#1
Which of the following best describes an ecosystem?
A single species living in a specific area
The interactions between living organisms and their environment
The study of individual organisms
The process of evolution within a population
#2
What is the primary source of energy for most ecosystems?
Wind
Water
Sunlight
Geothermal energy
#3
Which of the following is not a biotic factor in an ecosystem?
Plants
Animals
Rocks
Bacteria
#4
What is the term for the process by which organisms convert light energy into chemical energy?
Photosynthesis
Respiration
Transpiration
Decomposition
#5
What is the primary factor determining the distribution of terrestrial biomes?
Average temperature
Elevation
Longitude
Precipitation
#6
Which of the following is not a characteristic of a climax community?
High species diversity
Stable population sizes
Rapid growth rates
Maximum biomass
#7
What is the term for the process by which nitrogen is converted into a form that can be utilized by plants?
Denitrification
Nitrogen fixation
Ammonification
Nitrification
#8
Which of the following is NOT a major greenhouse gas?
Carbon dioxide
Oxygen
Methane
Water vapor
#9
What is the term for the relationship between two species where one benefits and the other is unaffected?
Mutualism
Commensalism
Parasitism
Predation
#10
Which of the following is not a major biome?
Desert
Grassland
Mountain
Urban
#11
Which of the following best describes the term 'keystone species'?
A species that can adapt to various environments
A species that serves as a major food source for predators
A species that plays a critical role in maintaining ecosystem structure and function
A species that is on the brink of extinction
#12
What is the primary source of anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions?
Deforestation
Agriculture
Transportation
Burning of fossil fuels
#13
Which of the following is an example of a positive feedback loop in environmental dynamics?
Increased atmospheric carbon dioxide leading to global warming
Predator-prey population cycles
The cooling effect of melting sea ice
Increased biodiversity stabilizing an ecosystem
#14
What is the term for the process by which a species evolves to resemble another species?
Convergent evolution
Divergent evolution
Parallel evolution
Co-evolution
#15
Which of the following is NOT a factor contributing to biodiversity loss?
Habitat destruction
Climate change
Species reintroduction
Overexploitation
#16
What is the term for the gradual process of change and replacement of species in a community?
Eutrophication
Succession
Fragmentation
Extinction