Question 1

Which of the following best describes biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

The variety of life in all its forms, including genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT one of the three main components of biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Population density

Question 3

A scientist argues that preserving species-poor lineages is a priority. What is the most likely reason for this?

Accepted Answer

Species-poor lineages represent unique evolutionary histories that would be lost if they disappear.

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of ecosystem function breaking down?

Accepted Answer

Loss of soil fertility due to decreased decomposer activity

Question 5

Which term describes a species that is found only in a specific geographic area and nowhere else?

Accepted Answer

Endemic species

Question 6

A region is designated as a biodiversity hotspot if it meets which two criteria?

Accepted Answer

High endemism and significant threat from human activities

Question 7

Which of the following is a major criticism of the biodiversity hotspot approach to conservation?

Accepted Answer

It may overlook important ecosystem functions and services outside hotspots.

Question 8

Which of the following is considered the most impactful threat to biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Habitat destruction

Question 9

Why is conserving primary forest important for biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Primary forests contain unique species and undisturbed ecosystem functions.

Question 10

Studies on habitat fragmentation have concluded that:

Accepted Answer

Fragmentation leads to loss of biomass and decreased species richness.

Question 11

Which of the following is the major threat to marine species?

Accepted Answer

Overexploitation, such as overfishing

Question 12

An invasive species can impact native ecosystems by:

Accepted Answer

Outcompeting native species and altering ecosystem functions

Question 13

High species richness increases net primary productivity (NPP) because:

Accepted Answer

Different species use resources more efficiently, leading to higher overall productivity.

Question 14

The stability of a community is best indicated by:

Accepted Answer

Its ability to resist and recover from disturbances.

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of an ecosystem service?

Accepted Answer

Pollination of crops by insects

Question 16

Which two events would make preserving biodiversity almost impossible?

Accepted Answer

Global climate change and habitat destruction

Question 17

Why is beef considered a 'resource hog'?

Accepted Answer

Beef production requires large amounts of water, land, and energy compared to other foods.

Question 18

Which conservation strategy is most effective for preserving genetic diversity?

Accepted Answer

Establishing protected areas that include a variety of habitats

Question 19

How can island biogeography theory be applied to conservation planning?

Accepted Answer

By designing reserves that are large and connected to increase species survival.

Question 20

A multi-step problem: If a region has 120 species, 30 of which are endemic, and 10 are threatened, what is the species richness and what percentage of species are threatened? Use the formula $$	ext{Percentage} = \frac{	ext{Number of threatened species}}{	ext{Total species}} 	imes 100.$$

Accepted Answer

Species richness is 120; percentage threatened is $$\frac{10}{120} 	imes 100 = 8.33\%$$

Chapter 54: Biodiversity and Conservation Biology – Study Guide Guidance

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards