Module F Review: Ecosystem Dynamics

Which of the following best defines a "limiting factor" in an ecosystem?

• A resource that is always abundant in the environment

• A factor that restricts the growth or size of a population

• The maximum number of species an ecosystem can support

• The total number of organisms in an ecosystem

What term describes the maximum population size that an environment can sustain indefinitely?

• Limiting factor

• Carrying capacity

• Biodiversity

• Population density

Which of the following is an example of a biotic limiting factor?

• Amount of sunlight

• Water availability

• Predation

• Temperature

Which human activity is most likely to decrease biodiversity in an ecosystem?

• Reforestation

• Overfishing

• Wildlife conservation

• Sustainable agriculture

If a population of deer exceeds the carrying capacity of its environment, what is the most likely outcome?

• The population will continue to grow indefinitely

• The population will decrease due to limited resources

• The carrying capacity will increase automatically

• The ecosystem will become more biodiverse

A scientist creates a model to show the relationship between food availability (a limiting factor) and the population size of rabbits in a meadow. If food availability decreases, what prediction can be made using the model?

• Rabbit population will increase

• Rabbit population will decrease

• Rabbit population will remain the same

• Food availability will not affect the rabbit population

Which scenario best illustrates how a change in environmental conditions can impact species diversity?

• Introduction of a new predator reduces the number of prey species

• The number of hours of daylight remains constant

• The average rainfall does not change over several years

• The temperature stays the same throughout the year

A city plans to build a highway through a forest. Which of the following is a negative ethical implication of this human activity on biodiversity?

• Increased access for emergency vehicles

• Fragmentation of habitats leading to loss of species

• Improved transportation for local communities

• Economic growth in the region

Given a model where water availability and space are both limiting factors, explain how an increase in rainfall might affect the carrying capacity for a population of plants.

• Carrying capacity will decrease because plants need less water

• Carrying capacity will increase because more water supports more plants

• Carrying capacity will remain unchanged regardless of water

• Carrying capacity will decrease due to competition

A local government is considering draining a wetland to build new homes. Using evidence, argue whether this action would likely increase or decrease biodiversity in the area.

• Increase biodiversity by creating new habitats for all species

• Decrease biodiversity by destroying a unique ecosystem and displacing species

• Have no effect on biodiversity

• Increase biodiversity by removing limiting factors