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Introduction to Ecology quiz #6

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  • What is an example of a niche?
    A fish's diet
  • Primary and secondary succession are different because secondary succession has what at the start?
    Secondary succession starts with soil already present, unlike primary succession.
  • What is missing from primary succession?
    Soil is missing at the start of primary succession.
  • What occurs during the ecological succession of an ecosystem?
    All of the above
  • Why are decomposers classified as heterotrophs?
    Decomposers are heterotrophs because they obtain energy by consuming organic material from dead organisms.
  • What characteristic would not be included in a description of an organism's niche?
    Its color
  • What is a keystone organism?
    A keystone organism is a species that has a disproportionately large impact on its ecosystem, influencing the structure and diversity of the community.
  • What is an example of an abiotic factor in an ecosystem?
    Temperature
  • What are examples of pioneer species in a primary succession?
    Lichens and mosses are examples of pioneer species in primary succession.
  • What happens to an ecosystem when a native species disappears?
    The disappearance of a native species can lead to reduced biodiversity and altered ecosystem dynamics.
  • What is true about top predators regarding their natural enemies?
    They have no natural enemies
  • Why is this niche critical to maintain a healthy habitat?
    A niche is critical because it defines the role of a species in an ecosystem, contributing to ecological balance and biodiversity.
  • What are the 3 types of biodiversity?
    The three types of biodiversity are genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity.
  • Why are pioneer species so important for primary succession?
    Pioneer species are important because they modify the environment, making it more habitable for other species and facilitating succession.
  • What organisms are tertiary consumers in a food chain?
    Tertiary consumers are top predators that feed on secondary consumers.
  • How could the increasing global temperature associated with climate change impact ectotherms?
    Increasing temperatures can affect ectotherms by altering their metabolism, distribution, and reproductive patterns.
  • Which is the most common type of biological vector of human disease?
    Mosquitoes are the most common biological vectors of human disease.
  • What happens when a keystone species is removed from an ecosystem?
    The removal of a keystone species can lead to significant changes in ecosystem structure and function, often resulting in reduced biodiversity.
  • Which organism is correctly classified as a producer?
    Grass
  • Which organism is incorrectly classified as a primary producer?
    Mushroom
  • What role do lichens play in the environment during primary succession?
    Lichens help break down rock to form soil, facilitating the establishment of other plant species.
  • What role do lichens and moss play in primary succession?
    Lichens and mosses are pioneer species that help create soil in barren environments, facilitating further succession.
  • What is an example of a biotic factor in a biome?
    Trees
  • What type of consumers are first-level consumers?
    Herbivores
  • What adaptation must intertidal organisms have?
    Intertidal organisms must adapt to withstand desiccation, temperature fluctuations, and varying salinity levels.
  • What is the difference between primary and secondary aquatic succession?
    Primary aquatic succession occurs in newly formed water bodies, while secondary aquatic succession occurs in existing water bodies after a disturbance.
  • Which organisms would most likely be the pioneer species in secondary succession?
    Grasses and weeds are likely pioneer species in secondary succession.
  • Which organism is a secondary consumer?
    Eagle
  • Which type of succession takes longer to reach a climax community?
    Primary succession takes longer to reach a climax community.
  • Why do most species have a clumped distribution?
    Most species have a clumped distribution due to resource availability, social behavior, and environmental conditions.
  • What trophic level do herbivores occupy in a food chain?
    Herbivores occupy the second trophic level as primary consumers.
  • What type of consumer is the rabbit?
    The rabbit is a primary consumer.
  • How do decomposers contribute to the food web cycle?
    Decomposers break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
  • Does primary succession occur with or without soil?
    Primary succession occurs without soil, starting on bare rock or sand.
  • What is an example of a regulating service provided by ecosystems?
    Climate regulation
  • Is soil necessary for secondary succession?
    Yes, soil is necessary for secondary succession as it begins in areas where soil is already present.
  • Which is a model of feeding relationships?
    A food web is a model of feeding relationships in an ecosystem.
  • How can the wastes of decomposers get recycled in a food web?
    Decomposers break down waste into nutrients, which are then absorbed by producers, continuing the cycle.
  • What would happen to dead organic material if there were no decomposers?
    Dead organic material would accumulate, and nutrients would not be recycled back into the ecosystem.
  • What is the primary role of decomposers in an ecosystem?
    Decomposers recycle nutrients by breaking down dead organisms and waste products.