Ecobiology FiniteQuest

Ecobiology

1 / 10

A global pandemic disrupts supply chains and reduces human travel, leading to a temporary decline in greenhouse gas emissions. Which factors would determine if this decline results in long-term climate change mitigation?

The rate of rebound in emissions after the pandemic ends

The development and adoption of renewable energy sources

The effectiveness of international agreements on emissions reduction

All of the above

2 / 10

A genetic modification allows crops to fix nitrogen directly from the air, bypassing the need for nitrogen-fixing bacteria. What potential unintended consequences could this have on the ecosystem?

Disruption of soil food webs and nutrient cycling

Increased competition between modified and unmodified crops

Dependence on fossil fuels for energy-intensive nitrogen fixation

Reduced nitrogen pollution from agricultural runoff

3 / 10

A coral reef experiences mass bleaching due to rising ocean temperatures. Which ecological service provided by the reef is most likely to be impacted?

Coastal protection from erosion

Nutrient cycling through decomposition

Biodiversity hotspot for marine species

Carbon sequestration from the atmosphere

4 / 10

An invasive predator decimates the top carnivore in a food web, causing a population explosion in herbivores. How might this affect the primary productivity of the ecosystem?

Significant increase due to reduced herbivory pressure

Gradual decline as nutrient cycles become imbalanced

Sudden crash due to overgrazing and habitat destruction

Minimal impact as primary producers rely on sunlight

5 / 10

A newly discovered deep-sea vent community thrives in complete darkness and relies on chemosynthesis. What primary productivity limitation might this community face if the hydrothermal vents weaken?

Decreased light availability for photosynthesis

Reduced nutrient input from decomposers

Fluctuations in oxygen levels from surface waters

Insufficient carbon dioxide for chemosynthesis

6 / 10

What is the relationship between primary productivity and secondary productivity?

Primary productivity is the amount of energy produced by autotrophs, and secondary productivity is the amount of energy used by heterotrophs.

Primary productivity is the amount of energy captured by plants, and secondary productivity is the amount of energy stored in plant tissues.

Primary productivity is the rate at which organic matter is produced by autotrophs, and secondary productivity is the rate at which organic matter is consumed by heterotrophs.

There is no relationship between primary productivity and secondary productivity.

7 / 10

What is a trophic level?

A group of organisms that occupy the same habitat.

A level in a food chain or web that represents a different stage of energy transfer.

A classification system for different types of ecosystems.

A measure of the biodiversity of an ecosystem.

8 / 10

What is the main function of a decomposer?

To break down dead organisms and return nutrients to the soil.

To capture sunlight and convert it into energy.

To eat other organisms and obtain energy.

To produce offspring and ensure the survival of the species.

9 / 10

What is the difference between a producer and a consumer?

Producers are plants, while consumers are animals.

Producers make their own food, while consumers eat other organisms.

Producers are autotrophs, while consumers are heterotrophs.

All of the above.

10 / 10

Which of the following is NOT a level of organization in ecology?

Organism

Population

Community

Ecosystem

Biosphere

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