1st 9 Weeks Midterm Study Guide - Ecology & Ecosystems

Which of the following best describes this difference?

• Biotic factors are living things, and abiotic factors are non-living things.

• Biotic factors are non-living things, and abiotic factors are living things.

• Both biotic and abiotic factors are living things.

• Both biotic and abiotic factors are non-living things.

Answer explanation

The correct choice states that biotic factors are living things, while abiotic factors are non-living things. This accurately reflects the definitions of biotic and abiotic factors in an environment.

When determining the climate of a region, individuals should look at which of the following factors?

• Temperature, precipitation, and wind patterns

• Population density and language spoken

• Local cuisine and fashion trends

• Historical landmarks and tourist attractions

Answer explanation

To determine a region's climate, key factors include temperature, precipitation, and wind patterns, as they directly influence weather conditions. Other options like population or cuisine do not affect climate.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Greenhouse gases have what effect on the Earth’s surface temperature?

• They increase the Earth’s surface temperature.

• They decrease the Earth’s surface temperature.

• They have no effect on the Earth’s surface temperature.

• They cause the Earth’s surface temperature to remain constant.

Answer explanation

Greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to an increase in the Earth's surface temperature. This process is known as the greenhouse effect, which is why the correct answer is that they increase the Earth’s surface temperature.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

Biomes have which of the following features in common?

• Similar climate and types of organisms

• Identical animal species

• Same soil composition everywhere

• Exact rainfall amounts

Answer explanation

Biomes share similar climates and types of organisms, which define their ecological characteristics. They do not have identical animal species, uniform soil composition, or exact rainfall amounts, making the first choice the correct answer.

The features that separate the photic zone and the aphotic zone in the ocean are:

• the presence or absence of sunlight

• the difference in water temperature

• the amount of salt in the water

• the presence of marine animals

Answer explanation

The photic zone is defined by the presence of sunlight, allowing photosynthesis, while the aphotic zone lacks sunlight, making it dark. This distinction is crucial for understanding oceanic ecosystems.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

Draining an estuary would have which effect on the local ecosystem?

• It would disrupt habitats and reduce biodiversity.

• It would increase the number of aquatic species.

• It would improve water quality for all organisms.

• It would have no significant impact.

Answer explanation

Draining an estuary would disrupt habitats, as many species rely on these environments for breeding and feeding. This disruption leads to reduced biodiversity, as species may not survive without their natural habitat.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Phytoplankton live in the upper layers of the ocean because they need sunlight for photosynthesis.

• In the upper layers of the ocean because they need sunlight for photosynthesis.

• At the bottom of the ocean because it is warmer.

• In the deep ocean because there is more food.

• Near the shore because the water is saltier.

Answer explanation

Phytoplankton are found in the upper layers of the ocean because they require sunlight for photosynthesis, which is essential for their growth and survival.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

The arrows in the model of Earth’s global systems show:

• the movement of matter and energy between different systems.

• the rotation of Earth on its axis.

• the locations of continents and oceans.

• the direction of wind currents only.

Answer explanation

The arrows in the model represent the movement of matter and energy between different systems, illustrating how these elements interact across Earth's global systems.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The greenhouse effect is related to sunlight and Earth's atmosphere in which of the following ways?

• It is the process by which certain gases trap heat from the sun in Earth's atmosphere, warming the planet.

• It is the process by which sunlight is completely blocked by Earth's atmosphere, cooling the planet.

• It is the process by which Earth's atmosphere reflects all sunlight back into space, preventing warming.

• It is the process by which Earth's atmosphere absorbs all sunlight without any heat being trapped.

Answer explanation

The correct choice explains that the greenhouse effect involves certain gases trapping heat from the sun in Earth's atmosphere, which leads to warming. The other options incorrectly describe the interaction between sunlight and the atmosphere.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

If greenhouse gases increase, the amount of heat in Earth's system will:

• increase

• decrease

• stay the same

• disappear

Answer explanation

As greenhouse gases increase, they trap more heat in the atmosphere, leading to a rise in Earth's temperature. Therefore, the amount of heat in Earth's system will increase.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6