Unit 7 Energy and Ecosystems

How does matter move in an ecosystem?

• Matter moves only from plant to plant.

• Matter cycles only with sunlight.

• Matter cycles constantly in ecosystems.

• Only animals cycle matter.

Answer explanation

Cycling of matter is constantly occurring in every ecosystem, as it involves the continuous movement of nutrients through producers, consumers, and decomposers, regardless of sunlight availability or specific organisms.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which natural material can be recycled by organisms in an ecosystem?

• aluminum foil

• glass bottles

• plastic wrap

• bird carcasses

Answer explanation

Bird carcasses can be recycled by living organisms through decomposition, providing nutrients back to the ecosystem. In contrast, aluminum foil, glass bottles, and plastic wrap are not biodegradable and cannot be recycled by living organisms.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

What is true about consumers?

• They cannot make their own food.

• Some eat producers.

• Some eat other consumers.

• All of these

Answer explanation

Consumers cannot make their own food, and some can eat producers or other consumers. Therefore, all of these statements about consumers are true.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

How do animals get energy?

• All animals get energy by hibernating.

• Animals absorb the Sun's energy and make their own food.

• Animals get energy by eating the plants.

• Animals do not need energy.

Answer explanation

Animals get energy by eating plants, which convert the Sun's energy into food. This makes the correct choice 'Animals get energy by eating the plants.' Other options are incorrect as they do not accurately describe how animals obtain energy.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

An organism that makes its own food is called a _______.

• producer

• decomposer

• consumer

• carnivore

Answer explanation

An organism that makes its own food is called a producer. Producers, like plants, use photosynthesis to create energy, while decomposers break down organic matter and consumers eat other organisms.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Producers are the first organisms in a food chain. They provide energy to others. Producers get energy from _______.

• water

• the Sun

• eating animals

• eating plants

Answer explanation

Producers, like plants, are autotrophs that convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis. They do not obtain energy from water, eating animals, or eating plants, but directly from the Sun.

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How does energy flow in an ecosystem?

• Producers -> Decomposers -> Consumers -> Sun

• Sun -> Producers -> Consumers -> Decomposers

• Decomposers -> Sun -> Consumers -> Producers

• Consumers -> Sun -> Producers -> Decomposers

Answer explanation

Energy in an ecosystem flows from the Sun to producers (plants), then to consumers (animals), and finally to decomposers (fungi and bacteria) that break down organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

An ________ includes all living and nonliving things interacting in one place.

• abiotic

• biotic

• ecosystem

• decomposer

Answer explanation

An ecosystem includes all living (biotic) and nonliving (abiotic) components interacting in a specific area. Therefore, the correct answer is 'ecosystem', as it encompasses both types of elements.

In an ecosystem, every living thing has a specific ______ .

• role

• plant

• animal

• obstacle

Answer explanation

In an ecosystem, every living thing has a specific role, which refers to its function or position within the environment. This is crucial for maintaining balance and interactions among species.

________ play the role of decomposers.

• earthworms

• rats

• water

• plants

Answer explanation

Earthworms play a crucial role as decomposers by breaking down organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil. This process is essential for soil health and plant growth, making earthworms vital in ecosystems.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3