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. What is the common name for the organic compound CH₃OH?

A. Methane
B. Ethanol
C. Methanol
D. Butanol

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The common name for the organic compound CH₃OH is methanol. Methane (A) has the chemical formula CH₄. Ethanol (B) corresponds to the formula C₂H₅OH. Butanol (D) is a compound with the formula C₄H₉OH. The correct answer is C - Methanol, which is the common name for CH₃OH, while the other options correspond to different organic compounds with distinct formulas. Therefore, methanol is the correct choice when identifying the common name for the compound CH₃OH.

3. Which element is a good conductor of electricity but is not a metal?

A. Copper
B. Silver
C. Graphite
D. Gold

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is graphite. Graphite is a non-metal that is a good conductor of electricity due to its unique electronic structure. While metals are typically known for their conductivity, graphite is an exception to this rule. Copper (choice A), silver (choice B), and gold (choice D) are all metals and are known for their excellent conductivity. Therefore, they do not fit the criteria of the question, which specifically asks for an element that is a good conductor of electricity but is not a metal.

4. Which blood component is chiefly responsible for clotting?

A. Platelets
B. Red blood cells
C. Antigens
D. Plasma cells

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Platelets. Platelets are small cell fragments in the blood that play a crucial role in clotting. When there is an injury, platelets adhere to the site and release chemicals that help form a clot to prevent excessive bleeding. Red blood cells transport oxygen, antigens are substances that trigger an immune response, and plasma cells are a type of white blood cell involved in producing antibodies, none of which are primarily responsible for clotting.

5. Which of the following is responsible for producing antibodies?

A. Red blood cells
B. White blood cells
C. Platelets
D. Plasma

Correct answer: B

Rationale: White blood cells are responsible for producing antibodies. Antibodies are essential components of the immune system that help the body combat infections by identifying and neutralizing harmful pathogens. Red blood cells are primarily responsible for carrying oxygen, platelets are involved in blood clotting, and plasma is the liquid component of blood that carries nutrients and hormones.