Name:________________________

Class:___________

Interactions and Ecosystems Section 3 and 4 Test

Instructions: You will be given 43 minutes to complete the test. Make sure you read all of the
instructions before starting the test. The whole test is out of 27 marks.
3.1 STS Investigate a variety of habitats and describe and interpret distribution patterns of living things found in those habitats.
3.2 STS Investigate and interpret evidence of interaction and change.
3.3 STS Identify signs of ecological succession in local ecosystems.
4.1STS - Identify intended and unintended consequences of human activities within local and global environments.
4.2 STS - Describe and interpret examples of scientific investigations that serve to inform environmental decision making.
4.3 STS - Illustrate, through examples, the limits of scientific and technological knowledge in making decisions about life-supporting.
4.4 STS - Analyze a local environmental issue or problem based on evidence from a variety of sources, and identify possible actions and
consequences.

Part A: Multiple Choice

For each of the following questions, circle the best answer. (1 mark each).
1. Changes occur within ecosystems all of the time. Natural disasters, or human activities
can change an ecosystem forever. The extirpation of the Peregrine Falcon everywhere
East of the Rocky Mountains was caused by:
A. Predation by larger Falcons
B. Forest clear cutting
C. Pesticide use
D. Hunting
2. An extinct species is one that
A. Is no longer found living anywhere on Earth, but may come back in the future.
B. Is declining in number, but can still be found on Earth.
C. Is no longer found in certain areas on Earth.
D. Is no longer found living anywhere on Earth.
3. Wackernagel and Rees invented the ecological footprint to
A. Help humans understand which resources need to be preserved or destroyed.
B. Measure the overall environmental impact of human activities on the planet.
C. Show that human activities have not lead to any changes in ecosystems.
D. Show that human activities have caused all ecosystems to die.
4. Secondary succession is
A. Growth that occurs after a community was destroyed or disturbed by natural
occurrences or human activities.
B. Growth that occurs where no life exists due to an absence of soil.
C. The growth that takes place after primary succession.
D. The second species to arrive to an area.

Name:________________________
Class:___________
5. Toxins like DDT are known to cause serious problems to the ecosystem because
A. It decreases in concentration as it moves through the food web.
B. It increases in concentration as it moves through the food web.
C. It poisons the water supplies in ecosystems.
D. It acts as a darn deadly toxin (DDT).
6. The Zebra mussel is a species of freshwater mussel that was originally native to the lakes
of Russia. Over the last 100 years Zebra mussels have been brought over in ship ballasts,
and have reproduced very quickly within Canadian lakes and rivers. . Zebra mussels are
an example of _______________ and have been able to reproduce quickly
because________________.
A. Predation. The non-native species has a new food source.
B. Predation. The native species controls the population of the non-native species.
C. Bioinvasion. The non-native species has no natural enemies and is stronger than
the native species.
D. Bioinvasion. The native species does not want to prey on the non-native species
when it has just arrived in the ecosystem.
7. Which of the following is not one way in which you can reduce your impact on an
ecosystem?
A. Carpool with other kids on the way to school, instead of driving just with your
mom.
B. Turn down the thermostat (heat) when you leave the house.
C. Unplug your cellphone charger when youre not using it.
D. Recycle your pop cans and juice boxes.

Part B: Matching
Match each of the words in the word bank to the correct definition. (1 mark each).
1. Predation 2. Lichen 3. Competition 4. Extirpated 5. Threatened

___ - More than one living thing using the same resources to meet their basic needs.
___- Used to describe a species that is extinct within a certain area.
___- When one animal hunts another animal for food.
___- Often the first species to grow in an area where no life exists due to the absence of soil.
___- Used to describe a species that is declining in number.

Name:________________________
Class:___________
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each of the following questions by using complete sentences, or point form.
1. In class we discussed several case studies about how science cannot always be used to
answer a specific problem. List and explain one example of how science has not been able
to answer a problem. (3 marks).
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2. As part of the Helen Schuler field trip, we completed research projects on endangered
species within Alberta. Name one endangered species, or species at risk, within Alberta and
explain why it is classified as endangered. (3 marks).
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Name:________________________
Class:___________
Part D: Long Answer
Answer each of the following questions by using complete sentences. Be sure to explain each of
your answers to the best of your ability.
1. In general, do human activities have an effect on the ecosystem? Use three examples from
this unit to support your answer. (4 marks)
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2. On May 18, 1980 Mount St. Helens erupted. The eruption began with a large earthquake,
which lead to the rapid release of pressurized gases within the Mount St. Helens volcano.
The explosion led to a rockslide that lasted for 14 miles, wet cement-like lava that covered
the entire volcano, and a mushroom shaped cloud of ash that covered nearly 150 miles of
forest.
Where a forest once stood there was nothing but grey ash and lava left behind.
In your own words, explain the processes that would need to occur in order for climax
community to once again form in this area. Be sure to define any of the key words within
your answer. (Hint use words like: succession, primary succession, secondary succession,
pioneer species, and/or climax community). (5 marks).
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