Ecosystem Interactions and Energy Flow

How might a change in the population of predators affect the balance of an ecosystem?

• It will have no effect on the ecosystem.

• It could lead to an increase in prey populations, which may then affect plant populations.

• It will only affect the predators themselves.

• It will cause all species to become extinct.

Which of the following best describes the role of decomposers in a food web?

• They produce energy for the ecosystem.

• They break down dead organisms, returning nutrients to the soil.

• They are the primary source of food for all animals.

• They compete with plants for sunlight.

Consider a frog that lives in a pond. How might its niche change if the pond dries up?

• The frog will become a predator in the forest.

• The frog will adapt to living in trees.

• The frog will need to find a new water source or habitat to survive.

• The frog will not be affected by the change.

How can classification help scientists understand the relationships between different organisms?

• It allows scientists to predict the future behavior of organisms.

• It helps scientists identify organisms and understand their evolutionary relationships.

• It provides a way to control the population of organisms.

• It is used to determine the lifespan of organisms.

If a new species is introduced into an ecosystem, what strategic thinking might be necessary to predict its impact?

• Assume it will have no impact and ignore it.

• Analyze how it interacts with existing species and resources.

• Immediately remove it from the ecosystem.

• Predict that it will become the dominant species.

What might happen to a food web if a primary producer is removed?

• The food web will remain unchanged.

• Consumers that rely on that producer may decrease, affecting higher trophic levels.

• New producers will immediately replace the old ones.

• Only the primary consumers will be affected.

How can changes in an organism's habitat during its life cycle affect its survival?

• The organism will always adapt without any issues.

• Changes can lead to increased competition for resources, affecting survival.

• The organism will become a different species.

• Habitat changes have no effect on the organism.

Why is it important to classify organisms in an ecosystem?

• To ensure that all organisms are treated equally.

• To help scientists understand the diversity and relationships among organisms.

• To make sure that no organism becomes extinct.

• To determine which organisms are the most important.

What strategic actions might be necessary if a keystone species is removed from an ecosystem?

• Introduce a new species to replace it immediately.

• Monitor the ecosystem for changes and plan interventions if necessary.

• Assume the ecosystem will self-correct without intervention.

• Do nothing and observe the natural course.

How does energy flow through a food web, and what might happen if a top predator is removed?

• Energy flows from predators to producers, and removing a top predator will increase energy flow.

• Energy flows from producers to consumers, and removing a top predator can cause an increase in prey populations.

• Energy flows in a circular pattern, and removing a top predator will have no effect.

• Energy flows from consumers to producers, and removing a top predator will decrease energy flow.