can sustainably support

• The total biomass of an ecosystem

• The rate of energy flow through an ecosystem

Answer explanation

Carrying capacity refers to the maximum number of organisms an environment can sustainably support, ensuring resources are available for all species without degrading the ecosystem.

Match the following terms with their definitions:

• An organism that breaks down dead organic material

• An organism that produces its own food through photosynthesis

• An organism that obtains energy by consuming other organisms

Answer explanation

An organism that produces its own food through photosynthesis is a producer, while one that obtains energy by consuming others is a consumer. An organism that breaks down dead material is a decomposer, completing the definitions.

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How does population density affect the carrying capacity of an ecosystem?

• Higher population density always increases carrying capacity

• Lower population density always decreases carrying capacity

• High population density can lead to resource depletion, affecting carrying capacity

• Population density has no effect on carrying capacity

Answer explanation

High population density can strain resources like food and water, leading to depletion. This directly impacts the ecosystem's carrying capacity, as fewer resources can support a smaller population.

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Explain how abiotic factors can influence the distribution of a population in an ecosystem.

• Abiotic factors provide food for the population

• Abiotic factors determine the genetic traits of the population

• Abiotic factors like temperature and water availability can limit where a population can thrive

• Abiotic factors have no influence on population distribution

Answer explanation

Abiotic factors, such as temperature and water availability, are crucial in determining where a population can survive and reproduce. They can limit the habitat range and influence the overall health of the population.

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What is the relationship between a consumer and a producer in an ecosystem?

• Consumers produce energy for producers

• Producers consume energy from consumers

• Consumers obtain energy by consuming producers

• Producers and consumers do not interact

Answer explanation

In an ecosystem, consumers obtain energy by consuming producers, which are organisms that create energy through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. This relationship is essential for energy flow within the ecosystem.

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Analyze how a change in one limiting factor, such as water availability, might impact an entire ecosystem.

• Only the plants would be affected

• Only the animals would be affected

• It could lead to a chain reaction affecting all organisms, altering population sizes and interactions

• It would have no significant impact

Answer explanation

A change in water availability affects plants, which are primary producers. This impacts herbivores that rely on them, leading to changes in predator populations. Thus, it creates a chain reaction altering all organisms and their interactions.

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Predict the impact on an ecosystem if a new species is introduced that competes with native species for the same resources.

• The new species will have no effect on the ecosystem

• The native species may decline due to increased competition for resources

• The new species will immediately become extinct

• The ecosystem will become more stable

Answer explanation

Introducing a new species that competes for the same resources can lead to a decline in native species. Increased competition may limit the availability of food, space, and other resources, negatively impacting the native populations.

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Evaluate the role of biotic factors in maintaining the balance of an ecosystem.

• Biotic factors are irrelevant to ecosystem balance

• Biotic factors, such as predators and prey, help regulate population sizes and resource use

• Biotic factors only contribute to ecosystem imbalance

• Biotic factors only affect the abiotic components

Answer explanation

Biotic factors, including predators and prey, play a crucial role in regulating population sizes and resource use, thus maintaining ecosystem balance. They interact dynamically, ensuring that no single species dominates.

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