Quiz on Biotic Factors Affecting Marine Organisms

Quiz on biotic factors affecting marine organisms 1. What is a significant consequence of disruptions at one trophic level in a marine food web? A. It has no effect on keystone species. B. It creates an imbalance at multiple trophic levels. C. It solely impacts bottom-dwelling organisms. D. It only affects the species directly involved. Answer: It creates an imbalance at multiple trophic levels. (B) Disruptions at one level can lead to cascading effects throughout the entire food web. 2. How does competition for space influence marine organisms? A. It affects the distribution and abundance of species. B. It only concerns predators and not prey. C. It determines reproductive rates of species. D. It has no significant impact on the ecosystem. Answer: It affects the distribution and abundance of species. (A) Limited space can strongly influence the distribution and abundance of marine organisms. 3. Why is understanding trophic interactions crucial for fisheries management? A. It helps in determining seasonal fishing patterns. B. It reduces competition among fish species. C. It is essential for sustainable practices. D. It allows for predicting fish migration routes. 2 Answer: It is essential for sustainable practices. (C) Understanding trophic interactions is vital for sustainable fisheries management. 4. What role do keystone species play in marine ecosystems? A. They increase competition among other species. B. They help predict the resilience of ecosystems. C. They have little effect on community structure. D. They solely influence primary producers. Answer: They help predict the resilience of ecosystems. (B) Identifying keystone species helps predict the resilience of ecosystems subjected to various pressures. 5. How does knowledge of biotic interactions contribute to understanding pollution impacts on marine ecosystems? A. It ensures that all species are equally affected by pollution. B. It aids in better predicting the effects of pollution. C. It eliminates the need for conservation efforts. D. It allows for the development of new pollution control technologies. Answer: It aids in better predicting the effects of pollution. (B) Knowledge of biotic interactions allows for better prediction of pollution impacts on marine ecosystems. 6. Which type of competition occurs between different species in marine ecosystems? A. Intraspecific competition B. Interspecific competition C. Symbiotic competition D. Exploitation competition 3 Answer: Interspecific competition (B) Interspecific competition involves species competing for resources. 7. What role do predators play in marine ecosystems? A. They exclusively consume plant material. B. They serve as parasites in the food web. C. They amplify competition among species. D. They maintain ecological balance. Answer: They maintain ecological balance. (D) Predators help regulate prey populations and maintain balance in the ecosystem. 8. Which type of symbiotic relationship benefits one species while the other is neither helped nor harmed? A. Parasitism B. Mutualism C. Commensalism D. Predation Answer: Commensalism (C) Commensalism describes a relationship where one species benefits without affecting the other. 9. How can parasitism affect marine organisms? A. It can lead to illness and reduce survival. B. It can increase the host's reproductive success. C. It usually enhances the host's health. D. It has no significant impact on host populations. Answer: It can lead to illness and reduce survival. (A) 4 Parasitism often harms the host, affecting its health and survival. 10. What impact does herbivory have in marine ecosystems? A. It reduces the number of herbivores in the environment. B. It leads to uncontrolled growth of plant species. C. It can help maintain the balance of plant species. D. It promotes competition among plant species. Answer: It can help maintain the balance of plant species. (C) Herbivory helps control plant growth and maintains ecological balance. 11. What can cause disease outbreaks in marine organisms? A. Low levels of pollution B. Stable environmental conditions C. Natural predator behavior D. Changes in water temperature Answer: Changes in water temperature (D) Variations in water temperature can trigger disease outbreaks in marine ecosystems. 12. What type of relationship exists between cleaner shrimps and larger fish? A. Mutualism B. Parasitism C. Commensalism D. Predation Answer: Mutualism (A) In mutualism, both species benefit, as cleaner shrimps clean parasites from larger fish. 13. What impact do changes in predator populations have on marine ecosystems? 5 A. They only affect invertebrate populations. B. They have no significant effects. C. They can alter the abundance of prey populations. D. They can lead to an increase in plant species. Answer: They can alter the abundance of prey populations. (C) Changes in predator populations can significantly influence prey dynamics and the ecosystem.