Biodiversity Overview Quiz

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is primarily affected by variations in genes within a population?

Geological formations

Species richness

Ecosystem stability

Morphoanatomy and physiology (correct)

How does decreasing genetic diversity impact populations?

Enhances ecological interactions

Reduces vulnerability to diseases

Increases vulnerability to diseases (correct)

Increases fertility rates

What does species diversity refer to in an ecosystem?

The genetic makeup of a population

Variety of species, their abundance, and functions (correct)

Physical characteristics of habitats

Only the number of individuals present

Compositional biodiversity describes which of the following?

Elements and their representation at each level Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes is an example of structural biodiversity?

Genetic variability within populations Signup and view all the answers

What roles do climatic, geologic, and hydrologic processes play in ecosystems?

They generate and continuously change biodiversity Signup and view all the answers

What factor is considered one of the main determinants of ecosystem stability?

Habitat variety and community distribution Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a biotic community attribute?

Species abundance Signup and view all the answers

What indicates an invasion is finalized?

Widespread and abundant taxa can reproduce in new environments. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a taxon as Data Deficient (DD)?

There is inadequate information to assess its extinction risk. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Not Evaluated (NE) taxa?

Taxa that have not yet been assessed against criteria. Signup and view all the answers

What is the largest factor contributing to the current global extinction event?

Urbanization and growth of cities. Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence of deforestation mentioned in the content?

Contributing to climate change. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is NOT mentioned as a cause of biodiversity loss?

Overfishing. Signup and view all the answers

How does environmental pollution contribute to biodiversity loss?

Through contamination from various sources. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of population growth on biodiversity?

Heightened species threats due to density of people. Signup and view all the answers

What does genetic diversity refer to?

The variation in genetic information within a species Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes species richness?

It counts the different kinds of organisms present in an area Signup and view all the answers

How does species evenness contribute to understanding biodiversity?

It assesses how evenly distributed the species populations are Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the variety of biological processes or functions within a particular ecosystem?

Functional Biodiversity Signup and view all the answers

Which ecosystem service is primarily concerned with maintaining air quality?

Air and water purification Signup and view all the answers

Which habitats are likely to have low species diversity?

Deep seas and high altitude lakes Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic consequence of ecosystems with high species diversity?

They possess unique emergent properties with specific functions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of indicator species?

Species that help measure the impact of conservation interventions Signup and view all the answers

Who first used the term 'biodiversity' and when?

E.O. Wilson in 1988 Signup and view all the answers

How do temporal fluctuations influence biodiversity in an ecosystem?

They support different species over varying seasons and timescales. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an ecocentric benefit?

Soil fertility Signup and view all the answers

What does biodiversity encompass according to its definition?

Variability among living organisms and their ecological complexes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines keystone species?

Species whose role is critical to maintaining the structure of an ecosystem Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following contributes to the adaptability of a species?

Genetic diversity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors does not describe ecosystem services?

Seasonal weather patterns Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the IUCN Red List in relation to biodiversity?

It categorizes species at risk of extinction. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a biodiversity hotspot?

An area with high biological richness facing significant threats Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes a species classified as Vulnerable (VU)?

It has a significant chance of extinction in 20 years based on evidence Signup and view all the answers

What condition must a taxon fulfill to be classified as Near Threatened (NT)?

It is close to qualifying for a threatened category or may qualify soon Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes Least Concern (LC) species?

They are common and pose no known threat to biodiversity Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to the classification of a taxon as Vulnerable (VU)?

A small geographic area and significant population decline Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT contribute to the evaluation of a species as Near Threatened?

Genetic diversity within the species Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes invasive alien species?

Species whose introduction threatens biodiversity due to their spread Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary threat facing biodiversity hotspots?

Habitat loss due to human activities Signup and view all the answers

What role do keystone species play in an ecosystem?

Their absence would lead to dramatic changes or collapse of the ecosystem. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about indicator species?

They can indicate environmental changes only in specific habitats. Signup and view all the answers

Why are umbrella species important to conservation efforts?

Their protection aids in the preservation of numerous other species. Signup and view all the answers

What does the presence of the giant golden crown flying fox indicate about its environment?

There is a healthy forest and signs of good regeneration. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the ecological role of the sub clover Trifolium subterraneum?

It acts as a biological indicator for ozone presence. Signup and view all the answers

How do flying foxes contribute to their forest habitat?

They act as pollinators for fruit trees in the forest. Signup and view all the answers

What would likely happen to an ecosystem without its keystone species?

The ecosystem would dramatically change or possibly collapse. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is true of most umbrella species?

They usually span across large areas and diverse habitats. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Biodiversity

Biodiversity is the variation and richness of life observed at a particular scale.
Defined by Edward O. Wilson in 1988, it encompasses variability among living organisms from land, seas, and aquatic ecosystems, and the associated ecological complexes.
This includes diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems.

Three Levels of Biodiversity

Genetic Diversity: Represents the total genetic information in plant, animal, and microorganism species.
Includes genetic differences between populations of the same species, or variations within a single population.
Critical for species survival and adaptability in environmental changes. Variations in genes enable adjustments in morphology, physiology across generations.
Decreasing genetic diversity increases vulnerability to diseases.
Species Diversity: Refers to the variety of species, including their abundance, distribution, and interactions within a given geographical region.
Species Richness: Measures the number of different species present in a particular area regardless of scale.
- Can be a small area (e.g., spoonful of soil) or a large area (e.g., the entire Earth).
Species Evenness: Compares the similarity in population size among species present.
High diversity is observed in habitats like coral reefs and tropical forests; low diversity in high-altitude lakes, deserts, and deep seas.
Ecosystem Diversity: Describes the distribution and abundance of habitats, biotic communities, and ecological processes within the biosphere.
Ecosystems with diverse habitats support a wider range of species exhibiting various genetic variations.

Biodiversity Attributes and Ecosystems Processes

Compositional Biodiversity: Describes the types and numbers of elements (e.g., genes, species, habitats) present in an area.
Structural Biodiversity: Describes the arrangement of components (habitats, species, genes) across space and time.
Temporal fluctuations in environmental factors influence structural biodiversity.
Functional Biodiversity: Relates to the biological processes, functions, and characteristics of an ecosystem or area.
Interactions between species with their physical environment are continuously changing biodiversity. Examples include nutrient cycling, pollination, predation, parasitism, germination, etc.
The balance of species (e.g., filter feeders vs. grazers) is a factor in ecosystem stability.
Ecosystem Services: Benefits that ecosystems provide to people (e.g., air and water purification, waste decomposition, climate regulation).

Measuring and Monitoring Biodiversity

Surrogate Species: Species that serve as benchmarks to assess biodiversity change over time (with or without interventions).
Keystone Species: Species with a disproportionate impact on their environment, exceeding their abundance as compared to other species. They are essential to the ecosystem's function. Disappearance leads to large alterations.
Umbrella Species: Species requiring large habitats, their protection automatically protects other species utilizing the same space.
Indicator Species: Sensitive to environmental changes, their presence/absence suggests the environmental conditions of a given geographic area or ecosystem.
Indicator species such as Trifolium subterraneum (sub clover) can indicate ozone levels based on leaf damage.

Biodiversity Hotspots

Areas with high biological richness and critical habitat loss from human activity. They include many endemic species.
These places have at least 1,500 vascular endemic plants and at least 30% or less of their original natural vegetation remaining.

Flagship Species

Popular, charismatic species used as symbols to rally support for conservation efforts.

Threats to Biodiversity

Pollution: Environmental contamination from industrial, agricultural, and domestic sources.
Climate Change: Shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns.
Invasive Alien Species: Introduction and spread of non-native species outside their natural range, affecting indigenous species.
Population Growth: Increased human populations leading to habitat loss, resource consumption, and other pressures.
Deforestation: Loss of forests due to agriculture and urbanization, leading to habitat loss.
Loss of Mangroves: Destruction of mangrove habitats negatively impacting biodiversity, coastal protection, and other functions.

Conservation Status of Species

IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) categories (e.g., Extinct, Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable) assess species' risk of extinction.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on biodiversity and its various levels, including genetic and species diversity. Learn about the significance of variability among living organisms and how it impacts ecosystems. This quiz covers important definitions and concepts introduced by Edward O. Wilson.