Question 1

What is a primary effect of a volcanic eruption on species diversity in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

It creates new land that can support new species over time.

Answer

It increases pollution which affects species negatively.

Answer

It leads to immediate extinction of all species.

Answer

It has no effect on the species diversity.

Question 2

How does secondary succession differ from primary succession in terms of the starting conditions?

Accepted Answer

Secondary succession occurs in areas where soil is already present.

Answer

Secondary succession only happens in aquatic environments.

Answer

Secondary succession occurs on newly formed volcanic islands without soil.

Answer

Secondary succession starts with barren rock surfaces.

Question 3

What role do pioneer species play in primary ecological succession?

Accepted Answer

They help to create soil by breaking down rock and accumulating organic matter.

Answer

They cause immediate decline in biodiversity.

Answer

They prevent other species from colonizing the area.

Answer

They permanently dominate the ecosystem without allowing succession.

Question 4

Which of the following is a characteristic of secondary succession?

Accepted Answer

It typically occurs faster than primary succession because soil is already present.

Answer

It only takes place in aquatic ecosystems.

Answer

It starts with the colonization of lichen and moss.

Answer

It involves the formation of new soil from bare rock.

Question 5

What is the main difference between primary and secondary succession in terms of initiating events?

Accepted Answer

Primary succession occurs on surfaces where no soil exists, often following volcanic eruptions.

Answer

Primary succession only happens in tropical rainforests.

Answer

Primary succession begins in areas already covered by water.

Answer

Primary succession is slower because it begins in soil-rich areas.

Question 6

What typically initiates secondary succession in an established ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

A disturbance such as a forest fire or hurricane.

Answer

The introduction of non-native species into the ecosystem.

Answer

The creation of new land by volcanic activity.

Answer

The formation of glaciers and ice sheets.

Question 7

What is a potential impact of human activity on ecological succession?

Accepted Answer

Deforestation can lead to an accelerated or altered succession process.

Answer

Cities built by humans have no impact on ecological succession.

Answer

Human activity prevents all forms of ecological succession.

Answer

Human activity only affects aquatic ecosystems.

Question 8

Which species are typically the first to colonize a rocky area during primary succession?

Accepted Answer

Lichens and mosses.

Answer

Large mammals like bears and deer.

Answer

Trees and shrubs.

Answer

Fish and amphibians.

Question 9

What is a common result of primary succession on newly formed volcanic islands?

Accepted Answer

The gradual development of a complex ecosystem with increased biodiversity.

Answer

The immediate establishment of a dense forest.

Answer

Perpetual barrenness with no plant or animal life.

Answer

A rapid decrease in local temperature.

Question 10

Which factor most influences the speed of secondary succession?

Accepted Answer

The availability of soil and seeds left after the disturbance.

Answer

The initial absence of any living organisms.

Answer

The presence of volcanic activity nearby.

Answer

The amount of sunlight received per day.

Question 11

How does biodiversity contribute to the stability of an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity helps ecosystems recover from disturbances.

Answer

Biodiversity makes ecosystems more sensitive to changes.

Answer

Biodiversity decreases the number of species in an ecosystem.

Answer

Biodiversity reduces the availability of resources.

Question 12

Why is biodiversity important for the sustainability of an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity ensures the ecosystem can provide essential services like nutrient cycling and pollination.

Answer

Biodiversity prevents the adaptation of species.

Answer

Biodiversity increases competition for limited resources.

Answer

Biodiversity ensures only one species dominates the ecosystem.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes how biodiversity contributes to the health of organisms within an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity provides a variety of food sources and habitats for organisms.

Answer

Biodiversity causes habitat destruction for many species.

Answer

Biodiversity reduces the spread of beneficial species.

Answer

Biodiversity limits the genetic variation of organisms.

Question 14

In what way does higher biodiversity contribute to the stability and sustainability of an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Higher biodiversity increases an ecosystem's resilience to environmental changes.

Answer

Higher biodiversity reduces the genetic diversity within species.

Answer

Higher biodiversity leads to increased competition for resources, decreasing stability.

Answer

Higher biodiversity primarily benefits only the predator species within an ecosystem.

Question 15

How does biodiversity impact the ability of an ecosystem to adapt to changes?

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity provides a variety of species with different traits, enhancing adaptation to changes.

Answer

Biodiversity focuses on a single species adapting to changes.

Answer

Biodiversity reduces the ability of ecosystems to withstand environmental pressures.

Answer

Biodiversity restricts the genetic variability needed for adaptation.

Question 16

What role does biodiversity play in the resilience of an ecosystem against environmental stress?

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity buffers ecosystems against stress by providing functional redundancy.

Answer

Biodiversity prevents ecosystems from evolving with environmental changes.

Answer

Biodiversity causes ecosystems to become overly complex and unstable.

Answer

Biodiversity limits the ecosystem's ability to respond to stress.

Question 17

Why might an ecosystem with low biodiversity be more vulnerable to disease outbreaks?

Accepted Answer

Low biodiversity can lead to a lack of genetic diversity, making ecosystems more susceptible to diseases.

Answer

Low biodiversity increases the variety of pathogens present.

Answer

Low biodiversity reduces the need for disease control mechanisms.

Answer

Low biodiversity ensures a quick recovery from diseases.

Question 18

How does biodiversity promote the health of organisms within an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity provides varied resources and habitats, supporting different organisms' needs.

Answer

Biodiversity reduces the number of available habitats.

Answer

Biodiversity focuses on a single resource type for all organisms.

Answer

Biodiversity limits the available resources for organisms.

Question 19

What is one way that biodiversity contributes to the recovery of ecosystems after disturbances such as fires or floods?

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity includes species that can quickly recolonize and restore ecosystem functions.

Answer

Biodiversity reduces the number of species that can regenerate.

Answer

Biodiversity causes ecosystems to rely on a single species for recovery.

Answer

Biodiversity decreases the rate of recovery by adding complexity.

Question 20

Why is biodiversity crucial for the long-term stability of ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity ensures a variety of species that can adapt to changing conditions, maintaining balance.

Answer

Biodiversity requires more resources, reducing long-term stability.

Answer

Biodiversity leads to a single species dominating the ecosystem over time.

Answer

Biodiversity limits the evolutionary potential within the ecosystem.

Question 21

Which of the following disruptions is most likely to decrease the energy transfer in a food web?

Accepted Answer

A significant decrease in the primary producer population.

Answer

A natural disaster destroying habitats

Answer

An increase in herbivore population

Question 22

How might human intervention, such as deforestation, impact the transfer of energy in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Deforestation reduces the number of trees, which are primary producers, thus lowering energy availability.

Answer

Deforestation increases predator populations, boosting energy flow.

Answer

Deforestation has no impact on energy transfer.

Question 23

In what way can a natural disaster, like a wildfire, disrupt the energy transfer in a forest ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

A wildfire can significantly reduce plant life, decreasing energy produced by primary producers.

Answer

A wildfire causes a rise in predator species, improving energy distribution.

Answer

A wildfire increases the population of herbivores, enhancing energy flow.

Question 24

How can a sudden increase in a specific animal population impact energy transfer in a food web?

Accepted Answer

It can lead to overconsumption of plants, reducing energy available for other herbivores.

Answer

It can lead to increased plant growth, boosting energy availability.

Answer

It can stabilize predator populations, enhancing energy flow consistently.

Question 25

What impact does pollution have on energy transfer within aquatic food webs?

Accepted Answer

Pollution can decrease water quality, reducing primary productivity and energy flow.

Answer

Pollution can cause species extinction, which may not affect energy flow.

Answer

Pollution can increase nutrient levels, boosting energy transfer.

Question 26

What effect does an invasive species introduction have on the energy transfer in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Invasive species can outcompete native species for resources, disrupting energy flow.

Answer

Invasive species always improve biodiversity, enhancing energy transfer.

Answer

Invasive species have no impact on energy distribution in an ecosystem.

Question 27

Which type of human intervention is most likely to affect the energy transfer by altering the flow of a river?

Accepted Answer

Building a dam can alter water flow, affecting aquatic ecosystems and energy transfer.

Answer

Clearing vegetation along the river, improving water flow.

Answer

Fishing regulations that restrict overfishing.

Question 28

How does a decrease in predator population impact the energy flow in a food web?

Accepted Answer

A decrease in predator population can lead to an increase in prey species, affecting energy balance in the ecosystem.

Answer

A decrease in predator population can lead to less competition among prey, affecting energy flow.

Answer

A decrease in predator population allows new predator species to move in, enhancing energy flow.

Question 29

What is the consequence of a natural disaster like a flood on the energy flow in a terrestrial food web?

Accepted Answer

Floods can destroy habitats, reducing plant life and thus primary energy intake, affecting the entire food web.

Answer

Floods increase nutrient availability, improving energy flow across the food web.

Answer

Floods have no significant impact on terrestrial food webs as energy flow remains unaffected.

Question 30

How might an oil spill impact the transfer of energy in a marine ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

An oil spill can suffocate marine plants and animals, reducing energy flow at all levels.

Answer

An oil spill has minimal impact as marine ecosystems quickly adapt and recover.

Answer

An oil spill can provide a new food source for marine creatures, enhancing energy flow.

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