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Conservation Biology quiz #3

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  • How do habitat fragmentation and edge effects threaten biodiversity, and what strategies can help mitigate these threats?
    Habitat fragmentation breaks large habitats into smaller, isolated patches, increasing edge effects—changes at habitat boundaries that can harm species. This leads to smaller, more vulnerable populations and reduced genetic diversity. Strategies to mitigate these threats include creating wildlife corridors to connect fragmented habitats and establishing protected areas to preserve large, continuous ecosystems.
  • What are the three main components of biodiversity discussed in conservation biology?
    The three main components are genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity.
  • How does habitat fragmentation impact populations within an ecosystem?
    Habitat fragmentation breaks large habitats into smaller, isolated patches, leading to smaller, more vulnerable populations and increased risk of extinction.
  • What is an endemic species, and why are they important to protect?
    An endemic species is one that is unique to a specific geographic location; they are important to protect because they are found nowhere else in the world.
  • What is the difference between an endangered species and a threatened species?
    An endangered species is likely to become extinct, while a threatened species is at risk of becoming endangered but is not yet as critically imperiled.
  • How do introduced species become invasive, and what is one consequence of this?
    Introduced species become invasive when they spread in a new environment and outcompete local species, often leading to declines in native biodiversity.
  • What is the extinction vortex, and why are small populations particularly at risk?
    The extinction vortex is a downward spiral where small populations become increasingly vulnerable to extinction due to inbreeding and genetic drift.
  • How does biodiversity contribute to ecosystem productivity and resilience?
    Biodiversity increases the efficiency of resource use, leading to greater biomass production, and enhances both resistance to and recovery from disturbances.
  • What are two strategies used to mitigate the effects of habitat fragmentation and edge effects?
    Two strategies are creating wildlife corridors to connect fragmented habitats and establishing protected areas to preserve large, continuous ecosystems.
  • What is the purpose of seed banks in conservation biology?
    Seed banks store seeds long-term to preserve the genetic diversity of plants, helping protect against loss due to habitat destruction or agricultural practices.
  • Name three ecosystem services provided by biodiversity.
    Three ecosystem services provided by biodiversity are: (1) increased ecosystem productivity and resilience, (2) facilitation of species growth and recovery after disturbances, and (3) efficient resource use and cycling, which benefits humans through processes like carbon fixation and nutrient cycling.
  • What is meant by the intrinsic value of an ecosystem?
    The intrinsic value of an ecosystem refers to its inherent worth, independent of any benefits it provides to humans. This means ecosystems are valuable simply because they exist and support complex interactions and biodiversity.
  • What is one human activity that causes ecosystem disruption?
    One human activity that causes ecosystem disruption is habitat destruction, such as deforestation, which reduces biodiversity and fragments habitats.
  • What is a concern associated with genetically modified plants (GMOs) in conservation biology?
    A concern associated with plant GMOs in conservation biology is the potential loss of genetic diversity, as widespread use of genetically uniform crops can reduce the overall genetic variation in plant populations.
  • What are examples of ecosystem diversity?
    Examples of ecosystem diversity include the variation between different ecosystems such as coral reefs, tropical rainforests, and river systems like the Amazon, as well as differences among ecosystems within a region.
  • How is the biodiversity of an ecosystem measured?
    Biodiversity of an ecosystem is measured by assessing genetic diversity within populations, species diversity (including species richness and relative abundance), and ecosystem diversity, which considers the variety of ecosystems present.
  • What metrics are used to assess the biodiversity of an ecosystem?
    Metrics used to assess biodiversity include genetic diversity (variation within and between populations), species diversity (species richness and relative abundance), and ecosystem diversity (variation among ecosystems in a region).