Environmental Change

Which plant characteristics are common to primary pioneer species? (7.10C)

• organisms with roots that act as wedges to slowly break apart rocks

• organisms with one long, thick root that taps into deep water supplies

• trees with exposed surface roots that trap soil and vegetation

• organisms with a broad mat of surface roots that quickly soak up water

Wildebeests are cow-like animals with horns. They migrate in herds across Africa in search of the grasses they feed on. Wildebeests are prey for lions. A drought would most likely cause a herd of wildebeests to ___. (7.8A)

• migrate further than usual

• become more horse-like

• begin to prey on lions

• produce larger herds

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

In 1989, a coastal storm with hurricane force winds (70+ mph) struck the coast of the Alaskan Bay. The storm destroyed coral reef in shallow waters including fish spawning grounds, soil was washed away leaving plants along the shoreline without nutrients and fewer nesting areas for birds that lived on shore. Every form of life in the area was affected. Scientists have carefully studied the area and its species since the storm to determine both short-term and long-term effect. Which of the following was least affected by this catastrophic event? (7.8A/7.2E)

• plants along the shoreline

• coral reefs in shallow waters

• migratory birds, like the black-footed albatross

• mollusks, such as clams, that lived on the bottom of the bay

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

What is the relationship between ecological succession and equilibrium in an ecosystem? (7.10C)

• ecological succession prevents ecosystems from ever reaching equilibrium

• there is no relationship between ecological succession and equilibrium

• ecological succession and equilibrium are the same thing

• ecological succession helps maintain equilibrium in an ecosystem

Both primary and secondary succession begin with pioneer species that -- (7.10C*)

• change the area and make it safer from predatory organisms

• invade the area so that new organisms cannot be established

• modify the area and allow larger and more complex organisms to appear

• use up all the existing resources and prevent establishment of non-native organisms

The figure below shows the same ecosystem in Texas at two different times. Which of the following most likely caused the change of species shown in the figure? (7.10C)

• development of a parking lot

• passing through of a glacier

• preservation of habitat

• occurrence of a forest fire

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

A large volcanic eruption can produce a cloud of ash that can impact an ecosystem’s climate for months, sometimes years . If a volcano erupted in China, the cloud of ash that blocked out the sun for four months would most likely have which of these effects on the local ecosystem? (7.8A)

• lower temperatures and slower rates of plant growth

• higher temperatures on Earth and increased rates of photosynthesis

• large amounts of precipitation and flooding of coastal areas

• high rates of extinction among reptiles and amphibians

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

Which of the following events is most likely to cause an environmental disturbance in a grassland biome? (7.8A)

• earthquake

• volcanic eruption

• hurricane

• fire caused by lightening

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

A volcanic eruption covers a wide area of forest with ash, lava, and volcanic rock. Which of these describes the first stage/step of ecological succession that will begin to return biotic factors to the forest community and return it to its state of equilibrium? (7.8A)

• the volcano stops erupting

• the lava cools to form rock

• lichens grow on the rocks

• the rock melts back into lava

When a tree falls in a dense forest, what changes are likely to take place? (7.10C)

• lichens and moss inhabit the area

• the rate of erosion increases

• saplings and small plants thrive in the sunlight

• there is a marked decrease in the amount of available oxygen

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4