Environmental Science Module 1

What is ecological succession?

• A) The gradual process of change in species composition in an ecosystem

• B) The sudden appearance of new species in an ecosystem

• C) The elimination of all species in an area

• D) The migration of animals from one biome to another

Which of the following best describes primary succession?

• A) Occurs in areas where soil is already present

• B) Begins in a newly formed habitat with no previous life

• C) Only occurs in aquatic ecosystems

• D) Results in immediate formation of a climax community

Which type of succession occurs after a forest fire or flood?

• A) Primary succession

• B) Secondary succession

• C) Climax succession

• D) Tertiary succession

What is a climax community?

• A) The first stage of succession in an ecosystem

• B) A stable, mature community that undergoes little change

• C) A temporary community formed during succession

• D) A biome that experiences constant species turnover

Which of the following is an example of a pioneer species?

• A) Oak trees

• B) Lichens and mosses

• C) Wolves and foxes

• D) Coral reefs

In succession, which factor is most responsible for changes in plant and animal species over time?

• A) The introduction of invasive species

• B) The gradual modification of the environment by living organisms

• C) The increase in human activity

• D) The complete absence of biodiversity

Which of the following is true about a fundamental niche?

• A) It is the range of conditions a species actually inhabits due to competition

• B) It is always the same as the realized niche

• C) It represents the full range of environmental conditions a species could potentially use

• D) It only applies to predators

How does a realized niche differ from a fundamental niche?

• A) The realized niche is larger than the fundamental niche

• B) The realized niche includes all possible habitats a species could occupy

• C) The realized niche is restricted due to competition and other limiting factors

• D) There is no difference between a fundamental and a realized niche

What is the main difference between a tundra and a desert biome?

• A) Tundras are hotter than deserts

• B) Deserts have more rainfall than tundras

• C) Tundras have permafrost, while deserts experience extreme heat and dryness

• D) There is no difference between them

Why are climax communities considered stable?

• A) They contain only a few species

• B) They do not undergo any changes

• C) They maintain equilibrium unless disrupted by major disturbances

• D) They always consist of the same organisms in every ecosystem