Animal Ecosystem Engineering MCQS

1. What is ecosystem engineering? A) The process of building ecosystems from scratch B) The alteration of the environment by organisms, influencing other species C) The management of ecosystems by humans D) The study of animal behavior in natural habitats Answer: B) The alteration of the environment by organisms, influencing other species 2. Which of the following is an example of ecosystem engineering by animals? A) Building a nest by a bird B) Planting trees by humans C) Digging burrows by rodents D) All of the above Answer: C) Digging burrows by rodents 3. How do beavers contribute to ecosystem engineering? A) By constructing dams that alter water flow and create wetlands B) By migrating across vast distances and influencing plant distribution C) By hunting prey and controlling population dynamics D) By spreading seeds and promoting plant growth Answer: A) By constructing dams that alter water flow and create wetlands 4. What is the primary purpose of ecosystem engineering by animals? A) To harm other species B) To destroy habitats C) To create or modify habitats to suit their needs D) To decrease biodiversity Answer: C) To create or modify habitats to suit their needs 5. How do ants contribute to ecosystem engineering? A) By building underground tunnels that aerate the soil B) By pollinating flowers and aiding in seed dispersal C) By preying on other insects and controlling their populations D) By producing honey that serves as a food source for other animals Answer: A) By building underground tunnels that aerate the soil 6. What role do elephants play in ecosystem engineering? A) They create waterholes by digging, providing water sources for other animals B) They climb trees and create nests for birds C) They produce large amounts of dung that fertilize the soil D) They prey on smaller animals, controlling their populations Answer: A) They create waterholes by digging, providing water sources for other animals 7. How does ecosystem engineering by animals affect biodiversity? A) It decreases biodiversity by destroying habitats B) It has no effect on biodiversity C) It increases biodiversity by creating diverse habitats D) It promotes invasive species that reduce biodiversity Answer: C) It increases biodiversity by creating diverse habitats 8. Which of the following animals is known for its role in ecosystem engineering in marine environments? A) Sea otters B) Dolphins C) Jellyfish D) Clownfish Answer: A) Sea otters 9. How do coral reefs contribute to ecosystem engineering? A) By producing calcium carbonate skeletons that form reef structures B) By hunting prey and controlling population dynamics C) By spreading diseases that affect other marine organisms D) By migrating across vast distances and influencing plant distribution Answer: A) By producing calcium carbonate skeletons that form reef structures 10. What is an example of ecosystem engineering by birds? A) Nest building B) Photosynthesis C) Herbivory D) Fungal decomposition Answer: A) Nest building 11. How does ecosystem engineering by animals contribute to ecosystem resilience? A) By reducing habitat complexity B) By promoting monocultures C) By creating diverse habitats and increasing ecosystem stability D) By eliminating keystone species Answer: C) By creating diverse habitats and increasing ecosystem stability 12. Which of the following animals is known for its role in engineering grasslands? A) Bison B) Penguins C) Snakes D) Frogs Answer: A) Bison 13. How does ecosystem engineering by animals influence nutrient cycling? A) It accelerates nutrient loss from ecosystems B) It has no impact on nutrient cycling C) It enhances nutrient retention and recycling D) It promotes nutrient leaching Answer: C) It enhances nutrient retention and recycling 14. How does ecosystem engineering by animals impact ecosystem services? A) It reduces the provision of ecosystem services B) It enhances the provision of ecosystem services C) It has no effect on ecosystem services D) It degrades ecosystem services Answer: B) It enhances the provision of ecosystem services 15. Which of the following animals is known for its role in engineering rivers and streams? A) Beavers B) Penguins C) Lions D) Gorillas Answer: A) Beavers 16. What is the primary benefit of ecosystem engineering by animals? A) It increases habitat destruction B) It enhances biodiversity C) It accelerates climate change D) It promotes pollution Answer: B) It enhances biodiversity 17. How does ecosystem engineering by animals influence landscape heterogeneity? A) It decreases landscape heterogeneity B) It has no effect on landscape heterogeneity C) It increases landscape heterogeneity D) It promotes desertification Answer: C) It increases landscape heterogeneity 18. Which of the following animals is known for its role in engineering forests? A) Elephants B) Penguins C) Snakes D) Butterflies Answer: A) Elephants 19. How do earthworms contribute to ecosystem engineering? A) By building nests in trees B) By aerating the soil and enhancing nutrient cycling C) By preying on insects and controlling their populations D) By migrating across vast distances and influencing plant distribution Answer: B) By aerating the soil and enhancing nutrient cycling 20. How does ecosystem engineering by animals affect habitat complexity? A) It reduces habitat complexity B) It has no effect on habitat complexity C) It increases habitat complexity D) It promotes habitat destruction Answer: C) It increases habitat complexity