Preserving Biodiversity and Change Through Time

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What defines mass extinctions in the fossil record?

Sudden and dramatic losses in biodiversity (correct)

Gradual decrease in species diversity

Seasonal fluctuations in species numbers

Constant increase in species population

Which event is believed to have caused the extinction of the dinosaurs?

Impact of a large asteroid (correct)

Introduction of new predators

Climate change

Large volcanic eruptions

What is suggested to be the main cause of the current sixth mass extinction?

Activities of humans (correct)

Natural climate change

Predator-prey imbalance

Invasive species introduction

Why was the dodo bird an easy prey for sailors?

It approached people without fear Signup and view all the answers

What are the two evolutionary processes that determine the number of species on the planet?

Speciation and extinction Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the Steller’s sea cow that led to its extinction?

Hunted for meat and oil by Europeans Signup and view all the answers

What happens when speciation rates exceed extinction rates?

The number of species increases Signup and view all the answers

Why did the passenger pigeon decline in numbers?

Habitat loss due to forest clearing Signup and view all the answers

At what points in the extinction cycle were the occurrences between two to five percent?

Lowest points Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Red List maintained by the IUCN?

Record of extinct and endangered species Signup and view all the answers

Why are estimates of present-day extinction rates difficult to determine?

'Hidden from human eyes' Signup and view all the answers

Which geological period saw a notable spike in extinctions around 450 million years ago?

End-Ordovician Signup and view all the answers

What leads to dramatic changes in the number of species on Earth according to the text?

Fluctuations in speciation and extinction rates Signup and view all the answers

What must be understood better to meet the challenge of preserving biodiversity?

Biodiversity, human behavior, and beliefs Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the treaty mentioned in the text?

To protect endangered species from being transported across borders for international trade Signup and view all the answers

Which Act in the United States requires the development of management plans to protect at-risk species?

Endangered Species Act (ESA) Signup and view all the answers

What is one limitation of the international treaty mentioned in the text?

Enforcement may vary between countries Signup and view all the answers

Which agreement aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2012?

Kyoto Protocol Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant factor driving biodiversity loss according to the text?

Global warming Signup and view all the answers

Which country did not ratify the Kyoto Protocol despite its potential impact in reducing greenhouse gas emissions?

United States Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated percentage of Earth's land surface that was covered by preserves according to the IUCN World Parks Congress in 2003?

11.5% Signup and view all the answers

'Banff National Park' is mentioned in the text in relation to what conservation effort?

Biodiversity conservation Signup and view all the answers

What happens if an at-risk species is listed by the Acts mentioned in the text?

Management plans are legally mandated to bring the species back to sustainable numbers. Signup and view all the answers

In what sector is international cooperation most critical according to the text?

Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions Signup and view all the answers

What does the background extinction rate estimate of 1 per million species years mean?

One species becoming extinct per million years Signup and view all the answers

Why might the contemporary extinction-rate estimates be underestimated?

Many species were not described until later periods Signup and view all the answers

How does habitat loss correlate with species loss?

With 90% habitat loss, about 90% of species become extinct Signup and view all the answers

What is the predicted extinction rate by the end of the century?

$1500 E/MSY$ Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between an island's area and the number of species present on it?

As island area increases, so does the number of species but not in a linear manner Signup and view all the answers

What has been an approach to estimating present-time extinction rates based on habitat loss?

$1000 E/MSY$ Signup and view all the answers

What does the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) treaty aim to do?

Protect endangered species from international trade Signup and view all the answers

How do legislative approaches contribute to biodiversity preservation?

By setting aside protected areas for wildlife conservation Signup and view all the answers

What is one limitation of contemporary extinction-rate estimates?

$E/MSY$ does not accurately reflect actual extinction numbers Signup and view all the answers

Why might some now extinct species have gone unnoticed in written history?

They were only recently discovered through skeletal remains. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of identifying biodiversity hotspots?

To prioritize conservation efforts in important locations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following criteria was originally used to define a biodiversity hotspot?

Presence of 1500 or more species of endemic plants Signup and view all the answers

Why are large conservation preserves considered better for maintaining biodiversity?

They provide more core habitat and niches for species Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of wildlife corridors between two preserves?

To provide a safe passage for species to move between preserves Signup and view all the answers

Why is the shape of a conservation preserve important?

It can impact the ability to protect core habitat effectively Signup and view all the answers

What is one common issue faced by tropical preserves?

Human encroachment and illegal activities like poaching Signup and view all the answers

How does climate change affect the location of preserves?

By making species migrate as habitats change Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of strict wildlife protection policies within preserves?

Increased illegal poaching activities Signup and view all the answers

What do conservation preserves reinforce?

The perception that humans are separate from nature Signup and view all the answers

What principle does much of the research on optimal preserve designs rely on?

Island biogeography theory by MacArthur and Wilson Signup and view all the answers

What is a recognized issue with captive breeding programs for endangered species?

They are inefficient and often prone to failure when species are reintroduced to the wild. Signup and view all the answers

What is a positive impact of zoos on conservation efforts?

Preserving endangered species through education and awareness. Signup and view all the answers

What has been the trend in people's attitudes and actions regarding conservation due to zoos?

Mixed results in studies regarding people's attitudes and actions towards conservation. Signup and view all the answers

Why are zoo facilities considered inadequate for housing all endangered species for breeding programs?

Zoo facilities are too limited to contemplate captive breeding programs for all at-risk species. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between the effectiveness of captive breeding programs and education in zoos?

Education can positively impact conservation efforts while captive breeding programs are often inefficient. Signup and view all the answers

Based on the information provided, what can be inferred about the golden lion tamarin?

It is a species that benefits from captive breeding programs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of habitat restoration in maintaining or restoring biodiversity?

Preserving biodiversity Signup and view all the answers

Why was the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park significant?

To suppress elk and coyote populations Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a keystone species in an ecosystem?

Maintaining biodiversity Signup and view all the answers

Why are dam removal projects considered beneficial for ecosystems?

To restore natural water levels Signup and view all the answers

What has been a major focus of ecologists concerning biodiversity preservation?

Focusing on keystone species Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of zoos involved in conservation efforts?

Captive breeding and education Signup and view all the answers

How did the reintroduction of wolves affect elk populations in Yellowstone National Park?

Decreased elk populations Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a keystone species is removed from an ecological community?

A collapse in diversity Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of dam removal projects for fish populations?

Increasing fish diversity and improving water quality Signup and view all the answers

What change did the reintroduction of wolves bring to riparian areas in Yellowstone National Park?

Increased vegetation due to reduced elk populations Signup and view all the answers