Name: _________________________ Date: _________________________

5th Grade Ecosystems Test

Alexis Panepinto
SC Standards:
5.L.4A. Conceptual Understanding: Ecosystems are complex, interactive systems that include
both the living components (biotic factors) and physical components (abiotic factors) of the
environment. Ecosystems can be classified as either terrestrial (such as forests, wetlands, and
grasslands) or aquatic (such as oceans, estuaries, lakes, and ponds). (5.L.4A.1 and 5.L.4A.2)
5.L.4B. Conceptual Understanding: All organisms need energy to live and grow. Energy is
obtained from food. The role an organism serves in an ecosystem can be described by the way in
which it gets its energy. Energy is transferred within an ecosystem as organisms produce,
consume, or decompose food. A healthy ecosystem is one in which a diversity of life forms are
able to meet their needs in a relatively stable web of life. (5.L.4B.1, 5.L.4B.2, 5.L.4B.3, and
5.L.4B.4)
Grade Level: 5th Grade

True/False
Carefully read each statement and determine whether it is true or false and circle the word TRUE
if the statement is TRUE or circle the word FALSE if the statement is FALSE.
1. A biotic factor is classified as a non-living thing. True or False

2. An ecosystem is a community of plants and animals interacting True or False

with one another.

3. Consumers are organisms that breakdown dead plants and animals. True or False

4. Predators are animals that naturally hunt and kill other animals for food. True or False
Completion
Carefully read each of the following items and fill in the blank that completes the statement.
1. Energy is needed for ________________ to live and grow.

2. What is transferred within an ecosystem as organisms produce, consume, and decompose

food? ________________

3. What shows a single path that energy and nutrients can take through an ecosystem?
________________

4. A repeating process or flow of material through a system is called ________________.

5. A graphical model of energy flow in a community is a(n) ________________.

6. What do you call a microscopic living organism, that is usually one-celled, and is found
everywhere? ________________

Multiple Choice
Carefully read each of the following items and choose the BEST answer from the options
provided.
1. Which of the following is an example of something that is abiotic?
a. Bacteria
b. Decomposer
c. Rock
d. Sunflower

2. Which of the following groups are examples of carnivores?

a. Bears, Humans, and Mouse
b. Cheetahs, Owls, and Tigers
c. Deer, Owls, and Rabbits
d. Squirrel, Frog, and Pigs
3. All energy in ecosystems comes from which of the following?
a. Consumers
b. Producers
c. The moon
d. The sun

4. An animal that eats both plants and animals is called what?

a. Carnivore
b. Herbivore
c. Insectivore
d. Omnivore

5. As mentioned in our class discussion, the greatest amount of energy can be found where
in an energy pyramid?
a. Everywhere
b. The bottom
c. The middle
d. The top

6. All of the following are examples of terrestrial ecosystems except?

a. Forest
b. Grassland
c. Swamp
d. Wetland

7. All of the following are examples of aquatic ecosystems except?

a. Ocean
b. Pond
c. River
d. Tundra

8. What is the correct order of the tropic levels in a food chain?

a. Primary consumer, Tertiary consumer, Secondary consumer, Producer
b. Producer, Primary consumer, Secondary consumer, Tertiary consumer
c. Producer, Secondary consumer, Primary consumer, Tertiary consumer
d. Tertiary consumer, Secondary consumer, Producer, Primary consumer
9. In this food web below, which trophic level does the praying mantis represent?

a. Primary consumer
b. Producer
c. Secondary consumer
d. Tertiary consumer
Essay
Carefully read each item below and RESPOND to ONE of the following essay items with some
well-developed paragraphs.
1. EXPLAIN how organisms interact with each other in an ecosystem (including predators
and preys, or parasites and hosts)
OR
2. DESCRIBE how limiting factors like water, food, space, shelter or a newly introduced
organism(s) can affect an ecosystem.
Please use this word bank to complete the completion part of this test.
Word Bank
Energy Decomposer
Consumer Organisms
Cycle Energy Pyramid
Bacteria Food Chain
Answer Key
True or False
1. F
2. T
3. F
4. T

Completion
1. Organisms
2. Energy
3. Food Chain
4. Cycle
5. Energy Pyramid
6. Bacteria

Multiple Choice
1. C
2. B
3. D
4. D
5. B
6. C
7. D
8. B
9. C