SAT - Biology Subject Ecosystems and Energy Flow Questions and Answers

Question 1

In a terrestrial ecosystem, if the primary producers generate 10,000 kcal/m²/year of energy, approximately how much energy would be available to the tertiary consumers?

Accepted Answer

10 kcal/m²/year

Answer

1,000 kcal/m²/year

Answer

100 kcal/m²/year

Answer

1 kcal/m²/year

Question 2

Which of the following processes is essential for converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants?

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen fixation

Answer

Denitrification

Answer

Photosynthesis

Answer

Transpiration

Question 3

The process by which the concentration of a persistent toxin, such as mercury or DDT, increases in the tissues of organisms at successively higher trophic levels is known as:

Accepted Answer

Biomagnification

Answer

Bioremediation

Answer

Eutrophication

Answer

Bioaccumulation

Question 4

A volcanic eruption creates a new island of barren rock. Over time, lichens and mosses begin to grow on the rock, followed by grasses, shrubs, and eventually trees. This entire sequence of community development is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Primary succession

Answer

Climax community

Answer

Secondary succession

Answer

Trophic cascade

Question 5

Net Primary Productivity (NPP) is the rate at which an ecosystem's producers create biomass. It is calculated by which of the following formulas?

Accepted Answer

NPP = Gross Primary Productivity - Respiration

Answer

NPP = Gross Primary Productivity + Respiration

Answer

NPP = Gross Primary Productivity / Respiration

Answer

NPP = Respiration - Gross Primary Productivity

Question 6

In the carbon cycle, which process removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and incorporates it into organic molecules?

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis

Answer

Decomposition

Answer

Respiration

Answer

Combustion