Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes how plants and animals are dependent on each other in an ecosystem?
A
Plants provide oxygen and food for animals, while animals provide carbon dioxide and aid in pollination and seed dispersal for plants.
B
Plants and animals compete for the same food sources, leading to a decrease in biodiversity.
C
Animals produce oxygen for plants, and plants produce carbon dioxide for animals.
D
Plants and animals are independent of each other and do not interact within an ecosystem.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the concept of interdependence in ecosystems. Plants and animals rely on each other for survival, forming a symbiotic relationship that supports the ecosystem's balance.
Step 2: Analyze the role of plants in the ecosystem. Plants perform photosynthesis, a process where they use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose (food) and oxygen. This oxygen is essential for animals to breathe.
Step 3: Examine the role of animals in the ecosystem. Animals produce carbon dioxide as a byproduct of respiration, which plants use during photosynthesis. Additionally, animals aid in pollination by transferring pollen between flowers and help in seed dispersal by carrying seeds to new locations.
Step 4: Evaluate the incorrect options. For example, animals do not produce oxygen for plants, and plants do not produce carbon dioxide for animals. Similarly, plants and animals are not independent of each other; they interact closely within ecosystems.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct description of interdependence is: 'Plants provide oxygen and food for animals, while animals provide carbon dioxide and aid in pollination and seed dispersal for plants.' This highlights the mutual benefits and interactions between plants and animals in an ecosystem.