Multiple Choice Questions
Biology: Ecology and Conservation
Topic: Ecology and Conservation
Grade: 11
Question 1:
Which of the following is an example of a keystone species in an ecosystem?
a) Oak tree
b) Honey bee
c) Earthworm
d) Deer
Answer: b) Honey bee
Explanation: A keystone species is one that plays a critical role in maintaining the structure and function of an ecosystem. Honey bees are considered keystone species as they are responsible for pollinating a large number of plants, which in turn affects the entire food web. Without honey bees, many plants would not be able to reproduce, leading to a decline in plant populations and a subsequent impact on other organisms that depend on these plants. For example, honey bees are essential for pollinating crops such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts, which are important for human food production.
Question 2:
Which of the following is an example of mutualism?
a) A bird building a nest in a tree
b) A dog chasing a cat
c) A bee collecting nectar from a flower
d) A lion hunting a zebra
Answer: c) A bee collecting nectar from a flower
Explanation: Mutualism is a symbiotic relationship in which both species benefit. Bees collecting nectar from flowers is an example of mutualism as the bees obtain food (nectar) while transferring pollen from one flower to another, aiding in the plant\’s reproduction. In return, the plant provides the bees with nectar as a food source. This relationship is mutually beneficial as both the bee and the plant depend on each other for survival. For example, hummingbirds are also mutualistic pollinators as they feed on nectar while spreading pollen between flowers.
Question 3:
Which of the following factors is a density-dependent limiting factor?
a) Natural disasters
b) Climate change
c) Competition for resources
d) Pollution
Answer: c) Competition for resources
Explanation: Density-dependent limiting factors are influenced by the population size and density of a species. Competition for resources, such as food, water, and space, is a density-dependent factor as it becomes more intense when population density increases. In a crowded ecosystem, individuals have to compete with each other for limited resources, which can lead to decreased reproductive success and higher mortality rates. For example, in a forest, trees may compete for sunlight, resulting in taller trees shading out smaller ones and limiting their growth.
Question 4:
Which of the following is an example of a primary consumer?
a) Hawk
b) Grasshopper
c) Snake
d) Earthworm
Answer: b) Grasshopper
Explanation: Primary consumers are herbivores that feed on plants and other producers. Grasshoppers are examples of primary consumers as they primarily eat vegetation, such as leaves and grass. They play an important role in transferring energy from plants to higher trophic levels in the food chain. For example, in a grassland ecosystem, grasshoppers feed on grass, and then predators such as snakes and birds feed on grasshoppers, transferring energy further up the food chain.
Question 5:
Which of the following is an example of a pioneer species?
a) Oak tree
b) Moss
c) Deer
d) Wolf
Answer: b) Moss
Explanation: Pioneer species are the first organisms to colonize a barren or disturbed area. Moss is an example of a pioneer species as it can grow on bare rocks or soil, helping to stabilize the area and create suitable conditions for other plant species to establish. Mosses are able to tolerate harsh environmental conditions and can retain water, making them important in the early stages of primary succession. For example, after a volcanic eruption, mosses may be the first plants to colonize the newly formed lava rock.
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