Question 1

Question

A) Which is most likely a keystone species? (1 point)
deer, which eat a variety of plants, including shrubs and young trees, and are consumed by large
predators like mountain lions, wolves, and bears
wolves in Yellowstone National Park, which eat elk, who graze on willows, on which beavers depend
to build their dams
cane toads in Australia, which were introduced to eat cane beetles, but eat anything and survive in
various habitats
feral cats, which hunt a wide variety of animals, including birds, lizards, rodents, and insects
Question 2
A) Select the statement that best supports the claim that high diversity leads to resilience.
(1 point)
If ecosystem diversity is high, and some is destroyed by a natural disaster, then there are still
ecosystems left for organisms to survive.
If genetic diversity is high, it leads to a greater combination of traits and characteristics, which
increases the chance of survival for the species.
If species diversity is high, and some species die, it is not a problem because there are many
species.
If genetic diversity is high, the rate of survival for individuals is also high, which is beneficial to the
species.
Question 3
A) Environmental changes like increased temperature can stress an ecosystem. Why is this an
issue with regard to invasive species? (1 point)
Ecosystems are destroyed by environmental changes, and then invasive species establish a new
ecosystem, so the original organisms can never reintegrate.
Ecosystems are unable to recover as quickly from damage due to invasive species and
environmental changes.
Invasive species thrive in stressed ecosystems like those with warmer temperatures.
Invasive species are more easy to introduce to a stressed ecosystem.
Question 4
A) How are polyps and corals related? (1 point)
Polyps and corals are both tiny creatures with hollow bodies.
Each polyp is made up of thousands of animals called corals.
Each coral is made up of thousands of animals called polyps.
Polyps and corals are both types of algae with a symbiotic relationship.
Question 5
A) Polyps secrete calcium carbonate to form (1 point)
a food source.
a reef.
an exoskeleton.
a coral.
Question 6
A) Direct ecosystem services include benefits such as (1 point)
photosynthesis.
transportation.
recreational parks.
soil decomposition.
Question 7
A) Which analogy best captures the concept of ecological resilience? (1 point)
Ecological resilience is similar to a person taking allergy medication before feeling symptoms.
Ecological resilience is similar to a person washing hands regularly.
Ecological resilience is similar to a person coming down with a cold.
Ecological resilience is similar to a person recovering from the flu.
Question 8
A) What is the definition of ecological resistance? (1 point)
an ecosystem’s ability to replace species that are wiped out
an ecosystem’s ability to manage population density
an ecosystem’s ability to improve after a setback
an ecosystem’s ability to endure in changing conditions
Question 9
A) Which ecosystem service do decomposers provide? (1 point)
water cycling
nutrient cycling
soil creation
food production
Question 10
A) Which statement is true? (1 point)
Organic material will not decompose without the help of composting.
Decomposition only involves microorganisms like bacteria.
Insects can delay the decomposition process.
Composting speeds up the decomposition of organic material.
Question 11
A) How do traditional food production practices contribute to a reduction in biodiversity? (1 point)
Agricultural crops are not a good source of food for wild or native species.
Livestock raised for meat are not as diverse as wild species.
Air, land, and water are used to produce food, so food that is thrown away is a waste of those
original resources.
Land that is converted to agriculture is no longer a suitable habitat for native species.
Question 12
A) Which option would be the best way to reuse food waste? (1 point)
feed scraps to livestock
convert scraps to biofuel
compost scraps for fertilizer
incinerate scraps to make spac

Answer 1

Here are the answers based on the questions provided:

Question 1: B) wolves in Yellowstone National Park, which eat elk, who graze on willows, on which beavers depend to build their dams
(This option demonstrates the interconnectedness of species, characteristic of a keystone species.)

Question 2: A) If ecosystem diversity is high, and some is destroyed by a natural disaster, then there are still ecosystems left for organisms to survive.
(This statement emphasizes how high diversity can provide alternatives for survival.)

Question 3: C) Invasive species thrive in stressed ecosystems like those with warmer temperatures.
(Stressed environments due to temperature changes often favor invasive species.)

Question 4: C) Each coral is made up of thousands of animals called polyps.
(This is the correct biological relationship.)

Question 5: B) a reef.
(Polyps secrete calcium carbonate to form the structure of a reef.)

Question 6: C) recreational parks.
(Direct ecosystem services provide tangible benefits to humans, such as recreational parks.)

Question 7: D) Ecological resilience is similar to a person recovering from the flu.
(This analogy reflects the ability to bounce back from disturbances.)

Question 8: D) an ecosystem’s ability to endure in changing conditions.
(This is the definition of ecological resistance.)

Question 9: B) nutrient cycling.
(Decomposers are primarily responsible for recycling nutrients in ecosystems.)

Question 10: D) Composting speeds up the decomposition of organic material.
(This statement is true in the context of enhancing the breakdown process.)

Question 11: D) Land that is converted to agriculture is no longer a suitable habitat for native species.
(This highlights how agricultural practices reduce habitat diversity.)

Question 12: C) compost scraps for fertilizer.
(This is an effective and sustainable way to reuse food waste.)

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