- Which of the following human activities has the greatest impact on biodiversity loss?
a) Hunting and poaching
b) Habitat destruction and fragmentation
c) Introduction of exotic species
d) Overfishing
Answer: b) Habitat destruction and fragmentation
Explanation: Habitat destruction and fragmentation due to urbanization, agriculture, and deforestation are the leading causes of biodiversity loss globally.
- In which of the following ecosystems would you expect to find the greatest number of endemic species?
a) Tundra
b) Tropical rainforest
c) Grassland
d) Temperate forest
Answer: b) Tropical rainforest
Explanation: Tropical rainforests are characterized by high species diversity and a large number of endemic species due to their stable climate and complex ecosystems.
- Which of the following terms refers to a species that has an outsized impact on its ecosystem, even though it may not be the most abundant?
a) Dominant species
b) Keystone species
c) Endemic species
d) Indicator species
Answer: b) Keystone species
Explanation: Keystone species have a disproportionately large impact on their ecosystem’s structure and function, often influencing the diversity and health of other species.
- Which of the following ecosystems is most impacted by ocean acidification?
a) Coral reefs
b) Mangroves
c) Temperate forests
d) Grasslands
Answer: a) Coral reefs
Explanation: Ocean acidification, caused by increased carbon dioxide absorption, significantly affects coral reefs, leading to coral bleaching and the disruption of marine ecosystems.
- Species that play a significant role in controlling the population of other species in an ecosystem are called:
a) Keystone species
b) Exotic species
c) Endangered species
d) Flagship species
Answer: a) Keystone species
Explanation: Keystone species are critical for maintaining the balance of an ecosystem by regulating populations of other species, often through predation or competition.
- Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a biodiversity hotspot?
a) High levels of species richness
b) High levels of endemism
c) Low levels of species extinction
d) High levels of threat from human activities
Answer: c) Low levels of species extinction
Explanation: Biodiversity hotspots are regions with high species richness and endemism but are also areas with significant threats to biodiversity, leading to higher risks of extinction.
- Which of the following is a key factor that promotes speciation?
a) Genetic isolation
b) Increased gene flow between populations
c) Loss of habitat
d) Overharvesting
Answer: a) Genetic isolation
Explanation: Genetic isolation occurs when populations are separated, preventing gene flow between them. This can lead to the evolution of new species over time, a process known as speciation.
- The primary purpose of captive breeding programs is to:
a) Conserve biodiversity in zoos
b) Reintroduce endangered species into the wild
c) Breed animals for entertainment
d) Enhance genetic diversity in domestic animals
Answer: b) Reintroduce endangered species into the wild
Explanation: Captive breeding programs aim to increase the population of endangered species in controlled environments, with the goal of reintroducing them into their natural habitats.
- The extinction of species due to human activity is termed:
a) Background extinction
b) Mass extinction
c) Anthropogenic extinction
d) Biological extinction
Answer: c) Anthropogenic extinction
Explanation: Anthropogenic extinction refers to the loss of species directly or indirectly caused by human activities, such as habitat destruction, pollution, or overexploitation.
- Which of the following ecosystems is typically associated with the greatest carbon sequestration potential?
a) Mangroves
b) Desert
c) Grasslands
d) Coral reefs
Answer: a) Mangroves
Explanation: Mangroves are highly effective at carbon sequestration, capturing and storing large amounts of carbon dioxide in both their biomass and the soil, making them critical for mitigating climate change.
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