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Conservation Biology quiz #2 Flashcards

Conservation Biology quiz #2
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  • What are the major threats to biodiversity?
    The major threats to biodiversity include habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and overharvesting of natural resources.
  • What is the greatest threat humans pose to biodiversity?
    The greatest threat humans pose to biodiversity is habitat destruction, particularly through deforestation and urbanization.
  • About what percentage of land on the planet is set aside as a preserve of some type?
    Less than 10% of Earth's land surface is set aside as preserves, such as tropical rainforests, which are biodiversity hotspots.
  • What are the four main threats to biodiversity?
    The four main threats to biodiversity are habitat loss, introduced species, overharvesting, and climate change.
  • What are the main threats to biodiversity?
    The main threats to biodiversity include habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and invasive species.
  • Which of the following is part of conservation biology? A) Genetic diversity B) Pollution C) Climate change D) Overharvesting
    A) Genetic diversity is part of conservation biology, focusing on preserving biodiversity.
  • Which of the following are ways humans are a threat to biodiversity? A) Habitat destruction B) Pollution C) Climate change D) All of the above
    D) All of the above; humans threaten biodiversity through habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change.
  • What is the role of biodiversity in ecosystem productivity?
    Biodiversity enhances ecosystem productivity by increasing resource use efficiency and resilience to disturbances.
  • How does habitat fragmentation affect biodiversity?
    Habitat fragmentation reduces biodiversity by isolating populations, increasing edge effects, and making species more vulnerable to extinction.
  • What is the significance of endemic species in biodiversity conservation?
    Endemic species are crucial for biodiversity conservation as they are unique to specific locations and require protection to prevent extinction.
  • What are the main types of biodiversity, and why is each important for ecosystem health?
    The main types of biodiversity are genetic diversity (variation within species), species diversity (number and relative abundance of species in a community), and ecosystem diversity (variety of ecosystems in a region). Each type is important because genetic diversity increases a population's ability to adapt, species diversity enhances ecosystem productivity and stability, and ecosystem diversity supports a wide range of ecological functions and services.
  • What is the significance of minimum viable population in conservation biology, and how does it relate to the extinction vortex?
    Minimum viable population is the smallest population size needed for a species to survive without facing extinction. Populations below this threshold are at risk of entering an extinction vortex—a downward spiral where small size leads to inbreeding, genetic drift, and further decline, increasing the likelihood of extinction.