- What is the primary cause of species extinction in the current century?
a) Natural disasters
b) Alien species invasion
c) Habitat loss
d) Climate change
Answer: c) Habitat loss
Explanation: Habitat loss due to human activities like deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture is the leading cause of species extinction today.
- Which of the following ecosystems is the most vulnerable to climate change?
a) Tropical rainforests
b) Coral reefs
c) Temperate grasslands
d) Desert ecosystems
Answer: b) Coral reefs
Explanation: Coral reefs are extremely sensitive to temperature changes, and even slight increases in sea temperatures can cause coral bleaching, leading to ecosystem collapse.
- Which of the following statements about biodiversity conservation is incorrect?
a) Ex situ conservation involves the protection of species in zoos and botanical gardens.
b) Biodiversity hotspots are areas with high levels of species richness and endemism.
c) Biosphere reserves promote both biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.
d) Protected areas alone are sufficient for long-term biodiversity conservation.
Answer: d) Protected areas alone are sufficient for long-term biodiversity conservation.
Explanation: Protected areas are important, but alone they are insufficient. Effective biodiversity conservation requires a combination of approaches, including habitat restoration, legal frameworks, and public awareness.
- Which of the following statements about species diversity is true?
a) Species diversity increases as we move towards the poles.
b) Species diversity is highest at the equator.
c) Species diversity decreases as we move towards the equator.
d) Species diversity is independent of geographical location.
Answer: b) Species diversity is highest at the equator.
Explanation: Species diversity typically increases as we move from the poles toward the equator, with tropical regions like rainforests having the highest diversity.
- Which of the following is an example of genetic diversity?
a) Different species of finches on the Galapagos Islands
b) Variations in the size and shape of leaves among plants in the same forest
c) The variety of dog breeds found across the world
d) Different ecosystems in a tropical rainforest
Answer: c) The variety of dog breeds found across the world
Explanation: Genetic diversity refers to the variation in genes within species, such as the different breeds of dogs or crop varieties that result from different genetic makeups.
- Biodiversity hotspots are characterized by:
a) High species diversity and high levels of human activity
b) Low species diversity but high endemism
c) High species diversity and high endemism
d) Low species diversity and low endemism
Answer: c) High species diversity and high endemism
Explanation: Biodiversity hotspots are regions with exceptionally high levels of species richness and endemism, and they are under significant threat from human activities.
- Which of the following species is considered critically endangered by the IUCN?
a) Asian elephant
b) Bengal tiger
c) Javan rhinoceros
d) Blue whale
Answer: c) Javan rhinoceros
Explanation: The Javan rhinoceros is classified as critically endangered due to its extremely small population size and limited habitat.
- Which of the following is a key factor in maintaining ecosystem stability?
a) Species diversity
b) Human intervention
c) Pollution
d) Monoculture
Answer: a) Species diversity
Explanation: High species diversity contributes to the stability and resilience of ecosystems by ensuring that functional roles in the ecosystem are maintained even under environmental stress.
- An ecosystem with very low species diversity is likely to be:
a) Highly stable and resilient
b) Vulnerable to environmental changes
c) More productive
d) More resistant to invasive species
Answer: b) Vulnerable to environmental changes
Explanation: Ecosystems with low species diversity are more vulnerable to disturbances like climate change or disease because fewer species are available to perform essential ecological functions.
- Which of the following is an example of ecosystem diversity?
a) Variation in ecosystem types like forests, grasslands, and wetlands in a region
b) Genetic differences between individuals in a population
c) The number of different species in an ecosystem
d) Different adaptations of organisms to the same environment
Answer: a) Variation in ecosystem types like forests, grasslands, and wetlands in a region
Explanation: Ecosystem diversity refers to the variety of ecosystems found within a geographical area, including their distinct communities, species, and environmental processes.
Leave a comment