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The most realistic description of energy flow through an ecosystem is a food web that represents an interconnected series of food chains. In general, the greater the number of alternative channels through which energy can flow, the greater the stability of the food web and the ecosystem.

The diagram shows a typical food web for a wet meadow. The hawk and the fox obtain nourishment by preying upon rabbits, frogs, snakes, and mice. The fox may even eat grasshoppers. If, for example, the rabbit population is reduced, possibly because of bad weather during the breeding season, the fox and hawk would shift their predatory pressure to other forms of prey. The rabbit population would then have a chance to bounce back and the ecosystem would remain stable.

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Based on the diagram, which consumer would have the greatest chance of surviving if the amount of available prey changes during the different seasons?

When choosing an organism to study, geneticists prefer the following characteristics. The organism should be small, have a fast growth rate, and have the ability to produce many offspring.

Based on these criteria, which plant would be LEAST useful for a genetic study?

Scientists often place living organisms into related groups for the purpose of studying their physical characteristics. The diagram below shows five single-celled organisms.

Based on the above information and diagram, using the similarities of physical traits, which pair of organisms might be grouped for scientific study?