Ecology Review Worksheet

Carrying capacity is:

• the maximum number of individuals an environment can support

• the total number of species in an ecosystem

• the amount of food available in an ecosystem

• the rate at which a population grows

The difference between intraspecific and interspecific competition is:

• Intraspecific competition occurs within the same species, while interspecific competition occurs between different species.

• Intraspecific competition occurs between different species, while interspecific competition occurs within the same species.

• Both occur only between different species.

• Both occur only within the same species.

A keystone species is:

• a species that has a disproportionately large impact on its ecosystem

• a species that is always the most numerous in its habitat

• a species that can survive in any environment

• a species that is at the top of the food chain

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

The significance of biodiversity in an ecosystem is:

• It helps maintain ecosystem stability and resilience.

• It reduces the variety of species in an ecosystem.

• It causes ecosystems to become less productive.

• It leads to the extinction of all species.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

The difference between a fundamental niche and a realized niche is:

• A fundamental niche is the full range of environmental conditions a species can occupy, while a realized niche is the actual conditions it occupies due to competition.

• A realized niche is the full range of conditions a species can occupy, while a fundamental niche is limited by competition.

• A fundamental niche is determined by the presence of predators, while a realized niche is not.

• A realized niche is always larger than a fundamental niche.

The role of decomposers in an ecosystem is to:

• break down dead organisms and recycle nutrients

• produce food through photosynthesis

• consume other animals for energy

• store energy in the form of fat

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

What is the concept of ecological succession?

• Ecological succession is the process by which ecosystems change and develop over time, often following a disturbance.

• Ecological succession is the process by which animals migrate from one ecosystem to another every year.

• Ecological succession is the process by which plants grow only in deserts and arid regions.

• Ecological succession is the process by which water cycles through the environment without affecting living organisms.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

What is the difference between primary and secondary succession?

• Primary succession occurs in lifeless areas where soil has not yet formed, while secondary succession occurs in areas where a disturbance has destroyed an existing community but soil remains.

• Primary succession occurs in areas with existing soil, while secondary succession starts on bare rock without any soil.

• Primary succession happens after a forest fire, while secondary succession happens on newly formed volcanic islands.

• Primary succession and secondary succession are two names for the same process with no real difference.

What is mutualism in ecology?

• Mutualism is an interaction between two species in which both benefit from the relationship.

• Mutualism is an interaction where one species benefits and the other is harmed.

• Mutualism is a relationship where both species are harmed.

• Mutualism is an interaction where one species benefits and the other is unaffected.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

How do invasive species impact native ecosystems?

• Invasive species can outcompete native species for resources, disrupt food webs, and alter habitat structure.

• Invasive species always increase biodiversity and improve ecosystem health.

• Invasive species have no effect on native species or habitats.

• Invasive species only affect non-living components of the ecosystem.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5