Species Interactions and Community Ecology Quiz

What is the main difference between intraspecific and interspecific competition?

• Intraspecific competition is always harmful, while interspecific competition is always beneficial.

• 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.

• Intraspecific competition involves predation, while interspecific competition involves mutualism.

Which of the following best describes a realized niche?

• An organism using only some resources due to competition.

• An organism's potential role in the absence of competitors.

• An organism's role in the ecosystem without any competition.

• An organism using all available resources without competition.

How does parasitism differ from predation?

• Parasitism is a short-term interaction, while predation is long-term.

• Parasitism involves one organism living off another, while predation involves one organism hunting another.

• Parasitism occurs between plants, while predation occurs between animals.

• Parasitism benefits both organisms, while predation harms both.

What is mutualism?

• A relationship where one organism benefits and the other is unaffected.

• A relationship where both organisms are harmed.

• A relationship where both organisms benefit.

• A relationship where one organism benefits and the other is harmed.

What is the primary role of producers in an ecosystem?

• To regulate the population of secondary consumers.

• To produce energy through photosynthesis.

• To decompose organic matter.

• To consume primary consumers.

According to the rule of 10, how much energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next?

• 100%

• 50%

• 1%

• 10%

What is a keystone species?

• A species that is the primary producer in an ecosystem.

• A species that has a large impact on its ecosystem despite its low abundance.

• A species that is always at the top of the food chain.

• A species that is the most abundant in an ecosystem.

What is primary succession?

• The introduction of non-native species into an ecosystem.

• The recovery of an ecosystem after a disturbance that leaves soil intact.

• The establishment of a community in an area where no soil or vegetation previously existed.

• The gradual replacement of one community by another in an ecosystem.

What is the main issue with invasive species?

• They always increase biodiversity.

• They compete with native species for resources.

• They are always beneficial to the ecosystem.

• They provide additional resources for native species.

What is the goal of restoration ecology?

• To restore ecosystems to their natural state before human impact.

• To introduce new species into an ecosystem.

• To increase the number of keystone species in an ecosystem.

• To remove all human influence from an ecosystem.