Question 1

Which of the following best describes 'species evenness' in the context of biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

How similar the population sizes of different species are within a community.

Question 2

Why is genetic diversity important for the long-term survival of a population?

Accepted Answer

It allows populations to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Question 3

Which biome is considered to have the highest biodiversity and why?

Accepted Answer

Tropical rainforests, due to their warm, wet, and stable conditions over long periods.

Question 4

A species that is only found in one specific geographic location is known as:

Accepted Answer

An endemic species

Question 5

Which of the following is the greatest current threat to biodiversity worldwide?

Accepted Answer

Habitat loss and fragmentation

Question 6

What is the main difference between extinction and extirpation?

Accepted Answer

Extirpation refers to the loss of a species from a local area, while extinction is global loss.

Question 7

Which of the following is an example of an ecosystem service provided by biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Pollination of crops by insects.

Question 8

A conservation strategy that focuses on protecting a species whose conservation will automatically protect many other species is called:

Accepted Answer

Umbrella species approach

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why tropical regions have higher species richness than polar regions?

Accepted Answer

Tropical regions have had stable climates for longer periods, allowing more time for diversification.

Question 10

Which of the following is a likely consequence of habitat fragmentation?

Accepted Answer

Smaller, isolated populations that are more vulnerable to extinction.

Question 11

A scientist is studying a wetland that has recently been converted to farmland. Which term best describes this process?

Accepted Answer

Habitat conversion

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a 'winning' species, according to Table 11.4?

Accepted Answer

Specialist with a narrow range of habitat

Question 13

Which of the following conservation efforts has been successful in increasing the population of the California condor?

Accepted Answer

Captive breeding and re-introduction

Question 14

If a region is identified as a biodiversity hotspot, what does this imply?

Accepted Answer

It is a region with high biodiversity and many endemic species, often under threat.

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of an indicator species?

Accepted Answer

A species whose presence, absence, or abundance reflects a specific environmental condition.

Question 16

Which of the following equations best represents the calculation of species diversity in an area?

Accepted Answer

$$D = f(S, E)$$, where $$S is $$species richness and $$E is $$evenness

Question 17

A population of frogs is declining due to pollution in their wetland habitat. Which type of biodiversity loss is this an example of?

Accepted Answer

Species diversity loss

Question 18

Which of the following is a plausible reason why most unidentified species are small organisms like bacteria and insects?

Accepted Answer

They are difficult to detect and study due to their size.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the trend shown in the Living Planet Index from 1970 to 2010?

Accepted Answer

Global populations of vertebrate species have declined.

Question 20

Which of the following is a multi-step approach to conserving biodiversity at the ecosystem level?

Accepted Answer

Establishing protected areas, restoring degraded habitats, and connecting fragmented landscapes.

Biodiversity and Conservation Biology: Study Guide

Study Guide - Practice Questions