18 Questions
What is the key difference between background extinction and mass extinction?
Background extinction occurs at a slower rate, while mass extinction occurs at a faster rate.
What was the primary cause of the mass extinction that led to the demise of the dinosaurs?
The impact of a large meteor in the Yucatan peninsula that decreased oxygen levels.
Which of the following is not considered a direct cause of species extinction?
Increased biodiversity.
How has the rate of species extinction changed compared to the historical, natural rate?
The rate of extinction is a thousand times higher than the historical rate.
What are some of the indirect causes of species extinction mentioned in the text?
Habitat destruction, introduction of exotic species, and pollution.
Which of the following natural causes of mass extinction is not mentioned in the text?
Increased greenhouse gas emissions.
What term describes the process by which pollutants enter a food chain through the organism in the first trophic level?
Bioaccumulation
Which statement best describes the impact of habitat fragmentation on biodiversity?
It introduces new species that disrupt the existing ecosystem.
What is the main concern associated with nonnative species introduced to new habitats?
They can threaten biodiversity by lacking natural predators or competitors.
Which activity is a direct cause of overexploitation contributing to species extinction?
Hunting, gathering, and collection
What effect does eutrophication have on aquatic ecosystems?
Promotes algal growth due to nutrient runoff
Which process leads to an increase in the concentration of pollutants from one organism to another in a food chain?
Biomagnification
What is the main cause of species extinction according to the text?
Human hunting
Which event is NOT listed as a natural cause of species extinction in the text?
Commercial exploitation of pigeon meat
What type of extinction event involves a sudden, widespread decrease in biodiversity?
Mass extinction
Which species mentioned in the text was impacted by overhunting for food and skin?
Passenger Pigeon
What is the key difference between background extinction and mass extinction events?
Background extinction is gradual and affects few species, while mass extinction is sudden and affects many species.
Which human activity mentioned in the text contributed to the extinction of the Cebu Warty Pig?
Overhunting for food and skin
Learn about the differences between Background Extinction and Mass Extinction, as well as the importance of biodiversity in ecosystems. Background Extinction is the standard rate of extinction, while Mass Extinction is a rapid and widespread decrease in biodiversity.
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