ECOLOGY QUIZ (3.5.1-3.5.4)

Ecology 3.5.1 Review

Aphids are insects that feed on fluids from the stems of plants. After the aphids ingest the plant fluids, they excrete a liquid called honeydew.

  1. Ladybugs eat aphids, which are a source of protein for the ladybugs. Which of these terms best describes the relationship between the ladybugs and the aphids?
  1. mutualism
  2. parasite–host
  3. predator–prey
  4. commensalism
  1. Some species of ants protect aphids from predators. The ants benefit by feeding on the honeydew produced by the aphids. Which of these terms best describes the relationship between the aphids and the ants?
  1. mutualism
  2. parasite–host
  3. predator–prey
  4. commensalism

Ecology 3.5.1 Review

  1. The deer tick feeds on the blood of the red squirrel, deer, and deer mouse. Which of these best describes the role of the deer tick in the forest food web?
  1. parasite
  2. producer
  3. carnivore
  4. omnivore
  1. Which of these describes the role of the red oak in the forest food web?
  1. omnivore
  2. parasite
  3. herbivore
  4. producer
  1. When gypsy moth caterpillars hatch, which of these populations benefits first?
  1. red oak
  2. deer tick
  3. blue jay
  4. carpenter ant

Ecology 3.5.1 Review

  1. The desert climate is caused by geographic conditions such as location, high atmospheric pressure, and proximity of mountain ranges. Average desert rainfall amounts are usually less than 50 cm per year. Soil in deserts is coarse, sandy, and rocky. Desert plants and animals have specialized characteristics that help them survive in the harsh environment. An example is the Saguaro cactus. The Saguaro has a shallow root system with a main taproot and other roots that radiate out and collect surface water. The trunk of the Saguaro has the ability to expand while storing water. The sweet-nectar flowers of the Saguaro attract white-winged doves, bats, and other animals. These animals feed on the nectar. They are necessary for cross-pollination. Cross-pollination occurs when the pollen of a flower is carried to a flower on another plant. The illustration below shows the Saguaro cactus.

Which of these best describes the ecological relationship between white-winged doves and the Saguaro cactus?

  1. mutualism
  2. competition
  3. parasite–host
  4. predator–prey
  1. A new species is introduced into an area. This can have harmful effects on species already inhabiting the area. The harmful effects are most likely a result of
  1. succession
  2. mutualism
  3. competition
  4. commensalism
  1. Scientists classify humans as omnivores, based on their teeth. As omnivores, humans eat
  1. only fungi
  2. mostly plants and animals
  3. only animals
  4. mostly bacteria and fungi

11. Scientists have observed that when a largemouth bass tries to eat a whirligig beetle, the fish is likely to get more than just a meal. Once inside the mouth of a bass, the beetle releases a foul-tasting substance into the fish’s mouth. The fish responds to this by swishing the beetle around in its mouth, spitting the beetle out into the water, and scooping the beetle back into its mouth. The bass is exhibiting a “flushing” behavior. Unlike other insects, whirligig beetles do not release all of their foul-tasting substance the first time they are pulled into a predator’s mouth. Each time the bass scoops the beetle back into its mouth, more of the substance is released. The bass must exhibit “flushing” again and again. If the bass tires of “flushing” before the beetle runs out of its foul-tasting substance, the beetle can avoid becoming the bass’s next meal.

The ecological relationship between largemouth bass and whirligig beetles is best described as

  1. predator–prey
  2. parasite–host
  3. mutualism
  4. commensalism

12. Black skimmers are water birds that live along coastal beaches, bays, estuaries, and marshes. They fly just above the surface of the water using their lower jaw to catch small fish, shrimp, and other small crustaceans.

These birds nest in simple, unlined depressions in the sand. Scientists have observed a decline in the number of nests. Some causes of this decline include a lack of suitable nesting sites, beach erosion, and human disturbances.

When people approach their nests, the birds become aggressive and chase away intruders. Other animals, like crows, will take advantage of the unprotected nests and feed on the eggs.

Which of these terms best describes the relationship between the crows and the black skimmers?

  1. mutualism
  2. commensalism
  3. parasite–host
  4. predator–prey

13. Use the diagram of the marine food web below to answer the following.

Which of these best describes the role of the krill in this food web?

  1. decomposer
  2. consumer
  3. producer
  4. parasite

14. Part of the food web in Yellowstone National Park is shown below.

Gray wolves were reintroduced into Yellowstone National Park in 1995. Two years later, the population of coyotes had decreased by 50%. Coyotes were found in all habitats of the park before the gray wolves were reintroduced. Now, coyotes are most often found in the hills and mountains.

Which of these describes the role of the vole in the Yellowstone ecosystem?

  1. decomposer
  2. producer
  3. herbivore
  4. carnivore

Ecology 3.5.3 Review

15. The energy pyramid below shows the flow of energy through the organisms in a kelp forest ecosystem in the Pacific Ocean. Use the energy pyramid to answer the following.

What is the lowest level of the energy pyramid that contains carnivores?

  1. Level 1
  2. Level 2
  3. Level 3
  4. Level 4

ESSAY:

Some of the relationships among organisms living in a wetland are shown in the figure below.

Describe the flow of energy in the wetland food web. In your response, be sure to

  • name the biotic and abiotic factors affecting the heron
  • identify the trophic levels of the different organisms in the wetland food web
  • describe how the energy is transferred between the organisms in the wetland food web
  • explain how the other organisms in the wetland ecosystem would be affected by the sudden disappearance of the heron population

EXTRA QUESTIONS:

Hummingbirds need large amounts of energy to flap their wings between 60 and 200 times per second. Their wings beat so rapidly that it is difficult to see them move. They often appear suspended in air for extended periods of time without changing their location. Hummingbirds have long bills and grooved tongues to reach into flowers to feed on flower nectar. They also feed on insects.

Which term best describes the ecological relationship between hummingbirds and insects?

  1. mutualism
  2. parasite–host
  3. predator–prey
  4. commensalism

A protozoan lives inside a rat and takes its nourishment from the rat’s body. Because the protozoan damages the rat’s brain, the rat loses its fear of cats. A cat attacks an infected rat; the protozoan enters the cat’s body and completes its life cycle.

Which of these describes the relationship between the protozoan and the rat?

  1. commensalism
  2. parasite–host
  3. mutualism
  4. predator–prey

The water quality of the Chesapeake Bay is measured by the Chesapeake Bay Water Quality Monitoring Program. Scientists measure the salinity, temperature, pH, and oxygen levels to help determine the health of the Bay. Healthy water also contains appropriate amounts of nutrients. Monitoring water quality helps communities make decisions about the Bay.

Which of these would likely be the most immediate result if oxygen levels in the Bay decreased by 90%?

  1. decrease in fish populations
  2. decrease in salinity levels
  3. increase in producer populations
  4. increase in water temperature