Ecosystem Dynamics and Interactions

What is the primary role of predation in an ecosystem?

• To increase the population of predators

• To maintain the balance of ecosystems by controlling population sizes

• To eliminate all prey species

• To promote overpopulation of species

Which of the following best describes a trophic cascade?

• A process where predators are eliminated from an ecosystem

• A chain reaction that occurs when predators limit the density of prey, affecting the entire ecosystem

• A situation where prey species become predators

• A method of increasing biodiversity by introducing new species

How do predators contribute to biodiversity?

• By eliminating all weak species

• By preying on the most vulnerable individuals, they help maintain the health of prey populations

• By increasing the number of dominant species

• By reducing the number of species in an ecosystem

What is the relationship between natural selection and predation?

• Predation has no effect on natural selection

• Predation drives natural selection by favoring organisms better adapted to their environment

• Natural selection eliminates all predators

• Predation and natural selection are unrelated processes

What is an example of co-evolution mentioned in the text?

• The relationship between wolves and deer

• The interaction between cheetahs and gazelles

• The competition between different predator species

• The mutualism between bees and flowers

What is intraspecific competition?

• Competition between members of different species

• Competition between members of the same species

• Competition for non-limited resources

• Competition that does not affect population size

Which of the following is an example of interspecific competition?

• Trees in a forest competing for sunlight

• Lions and cheetahs competing for prey

• Birds of the same species competing for nesting sites

• Fish in a pond competing for oxygen

How does resource partitioning benefit ecosystems?

• By increasing direct competition

• By allowing species to use different resources

• By reducing biodiversity

• By promoting habitat loss

What is mutualism in symbiotic relationships?

• One species benefits, the other is harmed

• Both species benefit

• Neither species benefits nor is harmed

• One species benefits, the other is unaffected

Why is competition important for ecosystem balance?

• It reduces biodiversity

• It prevents any single species from dominating

• It increases habitat loss

• It eliminates weaker species