Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Interactive Learning Quizzes

Question 1

Keystone species are known for having a disproportionate impact on their ecosystem relative to their abundance. Which of the following statements about keystone species is true?

Accepted Answer

They can be predators, prey, or even plants.

Answer

They are often the most abundant species in an ecosystem.

Answer

Their removal has no significant impact on the overall ecosystem.

Answer

They are always at the top of the food chain.

Question 2

How should we make decisions about protecting and managing ecosystems, considering the ethical, social, and economic factors involved?

Accepted Answer

Carefully consider all factors and make balanced decisions that meet both human and environmental needs.

Answer

Prioritize immediate economic gains over long-term environmental protection.

Answer

Focus only on protecting ecosystems, even if it has negative social or economic impacts.

Answer

Avoid making tough choices and always put conservation first.

Question 3

In an ecosystem, hawks hunt rodents, which in turn feed on plants. If the hawk population were to decline significantly, how might this affect the stability of the ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

With fewer hawks, the rodent population would likely increase, potentially leading to a decline in plant diversity due to overgrazing.

Answer

The decline in hawk population would directly impact larger carnivores, leading to a decrease in their numbers.

Answer

With fewer rodents, plant growth would increase, potentially depleting soil nutrients.

Question 4

A study shows that an ecosystem has fewer different species and they are less evenly distributed. What does this suggest about the ecosystem's health?

Accepted Answer

The ecosystem is damaged and not working as well as it should.

Answer

The ecosystem is healthy and stable.

Answer

The ecosystem is very productive and can recover easily.

Answer

The ecosystem is just going through a short-term change.

Question 5

What poses a significant threat to biodiversity and the health of ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Loss and fragmentation of habitats

Answer

Conservation initiatives

Answer

Sustainable land management practices

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Unlimited resources

Answer

Interdependence of living organisms

Answer

Constant exchange of energy and matter

Answer

Presence of both abiotic and biotic components

Question 7

Which of the following ecosystems has the highest biodiversity on Earth?

Accepted Answer

Tropical rainforest

Answer

Temperate forest

Answer

Polar ecosystem

Answer

Desert

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis

Answer

Respiration

Answer

Decomposition

Answer

Mineralization

Question 9

Which of the following is a producer in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Green plants

Answer

Herbivores

Answer

Carnivores

Answer

Decomposers

Question 10

The term 'symbiosis' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Close and prolonged interaction between different species

Answer

Competition for resources between species

Answer

Predation of one species by another

Answer

Mutualistic relationships between species

Question 11

What are 'ecosystem services'?

Accepted Answer

Benefits humans get from ecosystems, like resources, climate control, and cultural value.

Answer

Money made from selling resources taken from ecosystems.

Answer

Services only found in big, complex ecosystems like rainforests.

Answer

Benefits ecosystems give humans that never change.

Question 12

Which process in an ecosystem involves the breakdown of organic matter, releasing nutrients back into the environment, and maintaining the balance of the ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Decomposition

Answer

Photosynthesis

Answer

Respiration

Answer

Pollination

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Human activities

Answer

Living organisms (biotic factors)

Answer

Non-living factors (abiotic factors)

Answer

Relationships between organisms

Question 14

The process by which organisms interact with each other and their surroundings is called:

Accepted Answer

Ecosystem dynamics

Answer

Biodiversity

Answer

Symbiosis

Answer

Adaptation

Question 15

Which of these is an example of a keystone species?

Accepted Answer

Earthworm

Answer

Polar bear

Answer

Eagle

Answer

Lion

Question 16

What is the term for the zone where two ecosystems meet and interact?

Accepted Answer

Ecotone

Answer

Biosphere

Answer

Transition zone

Answer

Habitat corridor

Question 17

The diversity of species within a particular habitat is best described by:

Accepted Answer

Species richness

Answer

Species abundance

Answer

Biodiversity index

Answer

Ecological diversity

Question 18

Ecosystem services are important because they:

Accepted Answer

Do all of the above

Answer

Provide us with food and water

Answer

Help regulate our climate

Answer

Support a wide range of species

Question 19

Primary producers in an ecosystem play the crucial role of:

Accepted Answer

Converting light energy into chemical energy

Answer

Consuming organic matter

Answer

Decomposing organic matter

Answer

Fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere

Question 20

Citizen science is a valuable tool for ecological research because it enables scientists to:

Accepted Answer

Gather data on a larger scale and over a longer period than they could alone.

Answer

Always ensure reliable and accurate data.

Answer

Focus only on common and easily observed species.

Answer

Eliminate the need for professional scientists.

Question 21

When managing an ecosystem, what ethical factors should be considered? Explain why it's important to protect biodiversity while also meeting human needs.

Accepted Answer

Give priority to actions that have the least impact on biodiversity.

Answer

Put human needs ahead of biodiversity.

Answer

Protect biodiversity without thinking about how it will affect people.

Question 22

Which type of symbiotic relationship benefits both species involved?

Accepted Answer

Mutualism

Answer

Parasitism

Answer

Commensalism

Answer

Amensalism

Question 23

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

Accepted Answer

Economic activities within the area

Answer

Living organisms (biotic factors)

Answer

Non-living physical factors (abiotic factors)

Answer

Interactions between organisms and their environment

Question 24

How is biodiversity linked to ecosystem stability?

Accepted Answer

Higher biodiversity generally leads to increased ecosystem stability

Answer

Lower biodiversity generally leads to increased ecosystem stability

Answer

Biodiversity has no impact on ecosystem stability

Answer

The relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem stability varies

Question 25

Which of the following relationships involves two species living in close association where both benefit?

Accepted Answer

Mutualism

Answer

Predator-prey relationship

Answer

Parasitism

Answer

Competition

Question 26

What is the primary role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Breaking down organic matter into simpler substances

Answer

Producing oxygen through photosynthesis

Answer

Consuming producers (plants) for energy

Answer

Regulating the temperature of the ecosystem

Question 27

What is the scientific term for the process by which plants use sunlight to produce their own food?

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis

Answer

Respiration

Answer

Transpiration

Answer

Decomposition

Question 28

Which of the following resources is considered renewable?

Accepted Answer

Water

Answer

Oil

Answer

Coal

Answer

Natural gas

Question 29

How are a population and a community different from each other?

Accepted Answer

A population consists of all the organisms of a single species in an area, while a community includes all the different species in an area

Answer

A population consists of all the living organisms in an area, while a community includes all the non-living factors in an area

Answer

A population consists of all the producers in an area, while a community includes all the consumers in an area

Answer

There is no difference between a population and a community

Question 30

What is the ethical dimension of the intrinsic value of biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity has intrinsic value, meaning it has worth even if it has no apparent benefits to humans.

Answer

Biodiversity is only valuable for the economic benefits it provides.

Answer

The ethical dimension of biodiversity focuses solely on protecting it for the well-being of present-day humans.

Answer

The ethical dimension of biodiversity is limited to its aesthetic beauty.

Question 31

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Dynamic composition

Answer

Interdependence of organisms

Answer

Constant flow of energy

Answer

Cycling of nutrients

Question 32

Biodiversity refers to:

Accepted Answer

Variety of species and their genetic differences

Answer

Total number of species in an area

Answer

Only the dominant species in an area

Answer

Only the rare and endangered species

Question 33

Which of the following is an example of a terrestrial ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Tundra

Answer

Coral reef

Answer

Ocean

Answer

Estuary

Question 34

The process by which plants convert sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into energy-rich compounds is known as:

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis

Answer

Respiration

Answer

Decomposition

Answer

Excretion

Question 35

A food chain is:

Accepted Answer

A linear representation of energy flow

Answer

A complex network of interconnected food webs

Answer

A cycle of nutrient exchange

Answer

A description of a single predator-prey relationship

Question 36

The primary role of decomposers in an ecosystem is to:

Accepted Answer

Break down dead organisms and recycle nutrients

Answer

Produce oxygen

Answer

Fix nitrogen

Answer

Pollinate plants

Question 37

Which of the following is NOT an example of an adaptation?

Accepted Answer

Intelligence

Answer

Camouflage

Answer

Migration

Answer

Hibernation

Question 38

The scientific study of interactions between living organisms and their environment is known as:

Accepted Answer

Ecology

Answer

Biology

Answer

Biophysics

Answer

Environmental science

Question 39

What is a major threat to marine ecosystems caused by climate change?

Accepted Answer

Higher water temperatures

Answer

Lower water salinity

Answer

Better coral health

Answer

Larger fish populations

Question 40

Which of the following is not a characteristic of an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

All living organisms are unrelated to each other.

Answer

Ecosystems include both abiotic and biotic components.

Answer

Ecosystems can range in size from a small pond to an entire forest.

Answer

The organisms within an ecosystem interact with each other.

Question 41

Which type of ecosystem is characterized by abundant sunlight, warm temperatures, and high humidity?

Accepted Answer

Tropical rainforest

Answer

Grassland

Answer

Temperate deciduous forest

Answer

Tundra

Question 42

Biodiversity refers to the:

Accepted Answer

Variety of living organisms and their genetic diversity within an ecosystem.

Answer

Total number of individuals in an ecosystem.

Answer

Dominant species in an ecosystem.

Answer

Amount of vegetation in an ecosystem.

Question 43

Biodiversity provides numerous benefits. Which of the following is NOT an ecosystem service provided by biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Reduced risk of disease.

Answer

Soil formation

Answer

Pollination

Answer

Water filtration

Question 44

The loss of biodiversity can have severe consequences. Which of the following is a potential impact of biodiversity loss?

Accepted Answer

Reduced stability of ecosystems.

Answer

Improved crop yields.

Answer

Enhanced air quality

Answer

Increased resilience to environmental change.

Question 45

Conservation efforts prioritize:

Accepted Answer

Protecting and restoring biodiversity.

Answer

Altering the climate.

Answer

Exploiting natural resources.

Answer

Increasing human population growth.

Question 46

Which of the following is a sustainable practice that contributes to biodiversity conservation?

Accepted Answer

Using renewable energy sources.

Answer

Using pesticides indiscriminately.

Answer

Overfishing

Answer

Clearing forests for agriculture.

Question 47

As a responsible citizen, you can contribute to biodiversity conservation by:

Accepted Answer

Reducing waste and recycling.

Answer

Driving a large SUV.

Answer

Ignoring environmental issues.

Answer

Using harmful chemicals in your garden.

Question 48

Ecosystems are dynamic and ever-changing. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

It is a closed system with no exchange of matter or energy.

Answer

It consists of living organisms and their non-living environment.

Answer

Its components are interconnected and interdependent.

Question 49

Various factors influence the formation and diversity of ecosystems. Which of the following is the PRIMARY factor?

Accepted Answer

Climate

Answer

Animal behavior

Answer

Human activity

Answer

Soil type

Question 50

Biodiversity encompasses the variety of life on Earth and offers numerous benefits. Which of the following is NOT a recognized advantage of biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

It makes ecosystems more vulnerable to environmental changes.

Answer

It enhances soil fertility and water quality.

Answer

It provides us with food, medicine, and other resources.

Answer

It increases ecosystem stability and resilience.

Question 51

Within an ecosystem, certain species play critical roles disproportionate to their abundance. Which of the following is an example of a keystone species?

Accepted Answer

Sea otter

Answer

Polar bear

Answer

Elephant

Answer

Blue whale

Question 52

The Convention on Biological Diversity aims to protect and conserve biodiversity. In what year was this international agreement adopted?

Accepted Answer

1992

Answer

2002

Answer

1982

Answer

2012

Question 53

To effectively conserve biodiversity, it is important to implement appropriate strategies. Which of the following is NOT a recommended measure?

Accepted Answer

Encouraging unsustainable exploitation of natural resources.

Answer

Reducing pollution and waste.

Answer

Protecting and restoring habitats.

Question 54

Species within an ecosystem often interact and evolve together over time. What is the term used to describe this process?

Accepted Answer

Coevolution

Answer

Competition

Answer

Predation

Answer

Symbiosis

Question 55

Ecosystems provide various services that benefit human societies. Which of the following is an example of an ecosystem service?

Accepted Answer

Water filtration by wetlands

Answer

Construction of dams

Answer

Mining of minerals

Answer

Planting of crops