5th Grade Science : Movement of Matter

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for 5th Grade Science

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Example Questions

Example Question #21 : Life Science

What is a decomposer in the food chain?

Possible Answers:

A decomposer breaks down organic material

A decomposer eats producers

A decomposer is at the top of the food chain and is an apex predator

A decomposer is responsible for providing energy to tertiary consumers

Correct answer:

A decomposer breaks down organic material

Explanation:

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.

Example Question #22 : Life Science

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What is the role of a decomposer in an ecosystem?

Possible Answers:

Produce oxygen for consumers

To capture the energy of the Sun for plants to make food

Bring nutrients to producers and consumers

Break down dead organisms

Correct answer:

Break down dead organisms

Explanation:

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 #23 : Life Science

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What would happen in a food chain if decomposers were removed?

Possible Answers:

Producers would not have enough nutrients, and waste would pile up.

Final consumers will have to start eating producers.

The Sun will direct its energy towards other organisms in the food chain.

Primary consumers will have nothing to eat and starve.

Correct answer:

Producers would not have enough nutrients, and waste would pile up.

Explanation:

If decomposers were removed from a food chain, there would be a break down in the flow of matter and energy. Waste and dead organisms would pile up. Producers would not have enough nutrients because, within the waste and dead organisms, nutrients would not be released back into the ecosystem.

Example Question #1 : Movement Of Matter

How do decomposers assist producers in moving matter in the food chain?

Possible Answers:

Decomposers attract more sunlight which gives producers the energy they need to make food.

Decomposers distract many of the primary consumers from threatening or eating the producers.

Decomposers do not help producers in any way; in fact, they are harmful to them.

Decomposers recycle nutrients back into the soil so that they can be taken up by the roots of plants.

Correct answer:

Decomposers recycle nutrients back into the soil so that they can be taken up by the roots of plants.

Explanation:

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 #24 : Life Science

If Jessa is making a model of a food chain and needs to include decomposers, what type of organism could she use as an example?

Possible Answers:

All of the choices are correct

Bacteria

Fungi

Worm

Correct answer:

All of the choices are correct

Explanation:

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. A worm, bacterium, or fungi would all be acceptable examples of a decomposer.

 

Example Question #31 : 5th Grade Science

Organisms that feed on the remains or waste of other organisms are known as ___________.

Possible Answers:

decomposers

predators

producers

consumers

Correct answer:

decomposers

Explanation:

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?

Possible Answers:

Osprey

Oak tree

Fungi

Plankton

Correct answer:

Fungi

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

returning energy and nutrients to the environment.

releasing harmful chemicals into the atmosphere.

decreasing the Earth's temperature.

creating clean drinking water for humans, plants, and animals.

Correct answer:

returning energy and nutrients to the environment.

Explanation:

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 #31 : Life Science

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?

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Possible Answers:

Screen shot 2020 09 23 at 9.09.33 am

Screen shot 2020 09 23 at 9.10.22 am

Screen shot 2020 09 23 at 9.10.01 am

Screen shot 2020 09 23 at 9.11.19 am

Correct answer:

Screen shot 2020 09 23 at 9.09.33 am

Explanation:

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 #1 : Movement Of Matter

Which of the following is an example of a 1) decomposer, 2) producer, and 3) a consumer?

Possible Answers:

1) osprey, 2) snake, and 3) frog

1) fungi, 2) grass, and 3) cricket

1) grass, 2) cricket, and 3) vulture

1) mushroom, 2) rose bush, and 3) palm tree

Correct answer:

1) fungi, 2) grass, and 3) cricket

Explanation:

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".

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