Ecological Populations and Interactions

Biologists observe and record  the deer population.  They notice that the population is four times the larger than the habitat can support.  Which is least likely to occur from the overpopulation of deer?

• The grass population in the deer's habitat will begin to decrease.
• The deer population will be stronger and healthier.
• The area's water source will be reduced or depleted.
• The deer will spread disease to other animals and humans.

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The Texas Kangaroo Rat, native to north-central Texas, makes its home in mesquite bushes.  If the mesquite bushes are cleared for human homes , which of the following is the most probable result?

• The rat population will rise (increase).
• The rat population will decline (decrease).
• The rat population will stay the same.
• The rat population will double.

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What effect would building a highway have on an ecosystem?

• increase in butterfly migration
• decrease in destruction of habitat
• increase in carbon dioxide
• increase in oxygen

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Scientific research shows that as tundra vegetation zones continue to move northward with the changing climate, caribou and reindeer may have a more difficult time finding food.  Which prediction below best explains the effect of this change on caribou and reindeer?

• Caribou and reindeer populations may increase because of their dependence on tundra vegetation.
• Caribou and reindeer populations will not be affected by this change to the ecosystem.
• Caribou and reindeer populations may decline because of their dependence on tundra vegetation. 
• Caribou and reindeer populations will increase as the food supply decreases.

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Mushrooms are helping to break down the remains of a rotting log in the forest. how do the actions of the mushrooms benefit the other plants in the area?

• By returning nutrients to the soil.
• By releasing oxygen into the air.
• By making space for new animals.
• By decreasing the population of herbivores.

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An animal that is hunted and eaten for food is a 

• predator
• prey
• population

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Which of the following is a herbivore?

• cricket
• frog
• hawk
• shrew

The shrew provides energy for the _______?

• cricket
• grasshopper
• frog
• snake

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Which organism do the owl and the weasel compete for in the food web?

• Hawk
• Spider
• Grasshopper
• Shrew

Which of the following would be the most likely effect, if there were a sudden increase in the cricket population?

• There would be a decrease in the small bird population.
• There would be a decrease in the grass/flowers population.
• There would be a decrease in the mice population.
• There would be an increase in the grass/flowers population.

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