Identify the Level
A tropical rainforest has a wide variety of trees, plants, and animals. For example, researchers discover 200 different species of trees, 1,000 species of insects, and numerous mammals, birds, and reptiles that all thrive in this environment.
Species diversity
Which of the following scenarios illustrates the impact of decreased genetic diversity on a population’s resilience to environmental changes?
A) A population of wolves that can hunt multiple prey species to adapt to food shortages.
B) A crop variety that is susceptible to a new disease due to lack of genetic variation.
C) A diverse coral reef that supports a range of fish species in various niches.
D) A forest with both deciduous and coniferous trees that can withstand drought.
B) A crop variety that is susceptible to a new disease due to lack of genetic variation.
Two ecosystems are being compared:
Ecosystem A:
Ecosystem B:
Which ecosystem exhibits greater species diversity?
A) Ecosystem A
B) Ecosystem B
C) Both are equally diverse
D) Cannot determine from the information provided
B) Ecosystem B
A breeder has developed several breeds of dogs, each with unique traits. For instance, they have beagles, poodles, bulldogs, and Great Danes, all bred for specific characteristics such as size, coat type, and temperament.
Genetic diversity
How does habitat fragmentation affect species diversity in an ecosystem?
A) It creates larger, more interconnected habitats that support diverse species.
B) It leads to increased competition and predation, decreasing species diversity.
C) It promotes the introduction of invasive species, enhancing diversity.
D) It has no significant impact on species diversity.
B) It leads to increased competition and predation, decreasing species diversity.
Community X has the following species counts:
Community Y has:
Based on species richness and evenness, which community is more diverse?
A) Community X
B) Community Y
C) Both have equal diversity
D) Cannot determine without additional information
B) Community Y
A coral reef system is home to various coral species, fish, and invertebrates. Researchers find that different areas of the reef support different types of coral, each adapted to unique environmental conditions, like light and water depth.
Habitat diversity
What is one major consequence of losing species diversity in an ecosystem?
A) Increased food security for human populations.
B) Enhanced genetic diversity among remaining species.
C) Decreased ecosystem stability and increased vulnerability to disturbances.
D) Improved nutrient cycling and soil health.
C) Decreased ecosystem stability and increased vulnerability to disturbances.
What is species evenness, and how does it differ from species richness?
species evenness is the proportion of individuals within the different species in a given area.
species richness is the number of different species in a given area
A wetland contains a variety of habitats, including marshes, swamps, and bogs. Each of these areas supports different communities of plants and animals, and the entire wetland interacts with surrounding forests and rivers
Ecosystem diversity
A biologist studying a tropical rainforest discovers that certain tree species rely on specific animals for pollination and seed dispersal. This interaction demonstrates the concept of:
A) Genetic diversity within species
B) Mutualism and its role in maintaining species diversity
C) Habitat destruction leading to loss of species
D) Ecosystem diversity within the forest
B) Mutualism and its role in maintaining species diversity
Which of the following actions would likely lead to a decrease in species richness in a given area?
A) Reforestation
B) Urban development
C) Establishing protected areas
D) Sustainable farming practices
B) Urban development
In an urban community garden, volunteers plant various vegetables and flowers. Some plots have heirloom tomato varieties, while others have unique peppers and herbs, showcasing a range of genetic traits within the same species.
Genetic diversity
In a biodiversity hotspot, conservation efforts focus on preserving species that are both endemic and threatened. Endemic species refer to species that are exclusively found in a specific geographic area, such as a single island or a particular region, and are not naturally occurring anywhere else in the world.
Why is this approach particularly important?
A) Endemic species often have few natural predators, leading to overpopulation.
B) Endemic species contribute little to the overall ecosystem and can be replaced easily.
C) Protecting endemic species helps preserve unique genetic resources and maintains ecosystem function.
D) Endemic species are less affected by environmental changes compared to non-endemic species.
C) Protecting endemic species helps preserve unique genetic resources and maintains ecosystem function.
How does the introduction of an invasive species typically affect native species evenness?
A) It increases evenness among native species.
B) It usually decreases evenness by outcompeting native species.
C) It has no effect on evenness.
D) It balances the population sizes of all species.
B) It usually decreases evenness by outcompeting native species.