APES - Unit 1

How does light intensity behave in aquatic ecosystems?

• Light intensity increases with depth, allowing for more photosynthesis.

• Light intensity remains constant at all depths, unaffected by water.

• Light intensity falls off exponentially with depth, and red light is absorbed first, limiting photosynthesis to shallower depths.

• Light intensity fluctuates randomly, depending on the time of day.

Explain the concept of ecological succession.

• Ecological succession is the process by which ecosystems change and develop over time, often following a disturbance.

• Ecological succession is the immediate response of an ecosystem to a natural disaster.

• Ecological succession refers to the extinction of species in an ecosystem.

• Ecological succession is the process of creating new species through genetic mutation.

What is the significance of the 1% light level in aquatic ecosystems?

• It indicates the maximum depth for fish species.

• It marks the depth below which photosynthesis cannot occur, affecting the distribution of aquatic life.

• It is the optimal light level for coral growth.

• It determines the temperature of the water column.

What happens when total photosynthesis exceeds total respiration in an ecosystem?

• Carbon will increase in the biosphere, indicating a net gain of carbon in living organisms.

• Oxygen levels will decrease, leading to a decline in aerobic organisms.

• Carbon dioxide will accumulate in the atmosphere, causing global warming.

• Energy production will halt, resulting in a collapse of the food web.

What role do invasive species play in ecosystems?

• They enhance biodiversity by introducing new species.

• They can disrupt local ecosystems, outcompeting native species for resources and altering habitat.

• They have no significant impact on ecosystems.

• They help in the conservation of native species.

What is the impact of carbon dioxide on global temperatures?

• Increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere contribute to the greenhouse effect, leading to higher global temperatures.

• Carbon dioxide has no significant impact on global temperatures.

• Carbon dioxide cools the atmosphere by reflecting sunlight.

• Carbon dioxide levels are decreasing, which will lower global temperatures.

What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

• Decomposers break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem and supporting plant growth.

• Decomposers produce energy through photosynthesis for plants.

• Decomposers are organisms that consume living plants and animals.

• Decomposers help in the formation of new species by genetic mutation.

Define the term 'biodiversity'.

• Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, including the number of species and genetic diversity.

• Biodiversity is the total number of organisms in a specific area, regardless of species.

• Biodiversity is the study of how living organisms interact with their environment.

• Biodiversity refers to the extinction of species in a given ecosystem.

What does it mean when an ecosystem demonstrates resistance to a disturbance?

• It means that the ecosystem can withstand or resist changes caused by disturbances, maintaining stability despite the invasive species.

• It indicates that the ecosystem will completely recover after a disturbance.

• It shows that the ecosystem is entirely unaffected by any changes.

• It suggests that the ecosystem will become more diverse after a disturbance.

What type of interaction occurs when a parasite absorbs nutrients from its host?

• Mutualism

• Commensalism

• Exploitative interaction

• Competition