All Exams  >   Class 8  >   Biology Class 8 ICSE  >   All Questions

All questions of Ecosystems for Class 8 Exam

Which of the following is NOT an abiotic component of an ecosystem?
  • a)
    Soil
  • b)
    Trees
  • c)
    Water
  • d)
    Sunlight
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Trees are biotic components, as they are living organisms. In contrast, water, soil, and sunlight are abiotic components that provide the necessary conditions for life and support the biotic components in an ecosystem.

Which of the following best describes predation?
  • a)
    A relationship where both species benefit
  • b)
    A competition for resources
  • c)
    One organism hunting and eating another
  • d)
    A neutral relationship between species
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Predation is characterized by one organism (the predator) hunting and consuming another organism (the prey). This relationship is fundamental in regulating populations and maintaining the balance within ecosystems.

How do plants contribute to the ecosystem's balance?
  • a)
    Through photosynthesis and oxygen production
  • b)
    By competing for sunlight
  • c)
    By decomposing organic matter
  • d)
    By consuming other organisms
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Plants contribute to the ecosystem's balance by performing photosynthesis, which produces oxygen necessary for animal life and creates organic matter that serves as food for herbivores. This vital process supports life and maintains ecological stability.

What role do primary consumers play in a food chain?
  • a)
    They produce food for the ecosystem
  • b)
    They decompose dead organisms
  • c)
    They eat producers to gain energy
  • d)
    They are top predators
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Primary consumers, often herbivores, play the crucial role of feeding on producers (plants) to obtain energy. This relationship connects the plant-based producers to the meat-eating consumers further up the food chain, illustrating the flow of energy through an ecosystem.

Which type of forest is characterized by evergreen trees and a hot climate?
  • a)
    Boreal forest
  • b)
    Temperate deciduous forest
  • c)
    Coniferous forest
  • d)
    Tropical rainforest
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Tropical rainforests, found in hot climates, are known for their dense canopy of evergreen trees. These forests host a rich diversity of flora and fauna, playing a crucial role in global biodiversity and climate regulation.

What does a food pyramid illustrate?
  • a)
    The number of organisms at each trophic level
  • b)
    Both B and C
  • c)
    The different types of plants in an ecosystem
  • d)
    The sequence of energy flow in food chains
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

A food pyramid visually represents both the sequence of energy flow in food chains and the number of organisms at each trophic level. It typically shows that there are more producers at the base and fewer top consumers at the apex, highlighting energy loss at each trophic level.

What is the function of decomposers in an ecosystem?
  • a)
    They break down dead organisms
  • b)
    They produce energy
  • c)
    They compete with other consumers
  • d)
    They provide food for primary consumers
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, play a vital role in breaking down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the soil. This process is essential for maintaining soil fertility and supporting new plant growth, thus sustaining the ecosystem.

Which of the following is an example of mutualism?
  • a)
    A parasite harming its host
  • b)
    A lion hunting a zebra
  • c)
    A bird eating ticks off a cow
  • d)
    A barnacle attaching to a whale
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Mutualism is a symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit, as seen when a bird eats ticks off a cow. The bird gains food, while the cow enjoys relief from parasites, illustrating a cooperative interaction in nature.

In a forest ecosystem, which of the following is an example of a tertiary consumer?
  • a)
    Deer
  • b)
    Grass
  • c)
    Rabbit
  • d)
    Snake
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

A snake is considered a tertiary consumer as it typically preys on secondary consumers like frogs or small birds. Tertiary consumers sit at a higher trophic level and help maintain the balance of the ecosystem by controlling the populations of their prey.

What are biotic components of an ecosystem?
  • a)
    Living things like plants, animals, and bacteria
  • b)
    Environmental factors such as temperature and soil
  • c)
    Non-living elements like sunlight and air
  • d)
    All of the above
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Biotic components refer to the living elements within an ecosystem, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. These organisms interact with each other and their environment, forming a complex network that sustains life. Understanding biotic components is crucial for studying ecological relationships.

How can humans help restore and conserve ecosystems?
  • a)
    By ignoring environmental issues
  • b)
    By exploiting natural resources
  • c)
    By increasing pollution
  • d)
    By creating a balance between organisms and their environment
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Humans can aid in restoring and conserving ecosystems by creating a balance between living organisms and their environment. This involves respecting natural processes, conserving resources, and implementing sustainable practices, which are essential for preserving the integrity of ecosystems.

Why are food webs more beneficial than simple food chains?
  • a)
    They show energy loss
  • b)
    They are easier to understand
  • c)
    They provide multiple food options for organisms
  • d)
    They include only plants and herbivores
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Food webs illustrate the complex interconnections between different food chains, allowing organisms to have multiple sources of food. This diversity strengthens the ecosystem's resilience, as it reduces dependency on a single food source.

Which process do plants use to make their own food?
  • a)
    Digestion
  • b)
    Photosynthesis
  • c)
    Respiration
  • d)
    Decomposition
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Photosynthesis is the process where plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create food in the form of glucose. This process is vital not only for the plants themselves but also for the entire ecosystem, as it forms the base of the food chain.

What is an example of a quaternary consumer?
  • a)
    A rabbit
  • b)
    A tiger
  • c)
    An eagle
  • d)
    A frog
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

An eagle is an example of a quaternary consumer, situated at the top of the food chain. Quaternary consumers often prey on tertiary consumers, and their presence indicates a healthy, balanced ecosystem with a diverse range of species.

In which type of ecosystem do you find a variety of flora and fauna based on climate?
  • a)
    All ecosystems
  • b)
    Desert ecosystems
  • c)
    Aquatic ecosystems
  • d)
    Forest ecosystems
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

All ecosystems, including deserts, aquatic environments, and forests, feature diverse flora and fauna that adapt to their specific climatic conditions. This diversity is essential for the resilience and stability of ecosystems worldwide.

What is symbiosis?
  • a)
    A relationship where organisms help each other
  • b)
    The process of photosynthesis
  • c)
    Competition between species
  • d)
    A food chain
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Symbiosis refers to the interaction between two different organisms living in close physical proximity, often benefiting each other. This can take various forms, such as mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism, highlighting the interdependence of species in an ecosystem.

What is the primary threat to ecosystems mentioned?
  • a)
    Overpopulation of species
  • b)
    Seasonal changes
  • c)
    Natural disasters
  • d)
    Climate change and human interference
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Climate change and human interference pose significant threats to ecosystems, leading to declines in biodiversity, habitat destruction, and resource shortages. Addressing these challenges is essential for preserving ecological balance and ensuring sustainable ecosystems.

What happens when one food source in a food web is depleted?
  • a)
    Predators migrate away
  • b)
    Other food sources may compensate
  • c)
    The ecosystem collapses
  • d)
    All organisms die
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

When one food source is depleted in a food web, other food sources may still be available, allowing organisms to adapt and survive. This flexibility is a key benefit of food webs, making ecosystems more resilient to changes.

What is the significance of the soil in a forest ecosystem?
  • a)
    It provides shelter for animals
  • b)
    It supports plant growth and nutrient cycling
  • c)
    It serves as a water source
  • d)
    It regulates temperature
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Soil plays a crucial role in supporting plant growth by providing a medium for roots and a reservoir of nutrients. It also facilitates nutrient cycling through the decomposition process, making it vital for maintaining the health of forest ecosystems.

What is the primary source of energy for most ecosystems?
  • a)
    Wind
  • b)
    Water
  • c)
    Soil
  • d)
    Sunlight
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Sunlight is the primary energy source for most ecosystems, driving the process of photosynthesis in plants. This energy is then transferred through various trophic levels, sustaining the entire food web within the ecosystem.

Chapter doubts & questions for Ecosystems - Biology Class 8 ICSE 2026 is part of Class 8 exam preparation. The chapters have been prepared according to the Class 8 exam syllabus. The Chapter doubts & questions, notes, tests & MCQs are made for Class 8 2026 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, notes, meanings, examples, exercises, MCQs and online tests here.

Chapter doubts & questions of Ecosystems - Biology Class 8 ICSE in English & Hindi are available as part of Class 8 exam. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for Class 8 Exam by signing up for free.

Biology Class 8 ICSE

10 videos|72 docs|9 tests

Top Courses Class 8