The Science Of Nature- EcoSystem Quiz- II

The arrows in this context represent the transfer of energy. Energy transfer can occur in various forms, such as from one organism to another or from one part of an ecosystem to another. It is an essential process for the functioning of ecosystems and the survival of organisms.

Insectivorous birds and predatory insects compete for spiders. Insectivorous birds feed on insects, including spiders, as a source of food. Predatory insects, on the other hand, also prey on spiders as part of their diet. Both these groups of animals rely on spiders as a food source, resulting in competition for this prey.

Animals breathe in oxygen because it is essential for their survival. Oxygen is required for the process of respiration, where it is used to break down food molecules and release energy. This energy is then used by the animal for various bodily functions. Carbon dioxide and nitrogen are also present in the air, but animals do not primarily rely on them for respiration. While animals do produce carbon dioxide as a waste product, they need to inhale oxygen to maintain their metabolic processes and stay alive.

If a farmer puts out poison to kill mice, other animals that might also be poisoned are foxes. Foxes are predators of mice and may consume the poisoned mice, resulting in them also being poisoned. This is because foxes often prey on small mammals like mice as a part of their diet. Therefore, if the mice are poisoned, the foxes that eat them may also be affected by the poison.

Plants take in carbon dioxide. During the process of photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide from the air through tiny openings called stomata on their leaves. They use this carbon dioxide along with sunlight and water to produce glucose and oxygen. The glucose is used as a source of energy for the plant, while the oxygen is released back into the atmosphere as a byproduct. Therefore, carbon dioxide is essential for the survival and growth of plants.

A tree's niche refers to its specific role or function in its ecosystem. Trees provide shelter for birds and squirrels, as well as food for decomposers and oxygen for animals through the process of photosynthesis. However, providing food for lions is not typically part of a tree's niche. Lions are carnivores and primarily feed on other animals, not plants like trees.

Snakes and foxes both compete with hawks for mice. Snakes are able to catch and eat mice, making them a direct competitor for hawks. On the other hand, foxes also prey on mice, which leads to competition with hawks for this food source. Therefore, both snakes and foxes are competitors of hawks when it comes to hunting mice.

The correct answer is "Sun producers herbivores carnivores". This diagram represents the flow of energy in a food chain. The sun provides energy to the producers (plants), which are then consumed by herbivores (plant-eating animals). The energy is then transferred to the carnivores (meat-eating animals) when they consume the herbivores. This diagram accurately depicts the sequential flow of energy from the sun to the different trophic levels in a food chain.

Both answers A and C are correct. Animals excrete solid and liquid waste that contains nitrogen, which can be absorbed by plants as a source of fixed nitrogen. Decomposers break down dead plants and animals, releasing nitrogen into the soil in a form that plants can use. Therefore, both animal waste and decomposition contribute to the availability of fixed nitrogen in the soil for plants.

The cycle that shows how gas is transferred between animals and plants is the carbon cycle. This cycle involves the exchange of carbon dioxide between the atmosphere, plants, and animals. Plants take in carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and release oxygen, while animals breathe in oxygen and release carbon dioxide through respiration. This continuous exchange of gases helps maintain the balance of carbon in the environment.

Squirrels and birds often compete for similar resources, such as nesting sites in trees and food sources like nuts and seeds. This competition can be particularly intense in areas with limited resources or high populations of both species. While mice and foxes might occasionally prey on birds or their nests, they don't directly compete for living space in the same way that squirrels do. Hawks, being birds of prey, are natural predators of birds and wouldn't compete for nesting sites.

Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plants, and the nitrogen cycle shows how plants obtain this nutrient. This cycle involves various processes such as nitrogen fixation, nitrification, assimilation, and denitrification. Nitrogen fixation converts atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for plants, while nitrification converts ammonia into nitrate. Assimilation involves the uptake of nitrate by plants to build proteins and other nitrogen-containing compounds. Finally, denitrification returns nitrogen back to the atmosphere. Therefore, the nitrogen cycle is the cycle that shows how plants get their needed nutrients.

Decomposers play a crucial role in ecosystems by breaking down dead organisms and organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the environment. They do this through the process of decomposition, which involves breaking down complex organic compounds into simpler forms. While decomposers do feed on decaying plants and animals, this is not the only part of their niche. Decomposers also help in fixing nitrogen for plants to use, keeping the community clean by breaking down dead things, and providing carbon dioxide for plants. Therefore, feeding decaying plants and animals is not the only function of a decomposer's niche.