decomposers in an ecosystem play a vital role by

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 science quizlet

1. Decomposers in an ecosystem play a vital role by:

A. Photosynthesizing and producing organic matter
B. Breaking down dead organisms and returning nutrients to the environment
C. Preying on herbivores and controlling their populations
D. Fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere and making it available to plants

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Decomposers are organisms that break down dead organic matter, such as dead plants and animals, into simpler substances. By doing so, they help to recycle nutrients back into the environment, making them available for other organisms to use. This process is essential for the functioning of ecosystems, as it ensures that nutrients are not lost but instead are continuously cycled through the ecosystem. Photosynthesis (option A) is the process by which plants and some other organisms convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose, and it is not a role of decomposers. Preying on herbivores (option C) is a role typically carried out by predators, not decomposers. Fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere (option D) is a process carried out by nitrogen-fixing bacteria, not decomposers.

2. Which of the following lobes of the brain is primarily responsible for vision?

A. Frontal
B. Occipital
C. Parietal
D. Temporal

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The occipital lobe is primarily responsible for processing visual information. It contains the primary visual cortex, which plays a key role in interpreting visual stimuli. The frontal lobe is more associated with functions such as decision-making and problem-solving, making choice A incorrect. The parietal lobe is involved in processing sensory information but not specifically vision, making choice C incorrect. The temporal lobe is responsible for functions like memory and auditory processing, so choice D is also incorrect.

3. The scatter plot below shows the relationship between the students' exam scores and their heights. Which type of correlation is depicted in the scatter plot?

A. Positive
B. Positive and Negative
C. Negative
D. No correlation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The scatter plot illustrates the relationship between students' exam scores and heights. There is no correlation between these variables, as height is not expected to have a direct impact on exam scores. Therefore, choice D, 'No correlation,' is the correct answer. Choices A, 'Positive,' and C, 'Negative,' are incorrect because the scatter plot does not indicate a positive or negative correlation between exam scores and heights. Choice B, 'Positive and Negative,' is also incorrect because the scatter plot does not exhibit both positive and negative correlations simultaneously.

4. Which of the following is a functional group commonly found in alcohols?

A. Carbonyl
B. Hydroxyl
C. Amine
D. Ester

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The hydroxyl functional group (OH) is commonly found in alcohols, giving them their characteristic properties. Alcohols are organic compounds that contain a hydroxyl group bonded to a carbon atom. The other choices, carbonyl, amine, and ester, are associated with different functional groups commonly found in other types of organic compounds. Carbonyl groups consist of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom. Amines contain a nitrogen atom bonded to hydrogen atoms. Esters consist of a carbonyl group bonded to an alkoxyl group. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Hydroxyl (B),' as it specifically relates to the functional group present in alcohols, distinguishing it from the other options.

5. What kinds of clauses does the following sentence contain? "Although Ted had an impressive education, he had little experience working with individuals, which made him less effective at relating to them."

A. Two dependent clauses and one independent clause
B. One dependent clause and two independent clauses
C. Two independent clauses and no dependent clauses
D. One dependent clause and one independent clause

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The sentence consists of one dependent clause, 'Although Ted had an impressive education,' which introduces a condition. It also contains two independent clauses: 'he had little experience working with individuals,' which presents a fact, and 'which made him less effective at relating to them,' which provides additional information. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Choice A is incorrect because it incorrectly identifies the number of independent and dependent clauses. Choice C is incorrect as it wrongly states that there are no dependent clauses in the sentence. Choice D is incorrect as it does not accurately represent the structure of the sentence.