Understanding Biodiversity

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Questions and Answers

What distinguishes genetic diversity from species diversity within the context of biodiversity?

Genetic diversity refers to the number of different species in an ecosystem, while species diversity refers to the variation of genes within a single species.
Genetic diversity only applies to plants, while species diversity applies to animals.
Genetic diversity involves the variety of genes within a species, whereas species diversity involves the variety of different species in an area. (correct)
Genetic diversity focuses on the stability of an ecosystem, while species diversity focuses on the resilience of an ecosystem.

Which human activity primarily contributes to habitat loss, posing a significant threat to biodiversity?

Reforestation efforts aimed at expanding forest cover.
Sustainable fishing practices that prevent overexploitation.
The establishment of wildlife corridors to connect fragmented habitats.
Urbanization, deforestation, and agricultural expansion. (correct)

How does pollution affect biodiversity, and what are some examples of pollutants that contribute to this issue?

Pollution enhances biodiversity by introducing new nutrients into ecosystems; examples include nitrogen and phosphorus.
Pollution harms biodiversity through contaminants like chemicals, plastics, and oil spills that damage ecosystems. (correct)
Pollution has no significant impact on biodiversity; ecosystems can naturally filter out pollutants.
Pollution only affects aquatic ecosystems; terrestrial ecosystems are unaffected.

What ecological challenge do invasive species present, and how do they impact native populations?

Invasive species disrupt ecosystems by outcompeting native species for resources, leading to potential declines in native populations. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does overexploitation of resources threaten biodiversity, and what are some potential consequences?

Overexploitation leads to population decline by excessive hunting, fishing, and resource use. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary impact of climate change on biodiversity, and how does it affect species survival?

Climate change leads to global temperature rise, which affects species' ability to survive in their current environments. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does biological magnification pose a threat to biodiversity, and what types of toxins are commonly involved?

Biological magnification involves toxins like DDT and mercury increasing in concentration as they move up the food chain. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is habitat fragmentation, and how does it impact biodiversity within ecosystems?

Habitat fragmentation splits ecosystems into smaller sections, isolating species and reducing genetic diversity. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What are edge effects in the context of habitat boundaries, and how do they influence species living near these edges?

Edge effects involve environmental changes at habitat boundaries, impacting species living near these edges. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is sustainable use of resources, and how does it contribute to the conservation of biodiversity?

Sustainable use involves using resources at a rate that allows them to be replenished, ensuring long-term availability. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How do protected areas and reserves contribute to the conservation of biodiversity?

Protected areas provide safe havens for species, protecting them from habitat destruction and human disturbances. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What are wildlife corridors, and why are they essential for biodiversity conservation in fragmented habitats?

Wildlife corridors connect fragmented habitats, allowing species to move between them and maintain genetic diversity. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How do legislative actions and environmental laws support biodiversity conservation?

Legislative actions and environmental laws establish regulations and protections for endangered species and habitats. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is reforestation, and how does it contribute to the restoration of ecosystems and biodiversity?

Reforestation involves replanting trees in deforested areas, restoring habitats and supporting biodiversity. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is bioremediation, and how does it aid in restoring polluted areas and conserving biodiversity?

Bioremediation involves using living organisms (e.g., bacteria, plants) to clean polluted areas. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does biological control contribute to biodiversity conservation, and what are some potential drawbacks?

Biological control involves using natural predators to control invasive species. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What are biodiversity hotspots, and why are they considered critical areas for conservation efforts?

Biodiversity hotspots are areas rich in species diversity that need protection due to high levels of endemism and threat. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes renewable resources from nonrenewable resources, and what are some examples of each?

Renewable resources can be replenished naturally (e.g., forests, fresh water), while nonrenewable resources exist in fixed amounts and take millions of years to form (e.g., fossil fuels, minerals). (C) Signup and view all the answers

What are endemic species, and why are they particularly vulnerable to extinction?

Endemic species are found only in a specific location and not elsewhere, making them highly vulnerable to habitat loss and other threats. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What defines a mass extinction event, and what are its potential consequences for biodiversity?

A mass extinction is a large-scale loss of species in a short time, leading to significant disruptions in ecosystems and evolutionary pathways. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In an ecosystem, the frog population decreases due to a drought. How might this affect the snake population in the same ecosystem?

The snake population would likely decrease due to reduced food availability. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A forest is cleared to create pasture land for cattle. What is the most likely long-term impact on the biodiversity of the area?

A decrease in biodiversity as forest species lose their habitat. (A) Signup and view all the answers

The population of bees in an agricultural area declines sharply due to pesticide use. What is a likely consequence of this decline for the local ecosystem?

A decrease in the pollination of crops and wild plants. (C) Signup and view all the answers

An island ecosystem is invaded by a non-native predator. Which of the following is the most likely short-term impact on the native prey population?

The native prey population will likely decrease due to increased predation pressure. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A new highway is built through a large, continuous forest. What is a likely long-term effect of this development on the forest ecosystem?

An increased edge effect, altering environmental conditions along the highway. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A local community depends on fishing in a nearby lake. Over time, they start catching more fish than the lake can naturally replenish. What is the likely long-term consequence of this practice?

A collapse of the fish population and potential economic hardship for the community. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity in determining the overall biodiversity of a region?

They are interconnected components; genetic diversity within species contributes to species diversity, and the variety of species shapes ecosystem diversity. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Suppose a conservation organization is deciding where to focus its efforts. You are torn between two locations, one with high species diversity but low genetic diversity, and another with low species diversity but high genetic diversity. Where should their limited resources be allocated?

Prioritize the location with high genetic diversity to safeguard the adaptive potential that may be crucial for future environmental changes. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What strategies would be most effective for mitigating the negative impacts of habitat fragmentation on a specific endangered species?

Establishing wildlife corridors to connect fragmented habitat patches, and creating buffer zones around critical habitats. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How would you explain the long-term ecological and economic consequences of deforestation in a region with high biodiversity?

Deforestation can lead to decreased carbon sequestration, increased soil erosion, loss of species habitats, and reduced ecosystem services. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why are endemic species particularly vulnerable to extinction, and what conservation strategies are most effective for their preservation?

Endemic species have limited distribution range, making them highly vulnerable to habitat loss. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of keystone species in maintaining the biodiversity and stability of ecosystems?

Keystone species play a critical role in maintaining ecosystem balance. A removal of these species can trigger a large collapse of the ecosystem. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Some researchers want to evaluate the success of a rewilding to increase regional biodiversity. What data can determine if this project is successful?

Analyzing changes in species composition. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A community wants to establish a sustainable ecotourism industry. What steps should it take to ensure that tourism activities contribute to the conservation of biodiversity?

Implementing regulations. (C) Signup and view all the answers

A conservation manager is deciding to restore a grassland. How can ecological restoration of a degraded grassland ecosystem enhance biodiversity?

Restoring native plant species to reestablish habitats that will grow over time. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between in situ and ex situ conservation?

In situ conservation occurs in its original location, while ex situ conservation is removed its location. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is Biodiversity?

The variety of life in an ecosystem, including species, genetic, and ecosystem diversity.

Genetic Diversity

Variation in genes within a species.