Multiple Choice Questions
Biology: Ecology and Conservation (Advanced)
Topic: Ecology and Conservation
Grade: 11
Question 1:
Which of the following is an example of a biotic factor in an ecosystem?
A) Temperature
B) Soil pH
C) Sunlight intensity
D) Predation
Answer: D) Predation
Explanation: Predation is an example of a biotic factor in an ecosystem because it involves the interaction between different living organisms. For example, a lion preying on a zebra is a biotic interaction that affects the population dynamics of both species. Another example is the interaction between predator and prey in the ocean, such as the relationship between sharks and fish.
Question 2:
Which of the following is an example of an abiotic factor in an ecosystem?
A) Competition
B) Disease
C) Rainfall
D) Mutualism
Answer: C) Rainfall
Explanation: Rainfall is an example of an abiotic factor in an ecosystem because it is a non-living component that affects the living organisms in the ecosystem. For example, a decrease in rainfall can lead to drought conditions, affecting the availability of water for plants and animals. Another example is the impact of rainfall on the distribution and abundance of different species in a forest ecosystem.
Question 3:
Which of the following best describes an ecological niche?
A) The physical location where an organism lives
B) The role and position of a species in its environment
C) The total number of individuals of a species in an ecosystem
D) The variety of different habitats in an ecosystem
Answer: B) The role and position of a species in its environment
Explanation: An ecological niche refers to the specific role and position of a species within its environment. It includes the resources it uses, the interactions it has with other species, and its adaptations to its habitat. For example, the niche of a hummingbird includes feeding on nectar from flowers and pollinating them, which is crucial for the survival of both the hummingbird and the plants it interacts with. Another example is the niche of a predator such as a lion, which includes hunting and maintaining the balance of prey populations in its ecosystem.
Question 4:
Which of the following is an example of a primary consumer in a food chain?
A) Grasshopper
B) Lion
C) Eagle
D) Fungi
Answer: A) Grasshopper
Explanation: A primary consumer in a food chain is an organism that feeds directly on producers, such as plants or algae. Grasshoppers are herbivores that primarily feed on plants, making them an example of a primary consumer. For example, in a grassland ecosystem, grasshoppers play an important role in consuming grass and transferring energy to higher trophic levels. Another example is the primary consumer in a marine food chain, such as zooplankton, which feed on phytoplankton.
Question 5:
Which of the following best describes the process of succession?
A) The movement of organisms from one habitat to another
B) The gradual change of species composition in an ecosystem over time
C) The competition between different species for limited resources
D) The migration of individuals from one population to another
Answer: B) The gradual change of species composition in an ecosystem over time
Explanation: Succession is the process by which the species composition in an ecosystem gradually changes over time. It involves the establishment, growth, and replacement of different species in a particular area. For example, primary succession occurs on bare, lifeless substrates like volcanic lava, where pioneer species such as lichens and mosses colonize the area and pave the way for more complex plant communities. Another example is secondary succession, which occurs after a disturbance like a forest fire, where new species gradually replace the previous ones.
Note: This is the first set of questions. Please let me know if you would like more questions.