Ecosystems and Sustainability: Online Learning Quizzes for Year 9 Science

Question 1

Define an ecosystem.

Accepted Answer

A community of living organisms interacting with their non-living environment (air, water, soil).

Answer

A specific area with a particular climate and vegetation.

Answer

The total number of organisms in an area.

Answer

A group of organisms of the same species living together.

Question 2

What process transforms nitrogen from the atmosphere into a form that plants can use?

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen Fixation

Answer

Nitrification

Answer

Assimilation

Answer

Denitrification

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a natural part of an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Tractor

Answer

Plants

Answer

Sunlight

Answer

Water

Question 4

In a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship, how do both participating species gain advantages from their interaction?

Accepted Answer

Both species share resources, like food or shelter, to their mutual benefit.

Answer

One species benefits while the other remains unaffected.

Answer

One species benefits at the expense of the other.

Answer

Both species compete for the same resources, but neither gains an advantage.

Question 5

Ecosystems consist of different parts that work together. Which of these is NOT a part of an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

The weather

Answer

Decomposers

Answer

Animals that eat other animals

Answer

Plants that make their own food

Question 6

Which of the following is not a fundamental component of an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Energy flow

Answer

Producers (plants)

Answer

Consumers (animals)

Answer

Decomposers (e.g. bacteria)

Question 7

What poses a major threat to the variety of life in ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Habitat loss

Accepted Answer

Climate change

Accepted Answer

Pollution

Answer

Too many predators

Question 8

In a food chain, how does energy flow?

Accepted Answer

Energy decreases as it moves up the chain.

Answer

Energy increases as it moves up the chain.

Answer

Energy stays the same as it moves up the chain.

Answer

Energy is lost and then regained as it moves up the chain.

Question 9

Which of the following is a key component of an ecosystem's biotic environment?

Accepted Answer

Plants

Answer

Sunlight

Answer

Water

Answer

Temperature

Question 10

In the United Kingdom, how does the principle of sustainability guide the management and conservation of resources?

Accepted Answer

Sustainability principles directly shape resource management and conservation practices in the UK.

Answer

Resource extraction is prioritized over sustainability in the UK.

Answer

Sustainability has no influence on resource use in the UK.

Answer

Sustainability is a novel concept not yet considered in UK resource management.

Question 11

Which action would increase human impact on ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Increasing consumption and waste production

Answer

Conserving energy and reducing carbon emissions

Answer

Protecting natural habitats and wildlife

Question 12

Which characteristic is NOT a feature of sustainable ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Significant human intervention

Answer

High biodiversity

Answer

Efficient nutrient cycling

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT an ecosystem service provided by natural ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Creating fossil fuels

Answer

Filtering air and water

Answer

Regulating Earth's climate

Answer

Providing food and materials

Question 14

In photosynthesis, plants and algae use sunlight to create glucose. Which of these is NOT a raw material needed for photosynthesis?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen

Answer

Sunlight

Answer

Water

Answer

Carbon dioxide

Question 15

Which action is NOT a conservation strategy used to protect endangered species?

Accepted Answer

Allowing hunting and trading of endangered species

Answer

Protecting habitats where endangered animals live

Answer

Breeding endangered animals in captivity and releasing them into the wild

Question 16

What is an organism's ecological niche within an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Its unique role and interactions in its environment

Answer

Its physical location or habitat

Answer

The population size of its species

Answer

The availability of resources in its habitat

Question 17

Which of the following is **not** a natural part of an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Human-made structures and activities

Answer

Living organisms (plants, animals, microorganisms)

Answer

Non-living physical factors (temperature, water, soil)

Question 18

How might disruptions to the nitrogen cycle, carbon cycle, or water cycle impact terrestrial ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Reduced plant growth, changes in species diversity, and heightened risk of natural disasters

Answer

Increased biodiversity, diminished soil fertility, and elevated nutrient loss

Answer

Enhanced carbon storage, improved water quality, and increased ecosystem resilience

Question 19

In nutrient cycling, what is the primary function of decomposers in preserving ecosystem health?

Accepted Answer

Decomposers break down organic matter, releasing essential nutrients back into the environment.

Answer

Decomposers release harmful substances that break down organic matter.

Question 20

Which of these is NOT a human-caused threat to the variety of species on Earth?

Accepted Answer

Natural disasters

Answer

Climate change

Answer

Poaching

Answer

Overfishing

Question 21

In an ecosystem, which factor does NOT directly restrict the growth of a population?

Accepted Answer

Nesting sites

Answer

Food availability

Answer

Predators

Answer

Competition for resources

Question 22

Ecosystem services are the benefits humans gain from natural ecosystems. Which of these is NOT an ecosystem service?

Accepted Answer

Fossil fuel and mineral extraction

Answer

Clean air and water

Answer

Climate and weather regulation

Answer

Pollination

Question 23

Which of the following is NOT a living component of an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Temperature

Answer

Producers

Answer

Consumers

Answer

Decomposers

Question 24

How do decomposers contribute to the availability of nutrients for other organisms in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Decomposers break down dead organisms and organic matter, releasing nutrients back into the soil or water for plants to absorb.

Answer

Decomposers only consume living organisms, providing nutrients directly to other organisms.

Answer

Decomposers compete with plants for nutrients, reducing their availability in the ecosystem.

Question 25

Which human activity poses the greatest risk to the stability of ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Deforestation

Answer

Sustainable farming practices

Answer

Renewable energy development

Question 26

Biodiversity refers to the variety of different living things in an ecosystem. Which of the following statements about biodiversity is true?

Accepted Answer

Higher biodiversity makes ecosystems more stable.

Answer

Lower biodiversity makes ecosystems more stable.

Question 27

An environmentalist is assessing the potential impact of constructing a new factory on a nearby ecosystem. Which factor is not directly related to the environmental impact and is therefore least likely to be considered in their argument?

Accepted Answer

Increased employment opportunities in the local area

Answer

Impact on local wildlife populations

Answer

Potential for air and water pollution

Answer

Disruption of natural resource availability

Question 28

Which of the following is NOT a benefit humans receive from natural ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Treating human-generated waste

Answer

Supplying food, water, and wood

Answer

Regulating climate and preventing floods

Answer

Providing opportunities for recreation and spiritual enrichment

Question 29

How can we balance using natural resources with protecting biodiversity and ecosystem services? What ethical principles should guide our interactions with ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Strive to balance resource utilization with conservation, implementing sustainable practices and minimizing ecological impact.

Answer

Prioritize human needs over environmental concerns, allowing unrestricted resource extraction.

Answer

Preserve all natural areas as strict wilderness zones, prohibiting any human activity.

Answer

Ethical considerations in ecosystem interactions are purely subjective and based on individual beliefs.

Question 30

How can disruptions to the water cycle impact both the functioning of ecosystems and the well-being of humans?

Accepted Answer

Changes in plant and animal populations, as well as the availability of water for human use.

Answer

Only the availability of water for human use.

Answer

Only the functioning of ecosystems.

Question 31

How can we improve the effectiveness of conservation strategies to protect biodiversity and ecosystem services?

Accepted Answer

Community involvement and payments for ecosystem services could enhance conservation.

Accepted Answer

Technology can improve monitoring and enforcement of conservation measures.

Answer

Current strategies are sufficient and don't need major changes.

Answer

Conservation should focus only on protecting rare and endangered species.

Question 32

In a temperate forest ecosystem, a food chain consists of the following organisms: phytoplankton, zooplankton, fish, and fox. Identify the correct role of each organism in this food chain:

Accepted Answer

A. Phytoplankton - producer, Zooplankton - primary consumer, Fish - secondary consumer, Fox - tertiary consumer

Answer

B. Phytoplankton - producer, Zooplankton - secondary consumer, Fish - primary consumer, Fox - decomposer

Answer

C. Phytoplankton - producer, Zooplankton - primary consumer, Fish - secondary consumer, Fox - decomposer

Answer

D. Phytoplankton - decomposer, Zooplankton - primary consumer, Fish - secondary consumer, Fox - tertiary consumer

Question 33

Describe the role of microorganisms in nutrient cycling within an ecosystem. Focus on the processes of decomposition and nitrogen fixation, explaining how they contribute to nutrient availability.

Accepted Answer

Microorganisms break down dead organisms and organic matter through decomposition, releasing nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium back into the soil for plant uptake.

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen-fixing microorganisms convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for plants, such as ammonia or nitrates.

Answer

Microorganisms compete fiercely with plants for nutrients, reducing their availability in the ecosystem.

Answer

Microorganisms have a negligible impact on nutrient cycling in ecosystems.

Question 34

Which conservation strategy is most effective in protecting endangered species and ecosystems: habitat protection, species reintroduction, or captive breeding programs?

Accepted Answer

Habitat protection, as it addresses the root causes of species decline, such as habitat loss and fragmentation.

Answer

Species reintroduction, as it directly increases the population of endangered species and boosts genetic diversity.

Answer

Captive breeding programs, as they allow for close monitoring and protection of endangered species.

Answer

All three strategies are equally effective, and their success depends on the specific species and circumstances.

Question 35

In an ecosystem, the primary producers are responsible for which of the following processes?

Accepted Answer

Converting sunlight into energy through photosynthesis

Answer

Consuming other organisms for nourishment

Answer

Decomposing dead organisms and waste materials

Answer

Regulating the populations of other organisms

Question 36

Decomposers play a vital role in ecosystems by:

Accepted Answer

Breaking down dead organisms and waste materials

Answer

Producing food for other organisms

Answer

Regulating populations

Answer

Providing shelter for other organisms

Question 37

A sustainable ecosystem is one that:

Accepted Answer

Can support life indefinitely

Answer

Is isolated from external influences

Answer

Contains a limited number of species

Answer

Is constantly changing

Question 38

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

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis

Answer

Respiration

Answer

Decomposition

Answer

Transpiration

Question 39

The term used to describe the specific area where an organism lives and interacts with its surroundings is:

Accepted Answer

Habitat

Answer

Niche

Answer

Ecosystem

Answer

Biosphere

Question 40

Keystone species are crucial for ecosystem stability. What occurs when an ecosystem loses a keystone species?

Accepted Answer

The ecosystem becomes less stable and more prone to disruption.

Answer

The ecosystem experiences a surge in biodiversity.

Answer

Only the ecosystem's top predators are impacted by the loss of a keystone species.

Answer

The ecosystem remains unaffected by the loss of a keystone species.

Question 41

Invasive species are non-native species introduced into an ecosystem. How can their introduction disrupt the balance of the ecosystem? What measures can be taken to control their spread?

Accepted Answer

Invasive species outcompete native species for resources, disrupting the ecosystem's balance.

Answer

Invasive species are native species that have become overly abundant, disrupting the ecosystem's balance.

Answer

Invasive species benefit the ecosystem they are introduced to by providing new food sources and habitats for native species.

Answer

Invasive species cannot be controlled once they have been introduced into an ecosystem.

Question 42

Which of the following is NOT a vital element in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Inorganic substances

Answer

Living organisms (biotic factors)

Answer

Non-living factors (abiotic factors)

Answer

Energy transfer

Question 43

What is the term for the process by which plants convert sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose?

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis

Answer

Respiration

Answer

Decomposition

Answer

Transpiration

Question 44

Which of the following practices aligns with the principles of sustainability?

Accepted Answer

Utilizing renewable energy sources

Answer

Extensive deforestation

Answer

Excessive fishing

Answer

Burning fossil fuels

Question 45

What is the primary function of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Breaking down organic matter into usable nutrients

Answer

Generating oxygen for other organisms

Answer

Consuming plants and other producers

Answer

Regulating the flow of water

Question 46

What type of relationship exists when one organism benefits while the other remains unaffected?

Accepted Answer

Commensalism

Answer

Mutualism

Answer

Parasitism

Answer

Predation

Question 47

Which of the following accurately describes a food chain?

Accepted Answer

It represents the transfer of energy through different trophic levels.

Answer

It encompasses all organisms within an ecosystem.

Answer

It can form closed loops.

Answer

It is always linear in structure.

Question 48

Ecosystem degradation can negatively impact human health by:

Accepted Answer

Reducing air quality

Answer

Increasing water availability

Answer

Preventing disease transmission

Answer

Promoting biodiversity

Question 49

Ecosystem conservation must consider the cultural and spiritual beliefs of indigenous communities. How can we effectively balance these factors?

Accepted Answer

Collaborate with indigenous communities to find mutually acceptable solutions

Answer

Prioritize conservation efforts, disregarding indigenous beliefs

Answer

Allow indigenous communities unlimited ecosystem use

Answer

Ban human activities in ecosystems with spiritual or cultural significance

Question 50

What is a potential benefit of climate change?

Accepted Answer

Higher crop production in certain areas

Answer

More frequent extreme weather events

Answer

Reduced biodiversity

Answer

Increased spread of diseases

Question 51

Which characteristic is NOT associated with a sustainable ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Relying on external resources

Answer

Maintaining a balance between organisms and their environment

Answer

Supporting a wide range of species

Answer

Resisting changes and disturbances

Question 52

The process by which organisms extract energy from food is:

Accepted Answer

Respiration

Answer

Photosynthesis

Answer

Transpiration

Answer

Decomposition

Question 53

The term 'biodiversity' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The variety of life on Earth

Answer

The number of species within an ecosystem

Answer

The distribution of organisms in a habitat

Answer

The rate of species extinction

Question 54

Which resource is renewable?

Accepted Answer

Freshwater

Answer

Fossil fuels

Answer

Minerals

Answer

Coal

Question 55

The process of microorganisms breaking down organic matter is:

Accepted Answer

Decomposition

Answer

Evaporation

Answer

Respiration

Answer

Photosynthesis

Question 56

The 'food chain' describes:

Accepted Answer

The transfer of energy through levels of organisms

Answer

Organisms competing for the same resources

Answer

Organisms sharing a mutualistic relationship

Answer

Organisms living in the same habitat

Question 57

What are the potential ecological and economic consequences of introducing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Reduced crop yields and increased herbicide resistance in weeds

Accepted Answer

Enhanced food security but potential environmental concerns

Answer

Increased biodiversity and reduced pesticide use

Answer

Increased soil erosion and reduced water quality

Question 58

What term describes the network of interconnected relationships between organisms in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Food web

Answer

Food chain

Answer

Habitat

Answer

Biome

Question 59

What is the main function of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Breaking down dead organisms

Answer

Producing food for other organisms

Answer

Controlling the population of other organisms

Answer

Providing shelter for other organisms

Question 60

Which of these is NOT a type of pollution?

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity

Answer

Air pollution

Answer

Water pollution

Answer

Light pollution

Question 61

Which environmental policy tool sets limits on emissions and establishes a marketplace where businesses can buy and sell permits for those emissions?

Accepted Answer

Tradable permit

Answer

Regulation

Answer

Tax

Question 62

How does involving local communities enhance the effectiveness of ecosystem conservation and management?

Accepted Answer

Promotes local ownership and active participation

Answer

Eliminates the need for professional scientific expertise

Answer

Substantially reduces the financial burden of conservation

Question 63

Which of the following is a potential drawback of conserving biodiversity and ecosystem services?

Accepted Answer

Increased demand for costly technological solutions to environmental problems

Answer

Enhanced ecosystem resilience to environmental changes

Answer

Improved air and water quality

Answer

Support for sustainable agriculture and food production

Question 64

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of environmental education and public participation?

Accepted Answer

Increased use of fossil fuels

Answer

Enhanced comprehension of environmental concerns

Answer

Cultivating a sense of environmental stewardship

Answer

Promoting environmentally friendly practices