Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity Quiz
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT considered an ecosystem service?

  • Ecosystem Fragmentation (correct)
  • Water Purification
  • Pollination
  • Nutrient Cycling
  • What is genetic diversity?

  • The total biomass of plants and animals in a habitat
  • The variety of ecosystems in a region
  • The amount of variation in genetic material within a population (correct)
  • The number of different species in an area
  • How does biodiversity loss contribute to climate change?

  • It enhances the carbon dioxide absorption capacity of plants.
  • It decreases the amount of carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere. (correct)
  • It increases the number of invasive species.
  • It promotes stronger ecosystem services.
  • Which of the following phenomena is a direct threat to ecosystems?

    <p>Illegal logging</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does ecosystem diversity refer to?

    <p>The variety of habitats, living communities, and ecological processes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which event is characterized by the warming of the ocean and can lead to severe weather phenomena?

    <p>El Niño</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary consequence of red tide blooms caused by dinoflagellates?

    <p>Production of strong nerve toxins in contaminated seafood</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a primary cause of oxygen depletion in aquatic environments?

    <p>Nutrient runoff from fertilizers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one major effect of deforestation on the ecosystem?

    <p>Desertification</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a reason for deforestation?

    <p>Fishing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do invasive species most commonly enter new ecosystems?

    <p>Accidental or deliberate introduction by humans</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What process is defined as the addition of harmful substances to the environment?

    <p>Pollution</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common result of habitat alteration?

    <p>Loss of biodiversity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT considered a man-made hazard to ecosystems?

    <p>Natural disasters</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can be a consequence of overexploitation of renewable resources?

    <p>Diminished returns</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which substance is NOT considered a main air pollutant?

    <p>Oxygen</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following are considered major water pollutants?

    <p>Industrial wastes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary characteristic of coral reefs?

    <p>They require tropical and subtropical temperatures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a major threat to coral reefs?

    <p>Dynamite fishing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the main approaches to maintain and protect wildlife?

    <p>Species Approach</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Endangered Species Act was signed into law to:

    <p>Prevent extinction and enable populations to recover.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the effects of inbreeding depression observed in the Florida Panther?

    <p>A small population size of around 20-30 cats.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Multiple-use Act of 1920 primarily directs the management of national forests for which purposes?

    <p>Timber, watershed, range, wildlife, and recreation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the impacts of human runoff on coral reefs?

    <p>Can lead to coral bleaching.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What category does the Red Panda fall under in terms of conservation status?

    <p>Vulnerable</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a reason for biodiversity loss caused by human impact?

    <p>Natural Climate Variability</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the 'Near-Threatened' classification indicate about a species?

    <p>It is abundant but potential trends indicate it may become endangered.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of species could potentially be extinct in 5 centuries at the current rate of extinction?

    <p>75%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following species is classified as 'Least Concern'?

    <p>Humans</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)?

    <p>To regulate international trade that threatens wild species</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which Act established federal responsibility to conserve marine animals?

    <p>Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the status 'Critically Endangered' indicate about a species?

    <p>The species is at a high risk of extinction in the wild or altogether</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is true about the conservation status created by the IUCN?

    <p>It reflects the current health and risk of a species' existence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'Extinct' mean in terms of species conservation?

    <p>The species is no longer found anywhere on Earth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'Extinct in the Wild' imply about a species?

    <p>The species has populations existing in captivity or controlled settings</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What typically triggers a species to be classified as Endangered?

    <p>Recent population declines with projections for further decreases</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is most commonly responsible for species moving to the Critically Endangered category?

    <p>Human-related activities that threaten their survival</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Ecosystem Services

    • Ecosystem services are benefits provided by wildlife and ecosystems to humans, including decomposition, water purification, nutrient cycling, and pollination.
    • Decomposition involves breaking down organic material, while water purification filters pollutants through ecosystems like wetlands and forests.
    • Pollination is essential for plant fertilization and maintaining food supplies.

    Biodiversity Loss

    • Biodiversity loss poses an existential risk similar to climate change, driven by ecosystem fragmentation, invasive species, pollution, and overexploitation.
    • Deforestation, particularly in the Amazon, significantly decreases the carbon dioxide absorption capacity of plants.

    What is Biodiversity?

    • Biodiversity encompasses all plant and animal life in a region, divided into three levels: species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity.

    Threats to Ecosystems

    Natural Hazards

    • Red Tide: Algal blooms causing toxins that contaminate marine life and affect human health.
    • El Niño and La Niña: Climate variations leading to severe droughts and floods.

    Man-Made Hazards

    • Bombings and nuclear fallout release radiation, causing long-term health issues.
    • Deforestation for urban development, agriculture, and resource extraction leads to soil erosion, flooding, and biodiversity loss.

    Causes of Biodiversity Loss

    • Habitat alteration involves changes in land use that impact local ecosystems (e.g. farming, urbanization).
    • Invasive species disrupt native ecosystems and outcompete local species.
    • Pollution, including water and air contamination, adversely affects species health and biodiversity.
    • Overharvesting threatens renewable resources, leading to diminished populations.

    Invasive Species

    • Non-native species, such as cane toad and zebra mussel, can outcompete and harm native species when introduced to new environments.

    Pollution

    • Water Pollution: Contamination from sewage, pesticides, and industrial waste.
    • Air Pollution: Harmful atmospheric contamination affecting health and safety, including pollutants like carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide.

    Coral Reef Destruction

    • Coral reefs, dubbed “rainforests of the ocean”, are vital habitats but face threats from dynamite fishing, tourism, and human runoff.

    Endangered Species

    • Siberian Tiger: Hunted extensively, now inhabiting areas in Russia's Sikhote Alin range.
    • Florida Panther: Critically low population due to hunting and habitat loss; fewer than 100 remain in the wild.

    Conservation Approaches

    • Species Approach: Legislative protection of endangered species.
    • Ecosystem Approach: Preservation of balanced ecosystems.
    • Wildlife Management Approach: Sustainable management of game species through international treaties.

    Endangered Species Act

    • Signed in 1973, it prohibits actions that harm endangered species or their habitats and aims to prevent extinction and stabilize populations.

    Important Laws and Treaties

    • Multiple-use Act (1920): Aims to manage national forests for diverse uses.
    • CITES (1963): Prevents trade of endangered species impacting their survival.
    • Marine Mammal Protection Act (1972): Ensures conservation of marine animals.

    Conservation Status

    • IUCN's Red List categorizes species as extinct, extirpated, critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable, near-threatened, or of least concern.

    Extinction Categories

    • Extinct: No individuals remain, cannot be recreated; e.g., Quagga.
    • Extinct in the Wild: Species surviving only in captivity; e.g., Hawaiian Crow.
    • Critically Endangered: High risk of extinction; e.g., Black Rhino.
    • Endangered: Recently decreased populations; e.g., Red Panda.
    • Vulnerable: Signs of decline but not yet endangered; e.g., Polar Bear.
    • Near-Threatened: Potential to become endangered; e.g., Beluga Whale.
    • Least Concern: Stable populations with a wide range; e.g., Humans.

    Human Impact

    • Major drivers of biodiversity loss include habitat fragmentation, climate change, pollution, and overconsumption.
    • Current extinction rates could lead to a sixth mass extinction, with projections suggesting 75% of species could be extinct in 500 years.

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    Description

    This quiz explores the critical roles of ecosystem services and the implications of biodiversity loss. It covers topics such as decomposition, water purification, and the significance of biodiversity in maintaining ecological balance. Delve into the threats faced by ecosystems and the importance of conservation efforts.

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