Biodiversity
Biodiversity is best defined as:
A. The number of predators in an ecosystem
B. The variety of life on Earth
C. The amount of rainfall in a biome
D. The number of food chains in a habitat
B. The variety of life on Earth
Ecosystem A has 10 crows, 9 bumblebees, 7 owls, and 8 squirrels.
Ecosystem B has 14 crows, 6 bumblebees, 5 owls, and 3 squirrels.
Which ecosystem has more biodiversity?
Ecosystem A
"Survival of the fittest” really means:
A. Survival of the strongest
B. Survival of the biggest
C. Survival of those best suited to their niche
D. Survival of the fastest reproducer only
Survival of those best suited to their niche.
Which part of a conservation area is the outermost zone, where sustainable economic and social activities may be allowed?
A. Core area
B. Buffer zone
C. Transition zone
D. Protected corridor
C. Transition Zone
This describes zonation most accurately.
A. Change in communities over time
B. Change in communities along an environmental gradient
C. Random species movement after disturbance
D. The final stage of succession
B. Change in communities along an environmental gradient
Which of the following is not one of the main forms of biodiversity named in this unit?
A. Species diversity
B. Habitat diversity
C. Genetic diversity
D. Biome diversity
D. Biome diversity
What is the name of the biodiversity index we use to calculate biodiversity in an ecosystem?
Simpson's Diversity Index
What is the name of the last species from which two or more species diverged?
A. Founder species
B. Most recent common ancestor
C. Keystone species
D. Index species
B. Most recent common ancestor
Which factor is important when planning habitat conservation areas?
A. Average global temperature
B. Distance from urban centers
C. Rate of mutation
D. Tectonic plate speed
B. Distance from urban centers
Which statement is correct?
A. Zonation is temporal; succession is spatial
B. Both zonation and succession are temporal
C. Zonation is spatial; succession is temporal
D. Both zonation and succession are spatial
C. Zonation is spatial; succession is temporal
What are the two components of species diversity?
Richness and evenness.
Why is quantifying biodiversity important for conservation?
It helps identify areas of high biodiversity and where conservation is needed/international treaties like CITES of CBD rely on regional data.
What is the name for the ability to survive and pass on genes?
Fitness
What is the name for restoring an ecosystem by bringing back natural processes and, sometimes, missing species?
a. Rewilding
b. Passive management
c. Active management
d. Ecosanctuaries
a. Rewilding
This term describes the stable end state reached after succession is complete.
Climax community
Explain why low genetic diversity can be dangerous for a species.
Low genetic diversity means individuals are more similar, so the species is less likely to have individuals resistant to disease or environmental change.
Trained local people who help scientists collect data (e.g., taking notes, collecting samples) are called ____
Parabiologists
tectonic plate boundaries; physical isolation
Which treaty focuses on biodiversity conservation, sustainable use, and fair sharing of benefits from genetic resources?
Convention on Biological Diversity.
A severe disturbance removes vegetation but leaves the soil intact. Predict the type of succession and explain why grasses and perennials appear relatively quickly.
Secondary succession; because the existing soil, nutrients, microorganisms, and often seeds/roots remain, so the soil-development stage is skipped.
Name the three direct threats to biodiversity and two indirect threats.
Direct: Overharvesting, Poaching, Illegal Pet Trade
Indirect: Habitat Loss and Fragmentation, Climate Change, Pollution, Invasive Alien Species
Name the five criteria the IUCN uses to determine whether a species is threatened.
Number of Individuals/Rate of Increase of Decrease of the Population/Breeding Potential/Geographic Range/Known Threats
Explain the four steps of natural selection.
1. There is variation in a population (variation) 2. some traits give an advantage (competition) 3. individuals with those traits survive and reproduce more (adaptations) 4. those favorable traits become more common in later generations. (selection)
Name the three ethical arguments for species and habitat preservation.
Intrinsic value, intergenerational equity, utilitarian values
State the names of the stages of primary succession.
1. Colonization 2. Establishment 3. Competition 4. Stabilization 5. (Optional) Climax Communities