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Quizzes > Science > Biology

Ecology and the Biosphere Quiz: How Well Do You Know the Web of Life?

Explore the total variety of organisms that live in the biosphere - take the quiz now!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art layers depicting trees hills waves animals insects on coral background for ecology and biosphere quiz

This Ecology and the Biosphere quiz helps you review core ideas - biodiversity, energy flow, habitats, and species interactions. Use it to spot gaps before a quiz or exam, or just have fun and learn a fact or two. Want a quick warm-up first? Try the intro ecology quiz.

What is the biosphere?
The atmospheric layer highest above Earth
The scientific study of life
All non-living parts of Earth
The global sum of all ecosystems
The biosphere includes all regions of Earth where life exists and encompasses all ecosystems and living organisms. It integrates the interactions between the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere where life persists. This global system supports and sustains life by cycling nutrients and energy. For more information on ecosystems and the biosphere see .
Which terrestrial biome is characterized by low precipitation and sparse vegetation?
Grassland
Rainforest
Tundra
Desert
Deserts receive very low annual precipitation, typically less than 250 millimeters, leading to sparse vegetation adapted to conserve water. Plant life in deserts often exhibits specialized features like deep roots and water storage tissues. The extreme conditions support unique but limited biodiversity. More details on desert biomes can be found at .
What term describes the variety of living species within an ecosystem?
Biomass
Autotrophy
Biome
Biodiversity
Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of living organisms in a given ecosystem, biome, or the entire planet. It encompasses species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity. High biodiversity often indicates a healthy and resilient ecosystem. Learn more about biodiversity at .
What process do green plants use to convert sunlight into chemical energy?
Photosynthesis
Cellular respiration
Fermentation
Transpiration
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and certain bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose. This process involves the intake of carbon dioxide and water, releasing oxygen as a byproduct. It forms the basis of most food chains by producing organic matter. For an in-depth explanation see .
Which cycle describes the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth?
Phosphorus cycle
Nitrogen cycle
Water cycle
Carbon cycle
The water cycle, or hydrologic cycle, describes how water evaporates, condenses, precipitates, and flows through rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers. This cycle is driven by solar energy and gravity, ensuring the distribution and purification of Earth's water. It is essential for sustaining life and regulating climate. More on the water cycle is available at .
Primary producers in an ecosystem are typically what type of organisms?
Heterotrophs
Decomposers
Autotrophs
Carnivores
Primary producers, or autotrophs, produce organic compounds from inorganic substances using light or chemical energy. Examples include plants, algae, and certain bacteria. They form the foundation of food webs by providing energy to higher trophic levels. See more about autotrophs at .
What term refers to the feeding levels within an ecosystem?
Biotic interactions
Nutrient pools
Trophic levels
Food webs
Trophic levels classify organisms based on their source of energy, starting from primary producers at level one up to apex predators. They help ecologists understand energy flow and ecosystem structure. Each level transfers only a fraction of energy to the next, typically around 10%. For more details, visit .
Which gas is primarily absorbed by plants during photosynthesis?
Oxygen
Carbon dioxide
Nitrogen
Methane
During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide and, using sunlight, convert it into glucose and oxygen. This absorption of CO2 reduces the concentration of this greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. The released oxygen is vital for respiration in most organisms. Learn more about this process at .
In aquatic ecosystems, which zone receives sufficient light for photosynthesis?
Pelagic zone
Aphotic zone
Photic zone
Benthic zone
The photic zone is the upper layer of water where sunlight penetrates sufficiently for photosynthesis. This zone supports the growth of phytoplankton and other photosynthetic organisms. Below this zone, light levels are too low to sustain photosynthesis. More information can be found at .
Eutrophication is best defined as:
Increase in water pH due to photosynthesis
Poisoning of water by heavy metals
Decrease in dissolved oxygen due to ice cover
Excessive nutrient enrichment causing algal blooms
Eutrophication occurs when water bodies receive excessive nutrients, often nitrogen and phosphorus, leading to rapid algal growth. When algae die and decompose, they consume oxygen, causing hypoxic conditions harmful to aquatic life. This process can create dead zones with little or no marine life. The EPA provides further details at .
Which biome hosts the greatest number of species?
Desert
Tropical rainforest
Tundra
Temperate forest
Tropical rainforests are exceptionally biodiverse, harboring more species per unit area than any other biome. Warm temperatures and high rainfall support a variety of plant and animal life. These ecosystems play a critical role in global climate regulation and carbon cycling. Explore more at .
Deep-sea chemosynthetic communities primarily derive energy from:
Hydrogen sulfide oxidation
Decomposed organic matter
Sunlight
Geothermal heat only
In the absence of sunlight, deep-sea chemosynthetic bacteria oxidize hydrogen sulfide from hydrothermal vents to produce energy. This process supports unique ecosystems independent of photosynthesis. The organic compounds they generate sustain various organisms such as tube worms and clams. Read more at .
Which species has a disproportionate impact on its ecosystem relative to its abundance?
Foundation species
Indicator species
Invasive species
Keystone species
Keystone species play a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecosystem, often impacting many other organisms. Their removal can lead to significant shifts in community composition and ecosystem health. Examples include sea otters in kelp forests and wolves in Yellowstone. More on keystone species is available at .
A carbon sink is a reservoir that:
Recycles carbon locally without long-term storage
Is a major source of fossil fuels
Accumulates and stores carbon from the atmosphere
Releases carbon slowly into the atmosphere
Carbon sinks absorb more carbon than they release, storing it for long periods. Major sinks include forests, soils, and the oceans. These reservoirs help mitigate the greenhouse effect by reducing atmospheric CO2 levels. For detailed information, see .
Nitrogen fixation converts nitrogen gas into:
Ammonia
Nitrate
Nitrite
Nitrogen dioxide
Nitrogen fixation is the process by which certain bacteria and archaea convert atmospheric N2 into ammonia (NH3), making nitrogen available to plants. This can occur biologically or via industrial processes. Ammonia is then used to form other biologically important nitrogen compounds. Learn more from .
What type of ecological succession occurs on surfaces where no soil exists?
Secondary succession
Climax succession
Primary succession
Tertiary succession
Primary succession begins on newly formed or exposed substrates, such as lava flows or glacial retreats, where no soil is present. Pioneer species like lichens and mosses colonize and contribute to soil formation. Over time, this leads to the development of more complex plant communities. Additional details are available at .
Permafrost is a defining characteristic of which biome?
Tundra
Deciduous forest
Taiga
Grassland
Permafrost refers to ground that remains at or below freezing temperature for two or more consecutive years. It is a hallmark of tundra biomes, affecting vegetation by limiting root growth. Thawing permafrost can release greenhouse gases and alter ecosystems. Further information is provided by .
The albedo effect refers to:
The reflection of solar radiation by surfaces
Seasonal variation in sunlight hours
The trapping of heat by greenhouse gases
Absorption of CO2 by oceans
Albedo is the measure of how much sunlight a surface reflects back into space. Light-colored surfaces like ice and snow have high albedo, reflecting most sunlight. Changes in albedo can influence climate feedbacks and global temperatures. For more on this effect see .
A symbiotic relationship where both species benefit is called:
Commensalism
Amensalism
Mutualism
Parasitism
Mutualism is a type of symbiosis where both interacting species gain benefits, such as pollinators and flowering plants. This relationship enhances survival, reproduction, or resource acquisition for both parties. It is distinct from commensalism and parasitism where benefits are asymmetric. Read more at .
An ecological niche is best described as:
The size of a species' population
The genetic makeup of a species
The role and position a species has in its environment
The geographic area where a species lives
An ecological niche encompasses how a species interacts with biotic and abiotic factors, including its habitat, resource use, and role in energy flow. It defines a species' functional position within an ecosystem. Niches can be fundamental or realized based on competition and environmental constraints. More details are available at .
Denitrification is the process by which:
Ammonia is oxidized to nitrite
Nitrogen gas is fixed to ammonia
Nitrates are reduced to nitrogen gas
Nitrite is oxidized to nitrate
Denitrification is carried out by anaerobic bacteria that convert nitrates (NO3-) into nitrogen gas (N2), returning it to the atmosphere. This process is a critical part of the nitrogen cycle, regulating soil fertility and atmospheric composition. It typically occurs in waterlogged or oxygen-poor soils. Learn more about denitrification at .
A species introduced into a habitat where it is not native and causes harm is called:
Keystone species
Endemic species
Invasive species
Foundation species
Invasive species are organisms that, when introduced to new environments, can outcompete native species, disrupt ecosystems, and cause economic or environmental harm. Their rapid spread and lack of natural predators often lead to biodiversity loss. Effective management requires prevention and control strategies. For further reading see .
The maximum population size that an environment can sustain indefinitely is known as:
Biotic potential
Carrying capacity
Limiting factor
Ecological footprint
Carrying capacity refers to the largest number of individuals of a species that an environment can support sustainably, given food, habitat, water, and other resources. Exceeding this capacity leads to resource depletion and population decline. It is influenced by environmental conditions and species interactions. More information is available at .
In freshwater ecosystems, which nutrient is typically considered limiting to algal growth?
Phosphorus
Nitrogen
Potassium
Carbon
Phosphorus is often the limiting nutrient in freshwater systems because it is less abundant than nitrogen and other elements. Its availability controls algal growth and can trigger eutrophication when in excess. Management of phosphorus inputs is critical to maintaining water quality. More details are available at .
Liebig's Law of the Minimum states that:
Growth is limited by the scarcest resource relative to needs
Ecosystem productivity is determined by trophic levels
Species diversity depends on energy flow
Organism growth increases indefinitely with abundant resources
Liebig's Law of the Minimum posits that the nutrient in shortest supply relative to an organism's requirements limits its growth and reproduction. Even if all other nutrients are abundant, the scarcest one will restrict overall productivity. This concept is foundational in plant ecology and agronomy. For a detailed discussion see .
In the species - area relationship equation S = cA^z, what does the exponent z represent?
The rate at which species richness increases with area
The total species richness on the smallest island
The minimum area required for species survival
The constant intercept of species richness
In the species - area relationship, S is species richness, A is area, c is a constant, and z is the exponent describing how rapidly species richness increases as area expands. A higher z value indicates greater sensitivity of species richness to changes in area. This relationship is used in conservation biology to predict biodiversity loss due to habitat fragmentation. More information can be found at .
Ecological resilience is defined as:
The maximum biomass an ecosystem can produce
The stability of species composition over time
The capacity of an ecosystem to recover after disturbance
The speed at which new species colonize an area
Ecological resilience refers to an ecosystem's ability to absorb disturbances and reorganize while undergoing change, retaining essentially the same function and structure. High resilience allows quicker recovery from events like fires or floods. It is distinct from resistance, which is the ability to withstand change. For further reading see .
The Redfield ratio in marine ecology refers to the atomic ratio of which elements in phytoplankton?
Nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur in a 16:1:1 ratio
Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in a 1:2:1 ratio
Carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen in a 106:1:1 ratio
Carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in a 106:16:1 ratio
The Redfield ratio describes the consistent atomic ratio (C:N:P = 106:16:1) found in marine phytoplankton and deep ocean waters. This ratio highlights the balance of key nutrients needed for phytoplankton growth. Deviations from the Redfield ratio can indicate nutrient limitation in marine environments. More on this concept is available at .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Key Ecological Concepts -

    Define ecology and the biosphere, exploring the fundamental principles that govern how organisms interact with their environment across the planet.

  2. Analyze Ecosystem Interactions -

    Examine energy flow, food webs, and nutrient cycles to reveal the dynamic relationships that sustain ecosystems.

  3. Identify Global Biomes and Biodiversity -

    Recognize the characteristics of major biomes and describe the total variety of organisms that live in the biosphere.

  4. Evaluate Biodiversity Metrics -

    Interpret measures of species richness, evenness, and ecological diversity to assess ecosystem health and stability.

  5. Apply Ecology in Conservation Contexts -

    Propose strategies for habitat protection and species conservation by applying ecological principles to real-world challenges.

  6. Compare Local and Global Ecological Patterns -

    Contrast micro-scale interactions within habitats with large-scale processes that shape the distribution of life on Earth.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Defining the Biosphere -

    In ecology and the biosphere research, the biosphere refers to Earth's life-supporting envelope, spanning from ocean depths to mountaintops. It encompasses the total variety of organisms that live in the biosphere, from microscopic plankton to giant redwoods. Remember "bio" means life and "sphere" means realm - a simple mnemonic to lock in this global habitat concept!

  2. Levels of Biodiversity -

    Biodiversity breaks down into genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity, each critical for resilience and adaptation (University of California Museum of Paleontology). A handy memory trick is "GSE" (Genetic, Species, Ecosystem) to recall these three layers of life's variety. Higher levels of each increase ecological stability and resource potential.

  3. Measuring Species Diversity -

    Species richness (the raw count of species) pairs with diversity indices like Shannon - Wiener (H′ = - ∑ pi ln pi ) to quantify community evenness (source: EPA). The Shannon formula weighs both abundance and evenness, making it a staple in ecology and biosphere studies. Use the phrase "SHANNON shows how species share nicely" to recall that it factors species proportion into diversity calculations.

  4. Key Biogeochemical Cycles -

    Carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles recycle elements essential for life, linking organisms with air, water, and soil (NASA's Earth Observatory). In ecology and biosphere contexts, understanding these loops explains how nutrients flow and accumulate, affecting productivity and climate feedbacks.

  5. Energy Flow & Productivity -

    Gross primary productivity (GPP) is total photosynthetic energy capture, while net primary productivity (NPP = GPP - R) is what's left for consumers (source: USDA). Apply the "10% rule" (roughly 10% energy transfer per trophic level) to estimate biomass decline up a food chain, a core concept in ecosystem ecology.

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