Ecostudent Challenge

A farmer digs a small pond in a pasture. The farmer adds young individuals from two species of algae-eating fish to the pond and plants some reeds around the edge of the pond. The farmer wants the pond to be a sustainable ecosystem.

Which of the following would be most helpful in increasing the pond ecosystem’s sustainability?

• Decreasing the number of pond species around the edges of the pond

• Introducing older fish of the same species into the population of algae-eating fish

• Having a greater diversity of living organisms in the pond

• Adding water between the water and where the reeds are planted

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The table lists the number and variety of organisms in four different ecosystems.

Based on the table, which ecosystem is likely the most sustainable?

• Ecosystem 1

• Ecosystem 2

• Ecosystem 3

• Ecosystem 4

Answer explanation

Ecosystem 2 has more biodiversity

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What would you see in a dead zone?

• 1. The water is likely free of fish, shrimp and other normal species. You might see hundreds to thousands of dead fish on the beach.

• Large populations of fish, shrimp and other species.

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There are seven species of sea turtle, how many of these are considered endangered?

• One of the seven species

• 1. Six of the seven species

The living parts of an ecosystem are _______________________

• biotic

• abiotic

All the living and nonliving things in an area interact to form an _______________.

• diversity

• environment

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An ecosystem that has many kinds of living things has a lot of ______________________.

• diversity

• sunlight

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Which of the following is a primary producer in an aquatic ecosystem?

• Fish

• Algae

• Crab

• Frog

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What is the main purpose of photosynthesis in plants?

• To produce oxygen

• To produce carbon dioxide

• To convert light energy into chemical energy

• To absorb nutrients from the soil

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Which of the following best describes an ecosystem?

• A community of organisms interacting with each other and their physical environment

• A group of the same species living in an area

• A collection of different species living in an area

• A single species living in an area