ASVAB General Science Biology and Ecology Flashcards

Which type of symbiosis benefits one organism while the other is neither helped nor harmed?

Answer: Commensalism

Commensalism is the relationship where one organism benefits and the other is unaffected.

What is the primary role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Answer: Break down dead organic matter and recycle nutrients

Decomposers like bacteria and fungi break down dead organisms, returning nutrients to the soil.

Which organelle is responsible for producing ATP through cellular respiration?

Answer: Mitochondria

Mitochondria are called the powerhouse of the cell because they generate ATP via cellular respiration.

A population of rabbits grows rapidly with unlimited food. This best describes which type of population growth?

Answer: Exponential growth

Exponential growth occurs when a population increases at a constant rate without resource limitations.

What term describes the maximum population size an environment can sustainably support?

Answer: Carrying capacity

Carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals an environment can support given available resources.

Which process moves water from the soil into a plant and eventually into the atmosphere?

Answer: Transpiration

Transpiration is the evaporation of water from plant leaves, driving water uptake from the roots.

Which blood cells are primarily responsible for fighting bacterial infections?

Answer: White blood cells

White blood cells (leukocytes) are the main immune cells that attack and destroy pathogens like bacteria.