Biodiversity and Ecosystems Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is meant by tentative science?

Scientific theories with rigorous peer review

Science that is widely accepted and validated

Results that have been extensively tested

Preliminary scientific results not yet fully validated (correct)

Which of the following is NOT one of the four major components of Earth's life-support system?

Hydrosphere

Cryosphere (correct)

Atmosphere

Biosphere

What sustains life on Earth through a cyclical process?

The stable climate patterns over millennia

The one-way flow of energy from the Earth

The one-way flow of energy from the sun (correct)

The recycling of water and minerals

Which process is NOT involved in the Carbon Cycle?

Nitrogen fixation Signup and view all the answers

What impact do human activities like burning fossil fuels have on the Nitrogen Cycle?

They disrupt denitrification Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of gravity in Earth's life-support system?

It holds the atmosphere around the Earth Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the hydrosphere?

It encompasses all forms of water on Earth Signup and view all the answers

How does nutrient cycling occur within the biosphere?

By the decay of organic matter and recycling Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an abiotic component of the environment?

Water Signup and view all the answers

What role do primary consumers play in an ecosystem?

They are herbivores that obtain nutrients by consuming plants. Signup and view all the answers

Which human activity impacts the sulfur cycle?

Burning coal Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of decomposers in an ecosystem?

To break down dead organisms and recycle nutrients. Signup and view all the answers

What does genetic diversity refer to?

The variety of genetic material within a species Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following levels of ecological organization is comprised of multiple species interacting within an environment?

Community Signup and view all the answers

What is the ecological footprint a measure of?

The area of land and water required for renewable resources Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of producers in the ecosystem?

They convert sunlight into chemical energy. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of consumer includes carnivores and omnivores?

Secondary consumers Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of natural capital?

Solar energy and other natural resources Signup and view all the answers

What do detritivores contribute to an ecosystem?

They break down dead organic matter. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the tragedy of the commons?

Overexploitation of shared renewable resources Signup and view all the answers

What does source reduction aim to achieve?

Reduce or eliminate pollutant production Signup and view all the answers

What are ecosystem services?

Natural resources that assist in living and economic support Signup and view all the answers

What is the dilution approach in pollution control?

Diluting pollutants before they enter the ecosystem Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following defines unsustainable use?

The footprint exceeding the earth's ability to replenish resources Signup and view all the answers

What is geographical isolation?

The separation of populations due to physical barriers. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of extinction refers to a species disappearing from a particular area but still existing elsewhere?

Local Extinction Signup and view all the answers

Why are endemic species particularly vulnerable to extinction?

They are only found in one specific area. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by species richness?

The variety of different species present in an ecosystem. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does increased species richness have on ecosystems?

Enhances productivity and sustainability. Signup and view all the answers

Which form of extinction occurs at a natural, low rate?

Background Extinction Signup and view all the answers

What defines an ecological niche?

The role a species plays in its ecosystem. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes generalist species from specialist species?

Generalists can adapt to a variety of conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What role do indicator species play in ecosystems?

They signal environmental quality. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following species is considered a keystone species?

Top predators Signup and view all the answers

What does artificial selection involve?

Selective breeding for desired traits. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes foundation species from other species?

They create or enhance habitats. Signup and view all the answers

What are specialist species characterized by?

Narrow niches with specific tolerance ranges. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a consideration in genetic engineering?

Species diversity Signup and view all the answers

Nonnative species can sometimes be beneficial. Which of the following describes them?

Species introduced to an ecosystem. Signup and view all the answers

What consequence can arise from the alteration of genetic material through genetic engineering?

Potential harmful effects on species and ecosystems. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Biodiversity Concepts

Genetic Diversity: Refers to the range of genetic material within a species or population, essential for resilience and adaptability.
Ecosystem Diversity: Represents various terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems on Earth, vital for ecological balance and health.
Ecological Footprint: Measures bioproductive land and water needed to sustain a region’s resource consumption and waste absorption, highlighting sustainability issues.
Natural Capital: Encompasses natural resources (e.g., sunlight, petroleum) and ecosystem services (e.g., air and water renewal) that support life.

Pollution and Resource Management

Natural Resources: Resources derived from nature that fulfill human needs, classified into perpetual (sunlight) and nonrenewable (petroleum) types.
Pollutants: Substances that contaminate the environment, posing risks to health and ecosystems.
Dilution Approach: Pollution control strategy involving the dilution of pollutants post-production, often less effective than preventive measures.
Source Reduction: Focuses on minimizing pollutant production (e.g., banning incinerators) to mitigate environmental impact.

Ecological Challenges

Tragedy of the Commons: Describes the overexploitation of shared renewable resources due to individual self-interest, threatening sustainability.
Tentative vs. Reliable Science: Distinguishes preliminary findings from well-supported scientific knowledge, with the latter being widely accepted due to rigorous testing.

Essential Earth Components

Earth's Life Support Systems: Comprised of the atmosphere (air), hydrosphere (water), geosphere (rock/soil), and biosphere (living organisms), all interlinked for ecological balance.
Life Sustainability: Maintained through energy flow from the sun and nutrient cycling within the biosphere, alongside gravity that retains the atmosphere.

Nutrient Cycles

Carbon Cycle: Involves carbon dioxide uptake via photosynthesis and release through respiration, with human activities like deforestation impacting the balance.
Nitrogen Cycle: Includes nitrogen fixation, nitrification, and denitrification, disrupted by anthropogenic activities such as fossil fuel combustion.
Phosphorus Cycle: Cycles through water, soil, and organisms, affected by human actions like fertilizer usage.
Sulfur Cycle: Involves sulfur in different environmental forms, influenced adversely by practices like coal burning.

Ecosystem Dynamics

Ecosystem Composition: Consists of biotic components (plants, animals, bacteria, fungi) and abiotic elements (soil, nutrients, water).
Producers vs. Consumers: Producers (autotrophs) convert sunlight into energy; consumers (heterotrophs) depend on other organisms for nutrients.
Decomposers: Bacteria and fungi break down organic materials, recycling nutrients essential for ecosystem health.

Ecological Organization

Biosphere: Encompasses areas of life on Earth (air, water, soil).
Ecosystem: A community of interacting living organisms and their nonliving environment.
Community: Different species populations living and interacting in a shared habitat.
Population: A group of individuals from the same species inhabiting a specific area.

Species Extinction

Types of Extinction:
- Biological Extinction: Complete disappearance of a species.
- Local Extinction: Species no longer found in specific areas but exists elsewhere.
- Endemic Species: Unique to specific locations, making them vulnerable.
Extinction Rates:
- Background Extinction: Natural, low-rate disappearance of species.
- Mass Extinction: Major events causing significant species loss over short periods.

Ecological Niches

Ecological Niche: A species' role within its ecosystem, including requirements for survival (water, food, space).
Generalist Species: Adaptable species with broad tolerance ranges.
Specialist Species: Narrow niches with specific tolerances, often sensitive to environmental changes.

Species Roles

Native Species: Naturally occurring within ecosystems, contributing to biodiversity.
Nonnative Species: Introduced species, sometimes invasive, affecting local ecosystems.
Indicator Species: Serve as warnings of environmental health, e.g., trout, frogs.
Keystone Species: Critical for maintaining ecosystem structure and balance, e.g., pollinators, top predators.
Foundation Species: Shape ecosystems by creating or enhancing habitats, supporting other species, e.g., beavers, elephants.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the concepts of biodiversity, including genetic, ecosystem diversity, and the ecological footprint. This quiz covers the impact of natural processes and organisms on pests and diseases as well as human dependence on renewable resources. Perfect for students studying environmental science!