Desert EcoSystem Quiz

Reviewed by Stephen Reinbold
Stephen Reinbold, PhD (Biological Sciences) |
Biology Instructor
Review Board Member
Stephen Reinbold has a PhD in Biological Sciences and a strong passion for teaching. He taught various subjects including General Biology, Environmental Science, Zoology, Genetics, and Anatomy & Physiology at Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City, Missouri, for nearly thirty years. He focused on scientific methodology and student research projects. Now retired, he works part-time as an editor and engages in online activities.
 , PhD (Biological Sciences)
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  • 1/19 Questions

    Some species in the desert are going extinct as a result of negative human actions.

    • True
    • False
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About This Quiz

An ecosystem is an environment in which we have both the living and non-living organisms all living together. The desert ecosystem quiz below takes us on a knowledge journey into the desert environment. Enjoy while at it.

Desert Ecosystem Quiz - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    The soil in the Sahara Desert is mostly...

    • Moist

    • Sandy

    • Fertile

    • Rocky

    Correct Answer
    A. Sandy
    Explanation
    The correct answer is sandy because the Sahara Desert is known for its vast stretches of sand dunes. The region experiences extremely low rainfall, which leads to limited vegetation and the formation of sandy soil. Sandy soil has large particles that do not hold water well, making it difficult for plants to grow. This type of soil is characteristic of arid environments like the Sahara Desert.

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  • 3. 

    Mutualism is a symbiotic relationship in which both organisms benefit.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship where both organisms involved benefit from the interaction. This means that both organisms receive advantages, such as access to resources or protection, from their association with each other. Therefore, the statement that mutualism is a symbiotic relationship in which both organisms benefit is correct.

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  • 4. 

    Deserts occupy 20-35% of the Earth's land surface

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Deserts are vast areas of land that receive very little rainfall and have extreme temperatures. They cover approximately 20-35% of the Earth's land surface. This is due to factors such as the Earth's climate patterns and the distribution of dry air masses. Deserts are found on every continent and play a crucial role in the Earth's ecosystem. They are home to unique plant and animal species that have adapted to survive in harsh desert conditions. Therefore, the statement that deserts occupy 20-35% of the Earth's land surface is true.

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  • 5. 

    Deserts are in all of these locations EXCEPT:

    • North Africa

    • Australia

    • California

    • Japan

    Correct Answer
    A. Japan
    Explanation
    Deserts are found in North Africa, Australia, and California, but not in Japan. Japan has a temperate climate with high levels of precipitation, which is not conducive to the formation of deserts.

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  • 6. 

    What type of organism consumes only producers and doesn't eat meat?

    • Producers

    • Herbivores

    • Carnivores

    • Omnivores

    Correct Answer
    A. Herbivores
    Explanation
    Herbivores are organisms that consume only producers, such as plants, and do not eat meat. They obtain their nutrition by feeding on vegetation and plant-based materials. Unlike carnivores, which eat meat, herbivores have specialized digestive systems that allow them to break down and extract nutrients from plant matter. By consuming producers, herbivores play a crucial role in the food chain as primary consumers and help maintain the balance of ecosystems.

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  • 7. 

    Deserts can only be HOT.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    This statement is incorrect. While deserts are often associated with hot temperatures, not all deserts are hot. There are also cold deserts, such as the Gobi Desert in Asia and the Patagonian Desert in South America. These deserts experience extreme temperature fluctuations, with very cold winters and hot summers. Therefore, the statement that deserts can only be hot is false.

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  • 8. 

    The Sahara Desert is located in:

    • The US

    • Asia

    • Europe

    • Africa

    Correct Answer
    A. Africa
    Explanation
    The Sahara Desert is located in Africa. This is because the Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world, covering a vast area in the northern part of the African continent. It spans across several countries including Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Sudan, and Tunisia. The extreme aridity and high temperatures make it a challenging environment for life, with vast stretches of sand dunes, rocky plateaus, and sparse vegetation.

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  • 9. 

    It is sunny 100% of the time in the Sahara Desert

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    The statement "It is sunny 100% of the time in the Sahara Desert" is false. While the Sahara Desert is known for its hot and dry climate, it does not mean that it is sunny all the time. Like any other place, the Sahara Desert experiences weather changes, including cloudy days, sandstorms, and even occasional rainfall. Therefore, it is not accurate to say that the desert is sunny 100% of the time.

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  • 10. 

    What is the 3rd level of the food chain?

    • Decomposers/Scavengers

    • Herbivores

    • Carnivores/Omnivores

    • Producers/Plants

    Correct Answer
    A. Carnivores/Omnivores
    Explanation
    Carnivores/Omnivores are the 3rd level of the food chain because they are organisms that consume other organisms for energy. They feed on herbivores, which are the 2nd level, and in turn, they are preyed upon by higher-level predators. Carnivores exclusively consume meat, while omnivores have a diet that includes both meat and plants. Both types of organisms play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem by controlling the population of herbivores and transferring energy from lower to higher trophic levels.

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  • 11. 

    Which river runs through the Sahara Desert?

    • The Desert River

    • The Sahara Desert River

    • The Nile River

    • None of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. The Nile River
    Explanation
    The correct answer is The Nile River. The Nile River is the longest river in Africa and it flows through several countries, including Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia. Although the Sahara Desert is mostly arid and dry, the Nile River cuts through it, providing a vital source of water and supporting various ecosystems along its banks. It is an important water source for both wildlife and human populations in the region.

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  • 12. 

    Parasitism is a relationship in which...

    • Both organisms benefit.

    • One organism benefits, while the other is harmed.

    • One organism benefits, while the other is not affected by the relationship.

    • No organisms benefit.

    Correct Answer
    A. One organism benefits, while the other is harmed.
    Explanation
    In parasitism, one organism benefits while the other is harmed. This is because the parasite relies on the host organism for resources and shelter, often causing damage or weakening the host in the process. The parasite benefits from this relationship by obtaining nutrients and a place to live, while the host is negatively affected by the presence of the parasite.

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  • 13. 

    Humans do NOT help the desert by:

    • Outplanting

    • Seeding

    • Manipulating soils

    • Building roads

    Correct Answer
    A. Building roads
    Explanation
    Building roads does not help the desert because it can disrupt the natural ecosystem and lead to further degradation of the desert environment. Roads can fragment habitats, disrupt wildlife migration patterns, and contribute to soil erosion. Additionally, the construction of roads requires the clearing of vegetation, which can further harm the fragile desert ecosystem. Therefore, building roads is not a helpful action for the desert.

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  • 14. 

    Off-roading is beneficial to the desert. 

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    Off-roading is not beneficial to the desert because it can cause damage to the fragile ecosystem and disrupt the natural habitat of plants and animals. The heavy vehicles used in off-roading can destroy vegetation, disturb the soil, and contribute to erosion. Additionally, off-roading can lead to the spread of invasive species and pollution from fuel and oil spills. Therefore, it is important to practice responsible off-roading or avoid it altogether to preserve the delicate balance of desert ecosystems.

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  • 15. 

    The Sahara Desert receives over 5 inches of rainfall per year

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
  • 16. 

    The symbiotic relationship between bees and cacti is an example of...

    • Parasitism

    • Mutualism

    • Commenalism

    • None of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. Mutualism
    Explanation
    The symbiotic relationship between bees and cacti is an example of mutualism. Bees rely on the nectar produced by cacti for food, while cacti depend on bees for pollination. Both species benefit from this relationship, as the bees receive nourishment and the cacti are able to reproduce. Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship where both organisms involved benefit from the interaction.

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  • 17. 

    Which of the following is NOT a decomposer in the desert?

    • Fungi

    • Grasshoppers

    • Worms

    • Beetles

    Correct Answer
    A. Grasshoppers
    Explanation
    Grasshoppers are not decomposers in the desert. Decomposers are organisms that break down dead organic matter into simpler substances. Fungi, worms, and beetles are examples of decomposers because they play a crucial role in the decomposition process by breaking down dead plants and animals. However, grasshoppers are not decomposers; they are herbivores that feed on plants. They do not contribute to the decomposition of organic matter in the desert ecosystem.

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  • 18. 

    Which of the following is a part of the Sahara Desert's herbivores?

    • Giraffe

    • Zebra

    • Woodchuck

    • Lizards

    • Deer

    Correct Answer
    A. Lizards
    Explanation
    Lizards are a part of the Sahara Desert's herbivores because they primarily feed on vegetation such as leaves, fruits, and flowers. They play an important role in the desert ecosystem by helping to control plant populations and are adapted to survive in the harsh desert conditions. While giraffes, zebras, woodchucks, and deer are all herbivores, they are not typically found in the Sahara Desert, which is known for its extreme aridity and lack of vegetation suitable for these animals.

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  • 19. 

    The Death Valley National Park and the Joshua Tree National Park are protected under the:

    • Save the Deserts Act

    • National Park Organization

    • California Protection Act

    • All of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. California Protection Act
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "California Protection Act." The Death Valley National Park and the Joshua Tree National Park are both protected under the California Protection Act. This act provides legal protection and conservation measures for various natural areas in California, including these two national parks. It ensures the preservation and management of these parks, allowing them to continue serving as important ecological and recreational resources for the state.

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Stephen Reinbold |PhD (Biological Sciences) |
Biology Instructor
Stephen Reinbold has a PhD in Biological Sciences and a strong passion for teaching. He taught various subjects including General Biology, Environmental Science, Zoology, Genetics, and Anatomy & Physiology at Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City, Missouri, for nearly thirty years. He focused on scientific methodology and student research projects. Now retired, he works part-time as an editor and engages in online activities.

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  • Current Version
  • Sep 01, 2024
    Quiz Edited by
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    Expert Reviewed by
    Stephen Reinbold
  • Mar 21, 2014
    Quiz Created by
    Izzyrubin3
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