Seg. 6 - Ecosystem Stability & Human Impacts

Which of the following best defines biodiversity?

• The number of humans in a city

• The variety of living organisms in an area

• The amount of rainfall in a region

• The temperature of an ecosystem

Answer explanation

Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms in an area, including different species, ecosystems, and genetic diversity. This definition distinguishes it from unrelated concepts like human population, rainfall, or temperature.

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NGSS.HS-LS2-6

What is the term for the introduction of harmful substances into the environment?

• Conservation

• Pollution

• Photosynthesis

• Respiration

Answer explanation

The term for the introduction of harmful substances into the environment is 'Pollution'. It refers to the contamination of air, water, and soil, which can have detrimental effects on ecosystems and human health.

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NGSS.HS-LS2-7

Which of the following is an example of an anthropogenic change?

• Volcanic eruption

• Deforestation

• Earthquake

• Seasonal flooding

Answer explanation

Deforestation is an anthropogenic change as it results from human activities that alter the environment, unlike natural events like volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, or seasonal flooding.

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NGSS.HS-LS2-7

What is the main goal of conservation efforts?

• To increase pollution

• To maintain biodiversity

• To reduce rainfall

• To eliminate all predators

Answer explanation

The main goal of conservation efforts is to maintain biodiversity, which ensures the health of ecosystems and the survival of various species. This is crucial for ecological balance and the overall well-being of the planet.

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NGSS.HS-LS2-7

Which of the following is a basic solution for maintaining biodiversity?

• Overfishing

• Habitat restoration

• Increasing pesticide use

• Introducing invasive species

Answer explanation

Habitat restoration is essential for maintaining biodiversity as it helps to revive ecosystems, support native species, and improve overall environmental health. In contrast, overfishing, pesticide use, and invasive species harm biodiversity.

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NGSS.HS-LS2-7

Which relationship describes both organisms benefiting from the interaction?

• Parasitism

• Mutualism

• Predation

• Competition

Answer explanation

Mutualism is the relationship where both organisms benefit from the interaction, unlike parasitism (one benefits, one is harmed), predation (one benefits at the expense of another), and competition (both are harmed).

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NGSS.HS-LS2-6

Which of the following is a technological method to reduce human impact on the environment?

• Solar panels

• Burning fossil fuels

• Deforestation

• Overhunting

Answer explanation

Solar panels harness renewable energy from the sun, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing environmental impact. In contrast, burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and overhunting harm the environment.

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NGSS.HS-LS2-7

Which of the following is a possible negative consequence of introducing a new species to an ecosystem?

• Increased biodiversity

• Disruption of food webs

• Improved soil quality

• More rainfall

Answer explanation

Introducing a new species can disrupt food webs by altering predator-prey relationships, leading to declines in native species and imbalances in the ecosystem. This is a significant negative consequence.

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NGSS.HS-LS2-6

Which of the following best describes a stable ecosystem?

• One where the number and types of organisms remain relatively constant

• One where all organisms are extinct

• One with only one species present

• One that changes every day

Answer explanation

A stable ecosystem is characterized by a relatively constant number and types of organisms, indicating balance and resilience. The other options describe instability or lack of diversity, which do not define stability.

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NGSS.HS-LS2-6

Which of the following is an example of a social method to reduce human impact on biodiversity?

• Community recycling programs

• Increased use of plastic bags

• Illegal hunting

• Building more roads through forests

Answer explanation

Community recycling programs promote environmental awareness and reduce waste, directly helping to protect biodiversity. In contrast, increased plastic use, illegal hunting, and road construction harm ecosystems.

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NGSS.HS-LS2-7