Ecology is the branch of biology that deals with the study of living organisms and their interaction with one another and with their physical environment. It helps us to understand how plants, animals, and microorganisms depend on each other for survival. Ecosystems are natural units made up of living and non-living components working together. This quiz is designed to test your knowledge of ecology and ecosystems. Read each question carefully and choose the most appropriate answer and cross check with answers and explanations at the end.
Ecology and Ecosystems Quiz
1. Ecology is the study of
A. Plants only
B. Animals only
C. Living organisms and their environment
D. Soil and water
2. An ecosystem is made up of
A. Plants only
B. Animals only
C. Living and non-living components
D. Microorganisms only
3. The living components of an ecosystem are called
A. Abiotic factors
B. Biotic factors
C. Physical factors
D. Chemical factors
4. Which of the following is an abiotic factor?
A. Grass
B. Bacteria
C. Temperature
D. Goat
5. Green plants in an ecosystem are known as
A. Consumers
B. Decomposers
C. Producers
D. Scavengers
6. Animals that feed directly on plants are called
A. Carnivores
B. Omnivores
C. Herbivores
D. Parasites
7. Organisms that feed on dead plants and animals are called
A. Producers
B. Consumers
C. Decomposers
D. Predators
8. A food chain always begins with
A. Carnivores
B. Omnivores
C. Producers
D. Decomposers
9. The transfer of energy from one organism to another is shown by a
A. Food web
B. Food chain
C. Pyramid of numbers
D. Habitat
10. A group of organisms of the same species living together is called a
A. Community
B. Population
C. Ecosystem
D. Biome
Ecology and Ecosystems Quiz
11. All the populations living together in a habitat form a
A. Species
B. Biome
C. Community
D. Niche
12. The natural home of an organism is called its
A. Niche
B. Habitat
C. Territory
D. Ecosystem
13. Which pyramid shows the amount of energy at each trophic level?
A. Pyramid of numbers
B. Pyramid of biomass
C. Pyramid of energy
D. Pyramid of size
14. Animals that feed on both plants and animals are called
A. Carnivores
B. Herbivores
C. Omnivores
D. Parasites
15. The role an organism plays in its environment is known as its
A. Habitat
B. Community
C. Niche
D. Population
Ecology and Ecosystems Quiz
16. The recycling of nutrients in nature is mainly carried out by
A. Producers
B. Consumers
C. Decomposers
D. Predators
17. Which of the following is an example of mutualism?
A. Lion and deer
B. Tick and dog
C. Bee and flower
D. Snake and rat
18. The interaction where one organism benefits and the other is harmed is called
A. Mutualism
B. Commensalism
C. Parasitism
D. Competition
19. The gradual change in plant and animal life in an area over time is known as
A. Evolution
B. Adaptation
C. Succession
D. Migration
20. The maximum number of organisms an environment can support is called
A. Population density
B. Carrying capacity
C. Overcrowding
D. Limiting factor
Ecology and Ecosystems Quiz
21. Which factor can limit population growth?
A. Food supply
B. Water
C. Space
D. All of the above
22. A stable and mature ecosystem is known as a
A. Pioneer community
B. Primary community
C. Climax community
D. Temporary community
23. Which process returns carbon dioxide to the atmosphere?
A. Photosynthesis
B. Respiration
C. Transpiration
D. Germination
24. The relationship between organisms competing for the same resources is called
A. Predation
B. Mutualism
C. Competition
D. Symbiosis
25. Which human activity can cause deforestation?
A. Tree planting
B. Bush burning
C. Conservation
D. Recycling
Ecology and Ecosystems Quiz Answers and Explanations
1. C — Living organisms and their environment
Ecology studies how organisms interact with each other and their surroundings.
2. C — Living and non-living components
An ecosystem consists of biotic and abiotic factors working together.
3. B — Biotic factors
Biotic factors are the living parts of an ecosystem.
4. C — Temperature
Temperature is a non-living environmental factor.
5. C — Producers
Green plants produce food through photosynthesis.
6. C — Herbivores
Herbivores feed on plants.
7. C — Decomposers
They break down dead organisms into simpler substances.
8. C — Producers
All food chains start with producers.
9. B — Food chain
It shows energy flow from one organism to another.
10. B — Population
A population consists of organisms of the same species.
11. C — Community
A community is made up of different populations.
12. B — Habitat
Habitat is the natural home of an organism.
13. C — Pyramid of energy
It shows energy available at each trophic level.
14. C — Omnivores
They eat both plants and animals.
15. C — Niche
Niche describes an organism’s role.
16. C — Decomposers
They recycle nutrients.
17. C — Bee and flower
Both organisms benefit.
18. C — Parasitism
One benefits while the other is harmed.
19. C — Succession
Succession is gradual community change.
20. B — Carrying capacity
It is the maximum population supported.
21. D — All of the above
Food, water, and space affect population growth.
22. C — Climax community
It is a stable, mature ecosystem.
23. B — Respiration
Respiration releases carbon dioxide.
24. C — Competition
Organisms compete for limited resources.
25. B — Bush burning
Bush burning destroys forests and leads to deforestation.
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