Ecosystem and Ecology Vocabulary

What is the 10% Energy Rule?

• A) A principle stating that 10% of energy is transferred to the next trophic level, with the rest lost as heat.

• B) A rule that 10% of energy is used for growth.

• C) A guideline for energy conservation in ecosystems.

• D) A method for calculating energy efficiency in plants.

Answer explanation

The 10% Energy Rule states that only 10% of energy from one trophic level is transferred to the next, while the remaining energy is lost as heat. This principle explains energy flow in ecosystems, making A the correct choice.

Acid Rain is caused by precipitation with a low pH due to atmospheric pollutants. Which of the following pollutants are primarily responsible?

• Carbon dioxide and methane

• Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides

• Ozone and chlorofluorocarbons

• Lead and mercury

Answer explanation

Acid rain is primarily caused by sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which react with water in the atmosphere to form sulfuric and nitric acids, leading to lower pH precipitation.

Ammonification is the process by which decomposers convert nitrogen from organic materials into (a)   , making it available for plants.

• Nitrate

• Nitrite

• Ammonia

• Nitrogen gas

Answer explanation

Ammonification is the process where decomposers break down organic nitrogen into ammonia. This ammonia can then be utilized by plants, making it the correct answer.

What is a 'Carbon Sink'?

• A) A system that releases carbon dioxide

• B) A natural system that absorbs and stores carbon dioxide

• C) A process of burning fossil fuels

• D) An organism that feeds on other organisms.

Answer explanation

A 'Carbon Sink' refers to a natural system, such as forests or oceans, that absorbs and stores carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate climate change. Thus, the correct answer is B.

Match the following processes with their by-products.

• Nitrogen Fixation

• Methane

• Cellular Respiration

• Carbon Dioxide

• Photosynthesis

• Nitrogen

• Anaerobic Digestion

• Oxygen

Answer explanation

In cellular respiration, glucose and oxygen are broken down to produce ATP, and the byproducts are carbon dioxide and water. Therefore, the correct answer to fill in the blank is 'Carbon Dioxide'.

What is 'Combustion'?

• A process of cellular respiration

• A natural system that absorbs carbon dioxide

• The burning of organic material or fossil fuels

• An organism that feeds on other organisms.

Answer explanation

Combustion refers to the burning of organic material or fossil fuels, a chemical process that releases energy in the form of heat and light. This distinguishes it from cellular respiration and other options listed.

Fill in the blank: A 'Consumer' is an organism that obtains energy by feeding on other organisms, classified as primary, secondary, or ______ consumers.

• A) Tertiary

• B) Quaternary

• C) Primary

• D) Secondary

Answer explanation

A 'Consumer' can be classified into different levels based on their feeding habits. After primary and secondary consumers, the next level is tertiary consumers, which feed on secondary consumers.

What is a Decomposer?

• An organism that produces energy

• An organism that breaks down dead matter and recycles nutrients

• An organism that consumes plants

• An organism that lives in water

Answer explanation

A decomposer is an organism that breaks down dead matter, such as plants and animals, and recycles nutrients back into the ecosystem, making it essential for nutrient cycling.

Deforestation is the large-scale removal of ______, leading to habitat loss and other ecological impacts.

• Animals

• Trees

• Water

• Soil

Answer explanation

Deforestation specifically refers to the large-scale removal of trees, which leads to habitat loss and various ecological impacts. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Trees'.

(a)   is the process by which bacteria convert nitrates into nitrogen gas.

• The process of converting nitrogen

• The process by which bacteria conve

• The process of photosynthesis

• The process of respiration.

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'The process by which bacteria conve', refers to denitrification, where bacteria convert nitrates into nitrogen gas. This process is essential for the nitrogen cycle, unlike photosynthesis or respiration.