5.25 Unit Test: Ecology

Which of the following is the best definition of an ecosystem?

An ecosystem grows exponentially unless a factor limits it.

Which types of organisms recycle the organic molecules of dead organisms at all trophic levels and return their nutrients to the environment?

Carnivores

Which statement best describes how organisms use nitrogen?

Certain bacteria convert nitrogen to a form animals can use, and animals obtain their nitrogen by inhaling this nitrogen.

Refer to the following photograph to answer the question. Assuming this land was once a farmer's field, which process does this photograph best represent?

Climate Change

Which trophic level contains the organisms that are the source of all chemical energy used in an ecosystem?

Decomposers

Which biome covers the largest part of earth?

Forest

Refer to the following graphs to answer the question. Identify the graph that best represents a population that grew exponentially until its carrying capacity was met.

Graph D

Refer to the following series of photographs to answer the question. Assuming that all topsoil was destroyed after a volcanic eruption, which process does this series of photographs best represent?

Secondary Succession

Which biome is pictured here?

Taiga

What is the largest reservoir of nitrogen on earth?

Trees

Which statement best summarizes the water cycle?

Water in the atmosphere must be converted to another chemical before animals can use it.

A large geographic area dominated by specific types of plants and animals and characterized by a distinct climate is called __________

a biosphere

Refer to the following photograph to answer the question. Which organisms would you expect to find in this biome?

cedars, pine trees, and warblers

You are an ecologist studying the life history of a newly discovered animal. You find that it reproduces slowly and has only one offspring each time it reproduces. Which reproductive strategy does this organism use?

r-strategy

Which statement best describes the term biodiversity?

the number of trophic levels in a food web