Some biologists prefer to focus efforts on preserving endangered species while others prefer to focus on preserving ecosystems. What is your advice to biologists, based on the evidence?

Of the following statements about protected areas that have been established to preserve biodiversity, which one is not correct?

a. About 25% of Earth's land area is now protected.

b. National parks are one of many types of protected areas.

c. Management of a protected area should be coordinated with management of the land surrounding the area.

d. It is especially important to protect biodiversity hot spots.

Movement corridors are

a. The routes taken by migratory animals.

b. Strips or clumps of habitat that connect isolated fragments of habitat.

c. Landscapes that include several different ecosystems.

d. Edges, or boundaries, between ecosystems.

Biologists claim that the all-taxa survey now under way at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the United States will improve their ability to estimate the total number of species living today. Discuss the benefits and limitations that this data set will provide in understanding the extent of global biodiversity.

With limited resources, conservation biologists need to prioritize their efforts. Of the following choices, which should receive the greatest attention for the goal of conserving biodiversity?

a. A commercially important species

b. All endangered vertebrate species

c. A declining keystone species in a community

d. All endangered species

Which of the following human activities generates the most carbon dioxide?

a. Driving

b. Cooking

c. Bathing

d. Using aerosol sprays

Explain why the construction of wildlife corridors can help maintain genetic diversity in a fragmented landscape.