APES Ecosystems & Biodiversity

Question 1

Which term describes the variety of life across all levels of ecological organization?

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity

Answer

Biodiversity refers to the diversity of species, genes, and ecosystems in a given area or on the planet.

Question 2

What is a keystone species?

Accepted Answer

A species with a critical ecosystem role

Answer

A keystone species has a disproportionately large effect on its ecosystem relative to its abundance.

Question 3

Which process is responsible for converting atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for plants?

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen fixation

Answer

Nitrogen fixation converts atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia or nitrates that plants can absorb and use.

Question 4

What typically happens to energy as it flows through a food chain?

Accepted Answer

It decreases at each trophic level

Answer

Energy decreases at each trophic level due to metabolic processes and heat loss, leaving less energy available for higher levels.

Question 5

Which type of ecosystem has the highest biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Tropical rainforest

Answer

Tropical rainforests have the highest biodiversity due to stable temperatures, high moisture, and long evolutionary history.

Uncategorized Practice Test