Exploring Plants and Ecosystems

What is the main difference between afforestation and reforestation?

• Afforestation creates new forests; reforestation restores existing forests.

• Afforestation is a method of agriculture; reforestation is a type of landscaping.

• Afforestation involves cutting down trees; reforestation involves planting grass.

• Afforestation is planting trees in urban areas; reforestation is planting trees in rural areas.

Name one benefit of afforestation.

• Reduces carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.

• Increases water pollution levels.

• Decreases biodiversity in ecosystems.

• Increases soil erosion rates.

What type of plant is adapted to live in water?

• Cacti

• Aquatic plants

• Desert plants

• Terrestrial plants

Which type of plant can survive in dry environments?

• Cacti and succulents

• Ferns

• Mosses

• Water lilies

What are mesophytes?

• Mesophytes are plants that thrive in dry environments.

• Mesophytes are aquatic plants that require constant flooding.

• Mesophytes are plants that grow in extremely arid conditions.

• Mesophytes are plants that grow in environments with moderate water availability.

Define hydrophytes.

• Hydrophytes are aquatic plants adapted to living in water or saturated soil.

• Terrestrial plants with deep roots

• Plants that thrive in dry environments

• Plants that grow in extreme temperatures

What is the role of epiphytes in an ecosystem?

• Epiphytes are harmful parasites that drain nutrients from their host plants.

• Epiphytes contribute to biodiversity, nutrient cycling, and habitat provision in ecosystems.

• Epiphytes primarily compete with other plants for sunlight.

• Epiphytes only grow in aquatic environments and have no role on land.

What do xerophytes have that helps them retain water?

• Thin leaves that absorb moisture

• Deep roots that reach underground water

• Brightly colored flowers to attract rain

• Thick cuticles and specialized water storage tissues.

Explain the concept of a food chain.

• A food chain is a linear sequence of organisms where each is eaten by the next in the chain, illustrating the flow of energy and nutrients in an ecosystem.

• A food chain represents the social hierarchy of animals in a habitat.

• A food chain is a list of all the plants and animals in a specific area.

• A food chain is a circular diagram showing the relationships between different species.

What is the top level of a food chain called?

• Apex predator

• Secondary consumer

• Tertiary producer

• Herbivore