Ecology Basics
This branch of science is the study of life and living organisms (choose the single-word answer
Biology
Organisms that make their own food using sunlight are called these
Producers/Autotrophs
Which biome is characterized by very low precipitation and wide temperature fluctuations? (one-word answer)
desert
The smallest structural and functional unit of life (one-word answer)
Cell
The maximum number of individuals that an environment can support over time is called this.
Carrying Capacity
The term for the portion of Earth that supports life; where ecologists study organisms and their environments
Biosphere
Organisms that eat both plants and animals (examples: bears, humans) are called this
Omnivores
Which term means non-living factors like sunlight, water, soil, and temperature?
Abiotic Factor
organism, population, community, ecosystem — which one belongs at the smallest position?
Organism
A factor like disease that depends on population density (choose one-word answer).
Density -Dependent
The systematic method used by biologists to gather information, form hypotheses, and test ideas.
Scientific Method
In an energy transfer between trophic levels, approximately what percentage of energy is passed to the next level? (choose the closest percent)
10%
A characteristic commonly found in aquatic ecosystems (choose the best answer): consistent temperatures, presence of fish and algae, or dry sandy soil?
Presence of organisms such as fish and algae
What level includes interacting populations of different species living in the same area?
Community
A factor such as a hurricane or wildfire that affects populations regardless of density is called this.
Density -Independent
The term for maintaining stable internal conditions in an organism (example: sweating to cool the body).
Homeostasis
The name for a diagram showing many interconnected food chains and “who eats who.”
food web
This word names anything that takes up space and has mass and provides nutrients for organisms.
Matter
What is the highest level of biological organization that includes all places on Earth where life exists?
biosphere
Why is biodiversity important for ecosystems? Give one clear reason.
It increases ecosystem resilience to changes and disturbances (or supports stable food webs and ecosystem services)
The branch of biology that studies interactions among organisms and their environment (one-word answer).
Ecology
The total mass of living matter at each trophic level is called this (one-word answer).
Biomass
Which biome has dense tree cover, high rainfall, and high biodiversity
Tropical Rainforest
Why are viruses generally not considered living organisms?
Name one conservation strategy that focuses on protecting entire ecosystems rather than single species.
Ecosystem conservation (protected areas, habitat preservation)