5th Grade Science : Life Science
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for 5th Grade Science
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Example Questions
Example Question #31 : 5th Grade Science
Organisms that feed on the remains or waste of other organisms are known as ___________.
producers
consumers
decomposers
predators
decomposers
A decomposer is an organism that feeds on and breaks down dead plant or animal matter, making organic nutrients available to the ecosystem. Often a decomposer is a bacterium, fungus, or invertebrate. Decomposers play a critical role in the flow of energy through an ecosystem. Decomposers make vital nutrients available to an ecosystem’s primary producers—usually plants and algae.
Example Question #32 : 5th Grade Science
Which organism below is an example of a decomposer?
Osprey
Oak tree
Plankton
Fungi
Fungi
Fungi is a decomposer. Decomposers play a vital role in keeping the food chain functioning properly. As decomposers break down the remains of dead organisms and produce waste, nutrients are recycled back into the soil for producers (plants) to absorb through their roots. Without decomposers, there would be a buildup of debris, remained, and a lack of nutrients in the food chain.
Example Question #1 : Movement Of Matter
Composting takes advantage of the natural process of decomposition by
creating clean drinking water for humans, plants, and animals.
releasing harmful chemicals into the atmosphere.
returning energy and nutrients to the environment.
decreasing the Earth's temperature.
returning energy and nutrients to the environment.
Composting is a form of decomposition and takes advantage of the natural bacteria, fungi, and organisms that break down waste. Many people will collect kitchen scraps and debris, let the organic matter break down, and then spread it in gardens or potted plants because it is rich in nutrients. Decomposers play a vital role in keeping the food chain functioning properly. As decomposers break down the remains of dead organisms and produce waste, nutrients are recycled back into the soil for producers (plants) to absorb through their roots. Without decomposers, a buildup of debris remained and a lack of nutrients in the food chain.
Example Question #4 : Movement Of Matter
In the graphic below, a food chain is modeled. The decomposer has been removed from the food chain. Which organism below could be the decomposer in this food chain?
The vulture is a decomposer that could be added to this food chain to complete it. A decomposer is an organism that feeds on and breaks down dead plant or animal matter, making organic nutrients available to the ecosystem. Often a decomposer is a bacterium, fungus, or invertebrate. Decomposers play a critical role in the flow of energy through an ecosystem. Decomposers make vital nutrients available to an ecosystem’s primary producers—usually plants and algae.
Example Question #7 : Model The Movement Of Matter Among Decomposers
Which of the following is an example of a 1) decomposer, 2) producer, and 3) a consumer?
1) grass, 2) cricket, and 3) vulture
1) mushroom, 2) rose bush, and 3) palm tree
1) osprey, 2) snake, and 3) frog
1) fungi, 2) grass, and 3) cricket
1) fungi, 2) grass, and 3) cricket
A decomposer is an organism that breaks down organic material. This includes the remains of dead organisms. Bacteria, worms, snails, slugs, and fungi are types of decomposers. All organisms undergo decomposition after death. The correct answer is "1) fungi, 2) grass, and 3) cricket".
Example Question #31 : Life Science
What is the process called by which producers create their food?
Aquasynthesis
Photosynthesis
Autosynthesis
Hyoersynthesis
Photosynthesis
Plants (producers) are at the beginning of every food chain that involves the Sun. All energy comes from the Sun, and plants are the ones who make food with that energy through photosynthesis. Plants get their energy from the Sun and water. Without water transporting nutrients to the plants, they would not grow and survive. Water also helps cool plants as they evaporate water through transpiration.
Example Question #32 : Life Science
What is a plant called in a food chain?
A herbivorous consumer
A decomposer
A producer
A top carnivore
A producer
Plants are called producers and are a vital part of the food chain. This food chain is based in the ocean and features all aquatic organisms. Plants get their energy from the Sun and water. Without water transporting nutrients to the plants, they would not grow and survive.
Example Question #33 : Life Science
What member of the food chain directly receives energy from plants in a food chain?
Decomposer
Top carnivore
The Sun
2nd level carnivorous consumer
Decomposer
Plants (producers) indirectly provide energy to all members of the food chain. When something consumes a plant and is later eaten, that energy is passed down the line. Decomposers and herbivorous consumers are the only two members that directly receive energy from plants (producers).
Example Question #34 : Life Science
Why are plants called producers in the food chain?
They produce energy for the Sun.
They catch their food.
They produce homes for many insects.
They make their own food.
They make their own food.
Plants are called producers because they produce their food. Through photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide with their leaves, water and nutrients from the soil with their roots, and sunlight to create glucose. This energy-rich sugar gives plants what they need to grow and survive. Plants are the only organism that can use sunlight to make their food.
Example Question #35 : Life Science
Which consumers in the model indirectly receive energy from producers?
Decomposer, 1st level carnivorous consumers, herbivorous consumers, and the Sun
2nd level carnivorous consumers, 3rd level carnivorous consumers, and top carnivores
Decomposer, herbivorous consumers, and the Sun
1st level carnivorous consumers, 2nd level carnivorous consumers, 3rd level carnivorous consumers, and top carnivores
1st level carnivorous consumers, 2nd level carnivorous consumers, 3rd level carnivorous consumers, and top carnivores
Some members of the food chain receive energy from plants directly, and others receive it indirectly. 1st level carnivorous consumers, 2nd level carnivorous consumers, 3rd level carnivorous consumers, and top carnivores all receive a plant's energy second-hand because they are eating something (like a herbivorous consumer) that has previously eaten a plant. Anything that is a carnivore only eats meat, so it will not directly consume a producer.
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