Understanding the Biodiversity Crisis

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What do biologists estimate regarding current species extinctions?

They are 500–1000 times the normal rate in Earth's history. (correct)

They are at the normal rate seen in Earth's history.

They are 1000–1500 times the normal rate in Earth's history.

They are half the normal rate seen in Earth's history.

Which ecosystems are most affected by rapidly increasing species extinctions?

Deserts like the Sahara.

Polar regions like Antarctica.

Tropical rainforests like those of the Amazon basin. (correct)

Grasslands like the African savanna.

Where do most of the 'invisible' species that face extinction currently live?

The Arctic tundra.

Coniferous forests in Canada.

Savannas in Africa.

Tropical rainforests like those in the Amazon basin. (correct)

What is biodiversity a broad term for?

Biological variety. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the Amazon rainforest was lost between 1970 and 2011?

Almost 20 percent. Signup and view all the answers

Where is the biodiversity habitat shown in Figure 1 located?

Madagascar. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Earth losing species at an accelerating pace according to the text?

As extinction removes species faster than they can be described Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of describing species according to the text?

Species description aids in determining unique characteristics and follow-up research Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe species found in only one location?

Endemic Signup and view all the answers

What accounts for the difference in species diversity between Lake Victoria and Lake Huron?

The age of Lake Victoria compared to Lake Huron Signup and view all the answers

Why are endemic species with highly restricted distributions particularly vulnerable to extinction?

As they have limited options for survival if conditions change Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated percentage of eukaryotic species that have been named based on the text?

13% Signup and view all the answers

Why is naming and counting species considered important according to the text?

To allow for in-depth study and coordinated research by multiple scientists Signup and view all the answers

How many new species are being described per year according to the State of Observed Species reports?

17,000–20,000 Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason cited for the increasing difficulty in describing all existing species?

The rate of extinction surpassing the rate of description Signup and view all the answers

What does biodiversity loss refer to?

The reduction of biodiversity due to the displacement or extinction of species Signup and view all the answers

Why is genetic diversity important in a species?

To provide raw material for evolutionary adaptation Signup and view all the answers

In terms of diversity, why is a forest with 10 equally common tree species considered more diverse than a forest dominated by just one species?

Because it offers more varied habitats for different species Signup and view all the answers

What is ecosystem diversity?

The number of different ecosystems in a geographical area Signup and view all the answers

How does the loss of an ecosystem impact biological productivity?

It leads to a decrease in biological productivity Signup and view all the answers

Why do biologists measure genetic diversity in a population?

To assess the potential for evolutionary adaptation Signup and view all the answers

In what way are human populations dependent on ecosystems?

For food, medicine, clean air and water, and more Signup and view all the answers

Why are tropical rainforests facing significant biodiversity loss?

Because they are being cleared for timber and agriculture Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of the accelerated extinction rate mentioned in the text?

The potential loss of tens of thousands of species within our lifetimes Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a forest with high biodiversity from one lacking diversity?

The even distribution among tree species rather than dominance by one species Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a great ape that has been observed self-medicating with plants?

Monkeys Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the plant that is a source of vincristine, a drug used in the treatment of lymphomas?

Madagascar periwinkle Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following diseases have NOT been treated with drugs based on animal toxins?

Influenza Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of modern drugs at one time contained at least one plant extract?

25% Signup and view all the answers

Where were potatoes domesticated around 7,000 years ago?

Central Andes of Peru and Bolivia Signup and view all the answers

What is the chief proponent of the idea that humans benefit psychologically from living in a biodiverse world?

E.O. Wilson Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated annual contribution of honeybee pollination within the United States?

$6.7 billion Signup and view all the answers

What is the main cause of large losses in honeybee populations in North America?

Colony collapse disorder Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of pesticides on non-pest species and beneficial insects like honeybees?

Kill them Signup and view all the answers

How does the loss of diversity in pest enemies affect food production?

Makes it more difficult and costly to grow food Signup and view all the answers

What is the main source of animal protein for about one billion people?

Aquatic resources Signup and view all the answers

What has been the trend in global fisheries production since 1990?

Decline Signup and view all the answers

What are the long-lasting effects on local human populations due to the collapse of fisheries?

Limitations in societal aspects Signup and view all the answers

What happens to harvested species when fishery extinctions occur?

They undergo a radical restructuring in the marine ecosystem. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to introduce multiple enemies of pests for control?

It is more effective than controlling one single pest. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Irish potato famine lead to famine, death, and mass emigration?

Due to the susceptibility of the single potato variety to a potato blight. Signup and view all the answers

Why do seed companies play a role in the decline of the number of available crop varieties?

By focusing on selling fewer varieties in more areas of the world. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key benefit of maintaining genetic diversity in wild species related to domesticated crops?

Ensuring a continued supply of food. Signup and view all the answers

How do government agriculture departments attempt to maintain crop diversity?

By establishing seed banks of crop varieties. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the Svalbard Global Seed Vault considered a backup system for regional seed banks?

To ensure that lost seed varieties can be replaced if something happens to regional seeds. Signup and view all the answers

What valuable conditions or processes are carried out by ecosystems that benefit crop growth?

Ecosystem services such as nutrient cycling and soil texture maintenance. Signup and view all the answers

Why are ecosystem services important for human food production?

To maintain nutrient cycles necessary for crop growth. Signup and view all the answers

What is one way that plant pollination contributes to food production?

By transferring pollen between plants for reproduction. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it practically impossible to replace the work of soil organisms in forming arable soil?

Because nutrient cycling and soil texture maintenance are complex processes. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Svalbard Global Seed Vault ensure ideal storage conditions?

By carving deep into the arctic rock and maintaining optimal temperature and humidity levels. Signup and view all the answers

What is biogeography the study of?

The distribution of species on Earth Signup and view all the answers

Which field of study under biogeography focuses on the protection and restoration of species?

Conservation biogeography Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the oldest observed patterns in ecology?

Biodiversity increases as latitude decreases Signup and view all the answers

Why does biodiversity typically increase closer to the equator?

Greater energy input from the sun Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible mechanism that contributes to greater speciation in tropical ecosystems?

Greater habitat stability Signup and view all the answers

Why is biodiversity important for human populations?

It impacts human health and ability to feed ourselves Signup and view all the answers

What is historical biogeography focused on studying?

Past distribution of species Signup and view all the answers