AP Biology questions on classification and ecosystem stability

📚 Quick Study Guide

• 🌱 Classification: Arranging organisms into groups based on evolutionary relationships.
• 🌳 Taxonomic Hierarchy: Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species (Dumb Kids Playing Catch On Freeway Get Squashed).
• 🔬 Phylogenetic Tree: A visual representation of the evolutionary history of organisms.
• 🌍 Ecosystem Stability: The ability of an ecosystem to resist changes or recover quickly from disturbances.
• ☀️ Biodiversity: The variety of life in an ecosystem, contributing to stability. More diverse = more stable!
• ♻️ Keystone Species: A species that plays a critical role in maintaining the structure and function of an ecosystem.
• ⚠️ Ecological Succession: The process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time.

🧪 Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following is the broadest (most inclusive) taxonomic category?
   1. A. Family
   2. B. Genus
   3. C. Kingdom
   4. D. Species
2. Which of the following best describes a keystone species?
   1. A. A species that is always the most abundant in an ecosystem.
   2. B. A species that plays a critical role in maintaining ecosystem structure.
   3. C. A species that is only found in a specific geographic location.
   4. D. A species that only consumes plants.
3. What is the correct order of ecological succession?
   1. A. Climax community → Pioneer species → Intermediate species
   2. B. Pioneer species → Intermediate species → Climax community
   3. C. Intermediate species → Climax community → Pioneer species
   4. D. Climax community → Intermediate species → Pioneer species
4. How does biodiversity contribute to ecosystem stability?
   1. A. It decreases the number of available niches.
   2. B. It increases the vulnerability to disease.
   3. C. It provides a wider range of responses to environmental changes.
   4. D. It reduces the efficiency of energy transfer.
5. Which of the following represents the correct way to write the scientific name of humans?
   1. A. *Homo Sapiens*
   2. B. *Homo sapiens*
   3. C. Homo sapiens
   4. D. homo sapiens
6. What is the primary role of decomposers in an ecosystem?
   1. A. To produce energy through photosynthesis.
   2. B. To consume primary producers.
   3. C. To break down dead organic matter.
   4. D. To provide shelter for other organisms.
7. Which of the following is NOT a factor that contributes to ecosystem instability?
   1. A. Introduction of invasive species.
   2. B. High levels of pollution.
   3. C. Increased biodiversity.
   4. D. Climate change.