Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Interactive Learning Quizzes

Question 1

Biodiversity refers to the:

Accepted Answer

Variety of life on Earth

Answer

Abundance of certain species

Answer

Distribution of species in an ecosystem

Answer

Genetic variation within a single population

Question 2

A keystone species is one that:

Accepted Answer

Has a disproportionate impact on its ecosystem relative to its abundance

Answer

Is at the top of the food chain

Answer

Is abundant and aids in nutrient cycling

Answer

Requires special conservation efforts due to its endangered status

Question 3

In an ecosystem, producers are responsible for:

Accepted Answer

Converting inorganic matter into organic matter

Answer

Consuming other organisms

Answer

Breaking down dead organisms

Answer

Regulating the environment

Question 4

Mutualism describes a relationship where:

Accepted Answer

Both species benefit

Answer

One species benefits at the expense of the other

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One species benefits while the other is unaffected

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Neither species experiences any effect

Question 5

The primary ecological importance of decomposers is to:

Accepted Answer

Break down dead organisms and recycle nutrients

Answer

Control populations of disease-causing organisms

Answer

Serve as food for other organisms

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Regulate the climate

Question 6

Which measure indicates the number of individuals belonging to the same species within a particular area?

Accepted Answer

Population density

Answer

Species richness

Answer

Shannon index

Answer

Simpson index

Question 7

Which ecological relationship involves two species that both gain advantages, improving their survival and ability to reproduce?

Accepted Answer

Mutualism

Answer

Competition

Answer

Predation

Question 8

What is a direct result of habitat loss on biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Reduced genetic diversity

Answer

Increased biodiversity

Answer

Enhanced ecosystem services

Answer

Improved air quality

Question 9

What is the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy called?

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis

Answer

Respiration

Answer

Decomposition

Answer

Transpiration

Question 10

What is the term used to describe the variety of all living organisms on Earth?

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity

Answer

Ecosystem

Answer

Biosphere

Answer

Habitat

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a threat to biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Conservation efforts

Answer

Habitat destruction

Answer

Climate change

Answer

Pollution

Question 12

What term describes the ecological role of a species in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Niche

Answer

Habitat

Answer

Range

Answer

Population

Question 13

Which is an example of a mutually beneficial relationship between organisms?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria and algae in lichens

Answer

Lion and zebra

Answer

Tapeworm and human

Answer

Predators and their prey

Question 14

What is the primary role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

To decompose organic matter

Answer

To produce oxygen

Answer

To consume primary producers

Answer

To regulate environmental temperature

Question 15

Which of the following is a measure of biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Species richness

Answer

Population density

Answer

Ecosystem size

Answer

Average temperature

Question 16

Which biodiversity conservation method prioritizes the protection of individual species?

Accepted Answer

Species conservation

Answer

Habitat protection

Answer

Landscape protection

Answer

Ecosystem restoration

Question 17

How does a decrease in genetic diversity within a population affect the overall health and resilience of an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

The ecosystem becomes more vulnerable to environmental changes.

Answer

The ecosystem experiences stronger immunity against diseases.

Answer

The population grows at a faster rate.

Question 18

Which of the following is **not** a characteristic of a healthy ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Dominance by a single species

Answer

High biodiversity

Answer

Stable populations

Answer

Resilience to disturbances

Question 19

The process by which organisms adapt to their environment over time is known as:

Accepted Answer

Evolution

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Symbiosis

Question 20

The relationship between two organisms in which both benefit is known as:

Accepted Answer

Mutualism

Answer

Competition

Answer

Predation

Answer

Parasitism

Question 21

The process by which plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose is called:

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis

Answer

Respiration

Answer

Glycolysis

Answer

Fermentation

Question 22

The layer of gases that surrounds the Earth is called the:

Accepted Answer

Atmosphere

Answer

Hydrosphere

Answer

Geosphere

Answer

Biosphere

Question 23

Which of the following is a function of the immune system?

Accepted Answer

To protect the body from pathogens

Answer

To regulate body temperature

Answer

To transport nutrients

Answer

To produce hormones

Question 24

The theory of evolution by natural selection was proposed by:

Accepted Answer

Charles Darwin

Answer

Gregor Mendel

Answer

Louis Pasteur

Answer

James Watson

Question 25

Which component below is NOT included in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Influence of humans

Answer

Living organisms (biotic factors)

Answer

Non-living factors (abiotic factors)

Answer

Flow of energy

Question 26

Which process enables plants to transform sunlight into energy?

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis

Answer

Respiration

Answer

Decomposition

Answer

Transpiration

Question 27

Which of the following illustrates a cooperative relationship between species?

Accepted Answer

Mutualism (both species benefit)

Answer

Predator-prey interactions

Answer

Competition for resources

Answer

Amensalism (one species benefits, the other is unaffected)

Question 28

Which measurement indicates the number of individuals of a particular species within an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Population density

Answer

Biomass

Answer

Carrying capacity

Answer

Biodiversity index

Question 29

Which primary factor contributes significantly to the high diversity of life forms on Earth?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection acting on genetic variation

Answer

Abiotic elements of the environment

Answer

Competition between species for resources

Answer

Random mutations within organisms

Question 30

In ecological terms, what is the designated term for a group of organisms belonging to the same species that reside in a specific geographical area?

Accepted Answer

Population

Answer

Community

Answer

Ecosystem

Answer

Biome

Question 31

Which of the following practices is NOT recognized as a threat to the stability and integrity of ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Implementation of sustainable agricultural techniques

Answer

Unchecked pollution of air, water, and soil

Answer

Dramatic shifts in climatic patterns

Answer

Introduction of non-native species

Question 32

In an ecological community, what primary role do decomposers serve?

Accepted Answer

Breaking down organic matter to recycle nutrients

Answer

Generating food for other members of the community

Answer

Keeping populations of other organisms under control

Answer

Providing shelter and protection for other organisms

Question 33

What is the term used to describe the gradual adaptation of organisms to their specific environments over extended periods?

Accepted Answer

Evolution

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Mutation

Question 34

What is the fundamental distinction between a food chain and a food web?

Accepted Answer

Food chains are linear pathways, while food webs are complex and interconnected.

Answer

Food chains focus on the transfer of energy, while food webs encompass the cycling of nutrients.

Answer

Food chains only consider primary consumers, while food webs include all trophic levels.

Answer

There is no significant difference between food chains and food webs.

Question 35

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of a healthy ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

High biodiversity

Answer

Slow energy flow

Answer

Limited nutrient cycling

Answer

Unstable populations

Question 36

Ecology is the study of:

Accepted Answer

Interactions between organisms and their environment

Answer

The inheritance of traits

Answer

The evolution of species

Answer

The structure of organisms

Question 37

A species that has a disproportionately large impact on its ecosystem relative to its abundance is called a:

Accepted Answer

Keystone species

Answer

Foundation species

Answer

Indicator species

Answer

Pioneer species

Question 38

The process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy is called:

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis

Answer

Fermentation

Answer

Chemosynthesis

Answer

Respiration

Question 39

The gaseous layer that surrounds the Earth and supports life is called the:

Accepted Answer

Atmosphere

Answer

Biosphere

Answer

Hydrosphere

Answer

Geosphere

Question 40

The process that breaks down organic matter into simpler substances is called:

Accepted Answer

Decomposition

Answer

Evaporation

Answer

Hydrolysis

Answer

Combustion

Question 41

Which of the following energy sources is considered inexhaustible?

Accepted Answer

Solar energy

Answer

Coal

Answer

Natural gas

Answer

Oil

Question 42

The scientific discipline that examines the interactions between organisms and their environment is:

Accepted Answer

Ecology

Answer

Zoology

Answer

Genetics

Answer

Botany

Question 43

A relationship between two species in which both benefit is known as:

Accepted Answer

Mutualism

Answer

Commensalism

Answer

Parasitism

Answer

Amensalism

Question 44

Which of the following is a characteristic of a healthy ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

High biodiversity

Answer

Low productivity

Answer

Unbalanced nutrient cycles

Answer

Low resilience to disturbances

Question 45

The process by which plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce food is known as:

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis

Answer

Respiration

Answer

Transpiration

Question 46

Which of the following is a keystone species in a grassland ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Prairie dog

Answer

Hummingbird

Answer

Sloth

Answer

Eagle

Question 47

The term 'biodiversity' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The variety of life forms within an ecosystem

Answer

The carrying capacity of an environment

Answer

The number of individuals in a population

Question 48

Which of the following human activities is a major threat to biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Habitat destruction

Answer

Wildlife conservation

Answer

Sustainable agriculture

Answer

Ecotourism

Question 49

The process of succession in an ecosystem involves:

Accepted Answer

Gradual changes in species composition over time

Answer

Sudden shifts in dominant species

Answer

Reversal of ecosystem development

Answer

Constant species diversity

Question 50

Which of the following is an example of a symbiotic relationship?

Accepted Answer

Mycorrhizae

Answer

Predation

Answer

Parasitism

Answer

Competition

Question 51

The concept of a 'trophic level' in an ecosystem refers to:

Accepted Answer

The feeding position of an organism

Answer

The size of an organism

Answer

The lifespan of an organism

Answer

The habitat of an organism

Question 52

Conservation efforts should prioritize protecting:

Accepted Answer

Areas with high biodiversity

Answer

Areas with low human population density

Answer

Areas with abundant natural resources

Answer

Areas with high economic value