#1
Which of the following best describes an ecosystem?
The interactions between living organisms and their environment
ExplanationEcosystems entail interactions between organisms and their surroundings.
#2
What is the primary source of energy for most ecosystems?
Sunlight
ExplanationSunlight serves as the primary energy source for ecosystem functions.
#3
Which of the following is not a biotic factor in an ecosystem?
Rocks
ExplanationRocks are abiotic components, not living factors, in ecosystems.
#4
What is the term for the process by which organisms convert light energy into chemical energy?
Photosynthesis
ExplanationPhotosynthesis is the conversion of light energy into chemical energy by organisms.
#5
What is the primary factor determining the distribution of terrestrial biomes?
Precipitation
ExplanationPrecipitation patterns largely determine the distribution of terrestrial biomes.
#6
Which of the following is not a characteristic of a climax community?
Rapid growth rates
ExplanationClimax communities do not exhibit rapid growth rates as they are in equilibrium.
#7
What is the term for the process by which nitrogen is converted into a form that can be utilized by plants?
Nitrogen fixation
ExplanationNitrogen fixation is the conversion of nitrogen gas into plant-usable forms.
#8
Which of the following is NOT a major greenhouse gas?
Oxygen
ExplanationOxygen is not considered a major greenhouse gas in Earth's atmosphere.
#9
What is the term for the relationship between two species where one benefits and the other is unaffected?
Commensalism
ExplanationCommensalism involves one species benefiting while the other is neither helped nor harmed.
#10
Which of the following is not a major biome?
Urban
ExplanationUrban areas are not classified as major biomes due to human development.
#11
Which of the following best describes the term 'keystone species'?
A species that plays a critical role in maintaining ecosystem structure and function
ExplanationKeystone species significantly influence ecosystem structure and function.
#12
What is the primary source of anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions?
Burning of fossil fuels
ExplanationThe combustion of fossil fuels is the main source of anthropogenic CO2 emissions.
#13
Which of the following is an example of a positive feedback loop in environmental dynamics?
Increased atmospheric carbon dioxide leading to global warming
ExplanationElevated CO2 levels contributing to global warming is a positive feedback loop.
#14
What is the term for the process by which a species evolves to resemble another species?
Convergent evolution
ExplanationConvergent evolution involves species developing similar traits independently.
#15
Which of the following is NOT a factor contributing to biodiversity loss?
Species reintroduction
ExplanationReintroducing species doesn't directly contribute to biodiversity loss.
#16
What is the term for the gradual process of change and replacement of species in a community?
Succession
ExplanationSuccession involves the sequential replacement of species in an ecosystem over time.