Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between genetic diversity and species diversity, as shown in the first image?

Accepted Answer

Genetic diversity refers to the variety of genes within a species, while species diversity refers to the variety of species within an ecosystem.

Question 2

According to the second image, which type of interspecific interaction benefits one species while harming the other?

Accepted Answer

Exploitation

Question 3

Based on the third image, what biological process is illustrated by the increasing concentration of PCBs as you move up the food chain?

Accepted Answer

Biological magnification

Question 4

In the fourth image, which group is responsible for recycling chemical elements back into inorganic forms usable by producers?

Accepted Answer

Decomposers

Question 5

According to the fifth image, what percentage of energy is typically transferred from one trophic level to the next in a food chain?

Accepted Answer

$$10\%$$

Question 6

If a toxin is introduced at the producer level in an ecosystem, what is the expected effect on top-level consumers, based on the concept of biological magnification?

Accepted Answer

Top-level consumers will accumulate the highest concentration of the toxin.

Question 7

Which of the following is an example of mutualism, as shown in the second image?

Accepted Answer

Both species benefit from the interaction.

Question 8

A population of fish is exposed to a pollutant that is not easily broken down. According to the concept of energy flow and biological magnification, what is the likely outcome for humans who eat these fish?

Accepted Answer

Humans will accumulate higher concentrations of the pollutant than the fish.

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why only about $$10\% of $$the energy at one trophic level is available to the next level?

Accepted Answer

Most energy is lost as heat due to metabolic processes.

Question 10

Which of the following is a consequence of the loss of ecosystem diversity, as shown in the first image?

Accepted Answer

Loss of essential ecosystem services.

Question 11

If a secondary consumer in a food chain receives $$100$$ units of energy, how much energy was likely present at the producer level? (Assume $$10\%$$ energy transfer efficiency at each trophic level.)

Accepted Answer

$$10,000$$ units

Question 12

Which of the following interactions is most likely to result in evolutionary adaptations for defense in the species being harmed?

Accepted Answer

Exploitation (e.g., predation or herbivory)

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the role of decomposers in the ecosystem, as shown in the fourth image?

Accepted Answer

They break down dead organic matter, returning inorganic nutrients to the soil.

Question 14

A community contains 5 species, each with equal abundance. Which of the following statements about its species diversity is correct?

Accepted Answer

It has high species diversity due to both high richness and evenness.

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of commensalism, as shown in the second image?

Accepted Answer

One species benefits while the other is unaffected.

Question 16

If a disturbance removes all vegetation and soil from an area, what type of ecological succession will occur?

Accepted Answer

Primary succession

Question 17

Which of the following is a likely result of habitat destruction on biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Decrease in genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity.

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why eating producers (plants) is more energy-efficient for humans than eating consumers (animals)?

Accepted Answer

Less energy is lost between trophic levels, so more energy is available from producers.

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a component of biodiversity, as shown in the first image?

Accepted Answer

Behavioral diversity

Question 20

If a keystone species is removed from a community, what is the most likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

The community structure will change significantly, possibly reducing biodiversity.

Community and Ecosystem Ecology: Biodiversity, Interactions, and Energy Flow

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards