Ecology BIO 8a-d

A population of deer in a forest ecosystem experiences a sudden increase in their numbers. As the population grows, the availability of food decreases. What will likely happen to the deer population in the long term?

• The population will continue to grow exponentially because there will always be enough food.

• The population will stabilize at carrying capacity due to competition for limited resources.

• The population will decrease rapidly due to an increase in food supply.

• The population will grow until it exceeds the carrying capacity, then decline to extinction.

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In an ecosystem, producers are eaten by herbivores, which are in turn eaten by carnivores. Which of the following correctly represents the flow of energy in this system?

• Energy flows from carnivores to herbivores and then to producers.

• Energy flows from producers to herbivores and then to carnivores.

• Energy flows from herbivores to producers and then to carnivores.

• Energy flows from producers to herbivores, then to the decomposers.

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A decrease in the number of primary producers in an ecosystem will most likely lead to:

• An increase in the number of herbivores.

• An increase in the number of carnivores.

• A decrease in the number of herbivores and carnivores.

• No change in the population sizes of other organisms in the ecosystem.

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The process of photosynthesis in plants is crucial for the flow of energy in ecosystems. In which part of the food chain do plants play a role?

• Producers

• Primary consumers

• Secondary consumers

• Decomposers

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Which of the following describes the relationship between a lion and a zebra in the savannah ecosystem?

• The lion and zebra have a mutualistic relationship.

• The lion and zebra have a commensal relationship.

• The lion and zebra have a predator-prey relationship.

• The lion and zebra have a competitive relationship for food.

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In a food web, which organisms are always the primary source of energy for all other organisms?

• Herbivores

• Carnivores

• Producers

• Decomposers

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Which of the following best describes the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

• They recycle nutrients by breaking down dead organic matter into simpler compounds.

• They convert solar energy into chemical energy that can be consumed by herbivores.

• They are at the top of the food chain, consuming primary consumers.

• They produce oxygen for other organisms to use during respiration.

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A new invasive species is introduced to an ecosystem, and its population grows rapidly. What is the most likely impact on native species in the ecosystem?

• Native species will thrive because they are better adapted to the environment.

• Native species may be outcompeted for resources and their populations may decline.

• The ecosystem will remain unchanged because invasive species do not affect native species.

• Invasive species will go extinct because they cannot adapt to the new ecosystem.

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A population of wolves is introduced into a forest ecosystem where they had previously been absent. Over time, the number of rabbits decreases, while the number of plants increases. Which of the following best explains the changes in the ecosystem?

• The wolves decrease the number of rabbits, which allows plant populations to grow due to reduced grazing.

• The rabbits become more abundant because the wolves provide protection from other predators.

• The wolves cause the plants to die, leading to a decrease in the rabbit population.

• The wolves and rabbits have a mutualistic relationship that increases plant growth.

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What is the carrying capacity of an ecosystem?

• The maximum number of organisms of a particular species the ecosystem can support without damaging the environment.

• The minimum amount of resources required for an ecosystem to function.

• The number of individuals that can be supported by the primary producers in the ecosystem.

• The number of species that an ecosystem can support before it reaches equilibrium.

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