Question 1

Which of the following best describes genetic diversity within a population?

Accepted Answer

The total genetic information contained within all individuals of a population or species, including the number and relative frequency of all alleles

Question 2

Based on the provided extinction rate graph, which group of vertebrates has experienced the most rapid increase in extinction rates since the start of the Industrial Revolution?

Accepted Answer

Mammals

Question 3

Which factor is identified as the most significant cause of endangerment for terrestrial species in Canada, according to the bar graph?

Accepted Answer

Habitat loss

Question 4

What is the primary ecological consequence of habitat fragmentation, as shown in the experimental setup and results?

Accepted Answer

Sharp decline in biomass along the edges of forest fragments

Question 5

Which equation best represents the process of ocean acidification due to increased atmospheric CO$$_2$$?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{CO_2$ + H_2O \rightarrow H_2CO_3}$$

Question 6

Which ecosystem service is provided by wetlands, as described in the study materials?

Accepted Answer

Water filtration and purification

Question 7

Why does increasing plant species richness in a plot lead to higher total plant cover, according to the Cedar Creek experiment?

Accepted Answer

Because diverse plant assemblages are more efficient at utilizing available resources (resource use efficiency)

Question 8

Which of the following is a direct effect of overexploitation on marine ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Threatening trophic cascades due to removal of large-bodied fish species

Question 9

What is the main purpose of wildlife corridors, as implemented in Banff, Alberta?

Accepted Answer

To connect fragmented habitats, encourage gene flow, and allow recolonization

Question 10

Which of the following best defines functional diversity in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

The variety of roles that different species play within an ecosystem, contributing to processes like nutrient cycling and decomposition

Question 11

Which conservation strategy was used to restore genetic diversity in the Florida panther population?

Accepted Answer

Artificial gene flow by introducing individuals from another population

Question 12

What is the relationship between species richness and net primary productivity (NPP) in plant communities, as shown in the experimental results?

Accepted Answer

NPP increases with increasing species richness, up to a point

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a major threat to biodiversity according to the study materials?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Question 14

What is the ethical argument for biodiversity conservation that relates to future generations?

Accepted Answer

It is unethical for the current generation to deprive future generations of ecosystem services

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the diversity-stability hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

Community stability is influenced by species interactions and functional roles, not just species richness

Question 16

Which equation represents the formation of bicarbonate ions in ocean acidification?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{H_2CO_3 \rightarrow $$HCO_3$$^- + H^+}$$

Question 17

Which of the following is a real-world example of ecosystem service loss due to deforestation?

Accepted Answer

Loss of climate regulation and water filtration

Question 18

What is the main reason amphibians are more threatened than birds or mammals, according to the IUCN pie charts?

Accepted Answer

Amphibians have a higher percentage of species classified as threatened

Question 19

Which conservation method is used to preserve crop genetic diversity for future generations?

Accepted Answer

Seed banks

Question 20

Which formula best represents the calculation of species evenness in a community?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{J = \frac{H}{H_{max}}}$$

Biodiversity and Conservation Ecology: Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards