Environmental Science Ecosystems and Ecology 2

Question 1

Which biome is characterized by permafrost, low precipitation, and very short growing seasons?

Accepted Answer

Tundra

Answer

The tundra biome has permanently frozen subsoil (permafrost) and supports only low-growing vegetation.

Question 2

What is the term for species that significantly shape their community's structure, often out of proportion to their abundance?

Accepted Answer

Keystone species

Answer

Keystone species have a disproportionately large effect on their ecosystem relative to their biomass or numbers.

Question 3

Which type of symbiosis benefits one organism while the other is neither harmed nor helped?

Accepted Answer

Commensalism

Answer

Commensalism describes a relationship where one organism benefits and the other is unaffected.

Question 4

The gradual process by which a community changes over time toward a stable climax community is called:

Accepted Answer

Ecological succession

Answer

Ecological succession is the sequential development of communities in an area over time.

Question 5

What is the zone of an aquatic ecosystem where photosynthesis can occur due to sufficient light penetration?

Accepted Answer

Photic zone

Answer

The photic zone is the sunlit upper layer of water where enough light exists for photosynthesis.

Environmental Science Practice Test