Multiple Choice
Which ecological concept is best illustrated by the observation that climate warming trends allow plant and insect species to inhabit larger ranges?
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48. Ecology
Introduction to Ecology
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Which of the following best describes the role of abiotic factors, such as water, in an ecosystem's food chain?
A
They are consumed as primary food sources by herbivores.
B
They provide essential non-living resources that support producers and consumers.
C
They regulate only the population of top predators.
D
They directly produce energy through photosynthesis.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the role of abiotic factors in an ecosystem. Abiotic factors are non-living components of the environment, such as water, sunlight, temperature, and soil, which are essential for the survival and functioning of living organisms.
Recognize that producers (like plants and algae) rely on abiotic factors such as sunlight, water, and nutrients to perform photosynthesis, which is the process of converting light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.
Note that abiotic factors do not directly produce energy themselves. Instead, they provide the necessary conditions and resources for producers to generate energy through photosynthesis.
Understand that abiotic factors support both producers and consumers indirectly. Producers depend on abiotic resources to grow and thrive, while consumers rely on producers for energy and nutrients.
Clarify that abiotic factors do not regulate only the population of top predators. Instead, they influence the entire ecosystem by supporting the foundational processes that sustain all levels of the food chain.
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