Types of Extinction and Biodiversity

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Questions and Answers

What is the key difference between background extinction and mass extinction?

  • Background extinction is a natural process, while mass extinction is always caused by human interference.
  • Background extinction occurs at a slower rate, while mass extinction occurs at a faster rate. (correct)
  • Mass extinction is caused by natural disasters, while background extinction is caused by human activities.
  • Mass extinction leads to a decrease in biodiversity, while background extinction leads to an increase in biodiversity.

What was the primary cause of the mass extinction that led to the demise of the dinosaurs?

  • The spread of disease-causing agents like bacteria and fungi.
  • Habitat destruction and degradation by early human civilizations.
  • The impact of a large meteor in the Yucatan peninsula that decreased oxygen levels. (correct)
  • A series of volcanic eruptions that increased greenhouse gases and global temperatures.

Which of the following is not considered a direct cause of species extinction?

  • Increased biodiversity. (correct)
  • Introduction of exotic species.
  • Pollution.
  • Habitat destruction and degradation.

How has the rate of species extinction changed compared to the historical, natural rate?

<p>The rate of extinction is a thousand times higher than the historical rate. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the indirect causes of species extinction mentioned in the text?

<p>Habitat destruction, introduction of exotic species, and pollution. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following natural causes of mass extinction is not mentioned in the text?

<p>Increased greenhouse gas emissions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the process by which pollutants enter a food chain through the organism in the first trophic level?

<p>Bioaccumulation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the impact of habitat fragmentation on biodiversity?

<p>It introduces new species that disrupt the existing ecosystem. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main concern associated with nonnative species introduced to new habitats?

<p>They can threaten biodiversity by lacking natural predators or competitors. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which activity is a direct cause of overexploitation contributing to species extinction?

<p>Hunting, gathering, and collection (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does eutrophication have on aquatic ecosystems?

<p>Promotes algal growth due to nutrient runoff (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process leads to an increase in the concentration of pollutants from one organism to another in a food chain?

<p>Biomagnification (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main cause of species extinction according to the text?

<p>Human hunting (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which event is NOT listed as a natural cause of species extinction in the text?

<p>Commercial exploitation of pigeon meat (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of extinction event involves a sudden, widespread decrease in biodiversity?

<p>Mass extinction (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which species mentioned in the text was impacted by overhunting for food and skin?

<p>Passenger Pigeon (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between background extinction and mass extinction events?

<p>Background extinction is gradual and affects few species, while mass extinction is sudden and affects many species. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which human activity mentioned in the text contributed to the extinction of the Cebu Warty Pig?

<p>Overhunting for food and skin (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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