Biology ยท Environmental Studies
Ecosystem Nutrition and Energy Flow
1,235 Questions
Ecosystem nutrition and energy flow questions cover trophic levels, food chains, and biodegradable materials. These concepts frequently appear in general science sections of major competitive exams. Review these questions to build a solid understanding of ecological interactions.
Trophic levels conceptFood chain orderAutotrophic nutritionEnergy assimilationScavengers and decomposers
Ecosystem Nutrition and Energy Flow Questions
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Abiotic factors are the non-living chemical and physical parts of the environment. The Sun is a non-living energy source, whereas trees, worms, and puppies are all living (biotic) organisms.
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plants
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berries
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primary consumers
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the Sun
C
Correct answer
Explanation
In a food chain, primary consumers eat producers (plants). Secondary consumers eat primary consumers.
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decomposers
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primary consumers
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secondary consumers
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producers
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Producers, such as plants and algae, are the organisms that capture solar energy through photosynthesis to create chemical energy.
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by absorbing energy from the Sun
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by consuming animals that have consumed plants
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by inhaling carbon dioxide
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by drinking water plants give off during photosynthesis
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Secondary consumers obtain energy by eating primary consumers, which have already consumed photosynthetic organisms (plants).
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when fish use them for protection from predators
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by absorbing their energy as they swim by
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when fish consume them and therefore consume their energy
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phytoplankton are not used for energy at all
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Phytoplankton are producers. When fish consume them, they obtain the chemical energy stored within the phytoplankton.
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Plants are autotrophs, meaning they use photosynthesis to convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose, effectively making their own food.
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grass
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algae
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bees
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phytoplankton
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Bees are heterotrophs, meaning they consume other organisms for energy rather than producing their own food via photosynthesis. Grass, algae, and phytoplankton are all autotrophs that rely on sunlight.
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Selective Feeders
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Opportunistic Feeders
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Grazing Feeders
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Browsing Feeders
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Opportunistic feeders are animals that eat a wide variety of food sources depending on what is available, which is an adaptive strategy when food availability is unpredictable.
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The 'Living with the Land' exhibit at Epcot demonstrates sustainable agriculture, and the produce grown there is indeed used for both guest dining and animal feed within the parks.
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under populated
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resource population
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scavenger hunt
B
Correct answer
Explanation
In ecology, a resource population is a group of organisms that serves as a food source for another population.
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hungry population
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consumer population
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growing population
B
Correct answer
Explanation
A consumer population is a group of organisms that obtains energy by eating other organisms. The other terms describe the state of a population rather than its feeding role.
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Diatoms
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Fungi
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Plantae
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Animalia
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Holozoic nutrition involves the ingestion of complex organic substances, which is the primary mode of nutrition for members of the kingdom Animalia.
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animals
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plants
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fish
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insects
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Plants store energy in the form of starch, which is a polysaccharide synthesized from glucose produced during photosynthesis.
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Zooxanthellae live within coral tissues and perform photosynthesis, providing the coral with glucose, amino acids, and oxygen in exchange for protection and nutrients.
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extracting them from the air they breathe
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nurturing nitrogen fixing bacteria in their guts
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eating herbivores and other carnivores
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Breathing in air after a lightning storm
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Carnivores cannot fix atmospheric nitrogen or synthesize it from the air. They obtain necessary nitrogen compounds by consuming other organisms that have already incorporated nitrogen into their tissues.