Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

53. Conservation Biology

Conservation Biology

General Biology

53. Conservation Biology

Conservation Biology

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1:51 minutes

Problem 4

Textbook Question

Which of the following is characteristic of endemic species?
a. They are often found in biodiversity hot spots.
b. They are distributed widely in the biosphere.
c. They require edges between ecosystems.
d. They are often keystone species whose presence helps to structure a community.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the term 'endemic species': Endemic species are organisms that are native to and found only within a specific geographic area. They are not naturally found anywhere else in the world.

Analyze option a: Biodiversity hot spots are regions with a high level of species richness and endemism. Endemic species are often concentrated in these areas due to unique environmental conditions and isolation.

Analyze option b: Endemic species are not distributed widely in the biosphere. Instead, they are restricted to specific locations, which is the opposite of widespread distribution.

Analyze option c: Edges between ecosystems, known as ecotones, are transitional areas where two ecosystems meet. While some species may thrive in these areas, this is not a defining characteristic of endemic species.

Analyze option d: Keystone species play a critical role in maintaining the structure of a community, but not all endemic species are keystone species. Endemism refers to geographic restriction, not ecological function.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Endemic Species

Endemic species are organisms that are native to and found only within a specific geographic area. This limited distribution often makes them particularly vulnerable to extinction, as they may not survive outside their native habitat. Examples include the Galápagos tortoise, which is unique to the Galápagos Islands.

Biodiversity Hot Spots

Biodiversity hot spots are regions that are both rich in endemic species and significantly threatened by human activities. These areas are crucial for conservation efforts, as they contain a high number of species that are not found anywhere else, making their preservation vital for maintaining global biodiversity.

Keystone Species

Keystone species are organisms that have a disproportionately large impact on their environment relative to their abundance. Their presence or absence can significantly alter the structure and function of an ecosystem. For example, sea otters are considered a keystone species because they help maintain kelp forest ecosystems by controlling sea urchin populations.

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Current rates of species extinction appear to be approximately

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Which of the following is characteristic of endemic species?a. They are often found in biodiversity hot spots.b. They are distributed widely in the biosphere.c. They require edges between ecosystems.d. They are often keystone species whose presence helps to structure a community.

Key Concepts

Endemic Species

Biodiversity Hot Spots

Keystone Species

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Which of the following is characteristic of endemic species?
a. They are often found in biodiversity hot spots.
b. They are distributed widely in the biosphere.
c. They require edges between ecosystems.
d. They are often keystone species whose presence helps to structure a community.