Climate and Ecosystem Dynamics

What is an ecosystem?

• A community of only plants and animals

• A biological community of interacting organisms and their environment

• A group of non-living things in an area

• A collection of rocks and soil

Which of the following is an example of a biotic factor?

• Sunlight

• Rocks

• Plants

• Air

What are autotrophs?

• Organisms that consume other organisms for energy

• Organisms that make their own food through photosynthesis

• Organisms that decompose dead matter

• Organisms that only live in water

What is a detritivore?

• A type of autotroph

• A type of heterotroph that feeds on dead plant material

• A producer that makes its own food

• A nutrient found in soil

What is the difference between a detritivore and a decomposer?

• Detritivores consume dead matter, decomposers break it down chemically.

• Detritivores break down matter chemically, decomposers consume it.

• Detritivores are plants, decomposers are animals.

• Detritivores are animals, decomposers are plants.

What is the primary composition of air in the atmosphere?

• 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen.

• 50% oxygen, 50% nitrogen.

• 60% nitrogen, 30% oxygen.

• 70% oxygen, 20% nitrogen.

Which layer of the Earth is described as a thick mantle composed mostly of rock?

• Atmosphere

• Hydrosphere

• Geosphere

• Biosphere

What is the lithosphere?

• Earth's water layer

• Earth's rocky outer layer

• Earth's gaseous layer

• Earth's life-supporting layer

Which sphere consists of parts of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere where life is found?

• Atmosphere

• Hydrosphere

• Geosphere

• Biosphere

What causes the uneven heating of the Earth's surface?

• Ocean currents

• Angle of Sun's rays hitting Earth

• Wind patterns

• Cloud cover