Biodiversity and Habitat Fragmentation Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What effect does habitat fragmentation have on animal populations?

It ensures all species can thrive regardless of their habitat size.

It can lead to populations experiencing inbreeding depression. (correct)

It allows for easier migration between fragmented habitats.

It increases genetic diversity within small populations.

How does deforestation directly contribute to biodiversity loss?

By providing more open spaces for species to thrive.

By promoting the growth of invasive plant species.

By increasing the population of large mammals.

By removing habitats critical for tree-dependent species. (correct)

What role does biodiversity play in human health?

It decreases the prevalence of diseases.

It has no direct impact on health.

It solely benefits agriculture.

It provides essential raw materials for medicine. (correct)

What challenges do smaller habitat fragments pose for large territory animals?

They restrict movement and resource access. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT a reason for habitat fragmentation?

Natural disasters. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of biodiversity is particularly crucial for maintaining ecosystems?

The genetic diversity among different species. Signup and view all the answers

Why do some species face extinction due to human activities?

They have restrictions on territories due to habitat fragmentation. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about biodiversity hotspots is true?

They must contain endemic species and be under threat. Signup and view all the answers

What defines exploitative competition in ecological terms?

Multiple species utilize shared resources that are limited. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement most accurately describes inter-species competition?

Different species compete for the same limited resources. Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a criterion for recognizing biodiversity hotspots?

A region must have more than 2000 vascular plant species. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant consequence of habitat fragmentation on biodiversity?

Reduced genetic diversity in isolated populations Signup and view all the answers

What role do endemic species play in biodiversity hotspots?

They are only found in one specific area, contributing to uniqueness. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes intra-species competition?

Competition within a species for limited resources Signup and view all the answers

What impact does human habitation typically have on biodiversity?

It leads to the reduction of natural habitats, threatening species. Signup and view all the answers

What criteria is commonly used to identify biodiversity hotspots?

High levels of species richness and endemism Signup and view all the answers

Why are endemic species important to biodiversity?

They serve as keystone species in their habitats. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does human activity have on biodiversity as a result of habitat destruction?

It forces species to adapt or migrate, often leading to local extinctions. Signup and view all the answers

How does habitat loss primarily affect competing species?

It exacerbates competition due to fewer resources. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'species introductions' imply in the context of biodiversity?

New species introduced that may disrupt existing ecosystems. Signup and view all the answers

What type of competition occurs between different species vying for similar resources?

Inter-species competition Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of habitat fragmentation?

Enhanced connectivity between habitat patches Signup and view all the answers

What does 'habitat destruction' primarily result from?

Human activities such as agriculture and urbanization. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main ecological consequences of overgrazing by domestic cattle?

Conversion of fertile areas into deserts Signup and view all the answers

How does rinderpest disease primarily affect the Great Indian Rhinoceros?

It was contracted from local domestic cattle Signup and view all the answers

Which practice may help alleviate man-wildlife conflicts according to the provided strategies?

Implementing solar-powered fencing Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant factor that disrupts ecosystems and reduces biodiversity?

Nutrient overloading of water bodies Signup and view all the answers

Why are endemic species particularly important to ecological systems?

They often have specialized roles in their ecosystems Signup and view all the answers

What type of competition occurs when non-native species compete with local wildlife for resources?

Inter-specific competition Signup and view all the answers

What impact does pollution, especially nutrient loading, have on aquatic ecosystems?

It leads to eutrophication and algal blooms Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between human activities and biodiversity loss?

Human activities can degrade ecosystems and disturb species diversity Signup and view all the answers

What can be concluded about the role of native wildlife in their environments compared to introduced cattle?

Native wildlife utilizes native plant life more efficiently Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of not addressing man-wildlife conflicts effectively?

Revenge killings of species within local ecosystems Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of inter-species competition in the context of invasive species?

An invasive fish species consuming more food than native fish. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes intra-species competition?

Same species engaging in competition for mates or resources. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a biodiversity hotspot?

A location that has high levels of biodiversity and is under significant threat. Signup and view all the answers

How does climate change primarily impact biodiversity?

By preventing species from adapting quickly enough to rapid changes. Signup and view all the answers

Which practice most significantly contributes to the exploitation of biodiversity?

Over-hunting and poaching for profit. Signup and view all the answers

In terms of competition, what is a likely effect of invasive alien species?

They usually out-compete native species for resources. Signup and view all the answers

What role does human activity play in biodiversity loss?

Excessive resource exploitation significantly threatens biodiversity. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can be a direct consequence of climate change on biodiversity?

Greater extinction rates of species unable to adapt swiftly. Signup and view all the answers

What might indicate an area is experiencing intra-species competition?

An increase in population density of a single species. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Environment and Ecosystem

The word "Environment" originated from the French word "Environner" (encircle or surround).
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 defines Environment as the sum of water, air, and land, as well as the inter-relationships between them and with humans, other living organisms, and materials.
Environment is the social, cultural, and physical conditions that surround, affect, and influence the survival, growth, and development of people, animals, or plants.
Environmental science is the study of the environment, its biotic and abiotic components, and their relationships.
Environmental science integrates physics, biology, and geography to study the environment and solve environmental problems.
Environmental engineering applies engineering principles to protecting and enhancing environmental quality, and public health and welfare.
Environmental studies educates people on preserving environmental quality.

Scope and Importance of Environmental Science

To be aware and sensitive to environmental problems
To motivate active participation in environmental protection
To develop skills to identify and solve environmental problems
To understand the importance of conserving natural resources
To evaluate environmental programs in terms of social, economic, ecological, and aesthetic factors
To promote local, national, and international cooperation in preventing and solving environmental issues
To provide a clear picture of current resource potential and environmental situations
To understand the interdependent connection between nature and people

Earth Life Support Systems

The earth system comprises four main components—the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.
These components are interconnected and essential for life
The atmosphere is the layer of air surrounding Earth
The hydrosphere includes all water bodies on Earth (oceans, rivers, lakes, ponds)
The lithosphere includes all the soil and rocks on Earth’s surface
The biosphere contains all living organisms and their interactions with the environment

Atmosphere

The atmosphere is a blanket of air around Earth.
Oxygen is essential for living beings
Carbon dioxide is vital for plants
Dust particles influence precipitation.
Water vapor influences plants and living organisms
Ozone layer protects life from harmful UV rays of the sun

Hydrosphere

The hydrosphere is the discontinuous layer of water on Earth.
Water is crucial for human life
Supports many other organisms
Regulates temperature
Essential for atmospheric existence

Lithosphere

The lithosphere includes all the solid rock layers of Earth.
It includes the crust and uppermost mantle and it is important for supporting life
Significance the tectonic plate activity.

Biosphere

The biosphere is the zone where the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere interact.
Enables life on Earth

Ecosystem

Ecosystem is a natural unit comprising biotic (living) and abiotic (nonliving) components that interact.
Biotic components include producers, consumers and decomposers
Abiotic components include climatic factors (rain, light, wind, temperature), edaphic factors (soil, minerals, pH) and topographic factors (topography).
Ecosystems have characteristics of structure (living and non-living components), process (energy flow and cycling of matter) and change (dynamic progression of ecosystem).

Ecosystem Characteristics

Ecosystem structure includes biotic components (producers, consumers, decomposers) and abiotic components (climate, soil, topography).
Ecosystem processes include energy flow and the cycling of nutrients (matter).
Ecosystems are dynamic (not static). Succession, the gradual change in ecological communities over time, is an important process impacting ecosystems.

Types of Ecosystems

Terrestrial ecosystems: occur on land, including forests, grasslands, deserts, and tundra
Aquatic ecosystems: occur in water bodies, including freshwater ecosystems (rivers, lakes, ponds, wetlands) and marine ecosystems (oceans, estuaries).

Flora and Fauna of Grassland Ecosystems

Grasslands are dominated by grasses with few shrubs and scattered trees.
Various animals graze in grasslands
Large populations of rodents, reptiles, and insects are present in grasslands
Grasslands are important for dairy and leather industries.

Importance of Grasslands

Grazing land for livestock
Fodder for animals
Source of fuelwood
Support diversity of insects and other creatures

Desert Ecosystems

Occur in regions with low rainfall and high evaporation rates
Plants and animals have adapted to the dry conditions.
Desert ecosystems include xerophytic plants (plants adapted to arid environments) like cacti.
Animals include reptiles and birds

Aquatic Ecosystems

Aquatic ecosystems refer to water-based ecosystems.
Classified into freshwater (lakes, rivers, ponds) and saltwater (oceans, seas) ecosystems.
Aquatic life relies on water for survival
Plants (producers), animals (consumers), fungi, and bacteria (decomposers) are part of aquatic ecosystems.

Ecological Succession

Ecological succession refers to gradual changes in species composition and processes in a community over time.
Classified into primary succession (occurs on newly exposed land) and secondary succession (occurs in disturbed areas).

Biodiversity

Biodiversity relates to species richness, diversity at different levels (genetic, species, ecosystem)
Genetic diversity refers to variations of genes within a species
Species diversity is the count of species present in an ecosystem
Ecosystem diversity is the variety within different habitats, communities, and ecological processes

Biodiversity Hotspots

Biodiversity hotspots are areas rich in species and experiencing high levels of threat
Defined by criteria like high endemism (species found nowhere else), and high levels of habitat loss
Critical for maintaining global biodiversity

Threats to Biodiversity

Habitat destruction due to deforestation, urbanization, agriculture, etc.
Poaching/overhunting for profit
Human-wildlife conflicts due to encroachment and habitat loss
Pollution (air, water, land)
Species introduction that cause competition, diseases, or predator-prey scenarios
Global climate change
Exploitation of resources

Biodiversity conservation

In-situ conservation (on-site conservation) protects species in their natural habitat using methods like biosphere reserves, national parks.
Ex-situ conservation (off-site conservation) involves protecting species outside their natural habitats (zoos, botanical gardens, seed banks, etc.)

Energy Flow in an Ecosystem

Organisms obtain energy by consuming one another
The flow of energy is unidirectional and goes through producers, consumers and decomposers.
Top consumers receive less energy because energy is lost at trophic levels (the amount of energy decreases successively from producers to top consumers).

Environmental Problems

Issues caused by human activities
They affect the quality of air, water, land, health of humans and other living things
Includes Pollution (air, water, land, noise), deforestation, biodiversity loss, food insecurity, climate change.
Factors such as population growth, poverty, affluence based on wasteful and unsustainable resource use, and exclusion of harmful environmental costs from the market prices of goods and services, are major causes.

Natural Resources and Natural Services

Materials and energy in nature necessary for human survival
Natural services are processes that maintain life and support human economies.
Examples: Clean water/air purification, soil renewal, etc.
Overuse of natural capital can result in unsustainability.
An ecological footprint tracks the impact of resource consumption.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the effects of habitat fragmentation and its impact on biodiversity. Explore how deforestation contributes to the loss of species and the role of biodiversity in human health. This quiz will challenge your understanding of key concepts and facts about ecosystems and extinction.