Factors Contributing to Species Extinction

What was the main reason for the extirpation of gray wolves in the early 1900s?

Overpopulation of gray wolves
Natural disasters affecting gray wolf habitats
Disease outbreak among gray wolves
Conflict with humans over livestock predation (correct)

Why did the removal of wolves from areas like Yellowstone National Park lead to uncontrollably large populations of elk and other natural prey?

Wolves were competitors for food with these animals
The wolves preyed on the vegetation, reducing food availability for elk
The wolves hunted the elk, keeping their numbers under control
Wolves kept the herbivore populations in check (correct)

What term describes the impact of the removal of wolves on the ecosystem as seen in Yellowstone National Park?

Habitat fragmentation
Population overshoot
Trophic cascade (correct)
Biological equilibrium

What can be a consequence of introducing invasive species into an environment?

Local extinctions of native species (C) Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the gray wolf populations in the U.S. as a result of being declared vermin and targeted for extermination?

Their populations dramatically decreased (B) Signup and view all the answers

How did the presence of gray wolves affect the presence of other animals like beavers and bears?

They facilitated prey availability for these animals (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for the snake's success in colonizing Guam?

The snake had no natural predators on the island (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the effect of the snake's presence on the native bird species of Guam?

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

What effect did the loss of bird pollinators have on the forest trees?

It led to a decrease in the reproduction of the forest trees (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main cause of habitat degradation worldwide according to the text?

Agriculture (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is the most important determinant of genus extinction at background rates?

Limited geographic range (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the current main anthropogenic cause of species extinctions according to the text?

Habitat degradation (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between local extinction and global extinction?

Local extinction refers to a species no longer existing in a specific geographic area, while global extinction means the species is extinct everywhere. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between ecological extinction and biological extinction?

Ecological extinction refers to a species becoming so rare that it no longer plays a significant role in the ecosystem, while biological extinction means the species is completely extinct. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of extirpation?

Extirpation means a species is no longer found in a particular area, but it still exists elsewhere, allowing for potential recolonization. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between local extinction and extirpation?

Local extinction and extirpation are synonymous terms that mean the same thing. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about species populations is true?

Most species have multiple breeding populations in different geographic locations or habitats. (C) Signup and view all the answers

If a species is extirpated from an area, what is the potential outcome?

The species may be able to recolonize the area from other existing populations. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is one factor that can lead to the extinction of a species?

Introduction of new competitor species (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the loss of a species due to the extinction of another?

Coextinction (A) Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of land animals, birdlife, and plants could become extinct due to climate change if greenhouse gas emissions are not reduced?

25% (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main argument against the statement that "Extinctions will lead to ecological disaster"?

Extinctions have occurred many times throughout history. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the reasons given in the text for why species extinction is problematic?

Economic or medical uses, scientific and ecological reasons, aesthetics and recreation, ethical reasons (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text state about the future of our natural environment?

It is becoming uncertain as wildlife and habitats disappear. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a Regional Red List (RRL)?

To assess the risk of extinction to species within a specific geographic area (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which organization(s) coordinate(s) the development of Regional Red Lists?

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and the World Conservation Union (IUCN) (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species?

To serve as an inventory of the conservation status of species on a global scale (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a potential use of Regional Red Lists?

Identifying globally threatened species for conservation efforts (A) Signup and view all the answers

When were the IUCN guidelines for applying the Red List criteria at the regional level developed?

2003 (D) Signup and view all the answers

What type of criteria does IUCN use to assess the conservation status of species at the regional level?

Transparent, quantitative criteria based on extinction risk (D) Signup and view all the answers