Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between habitat destruction and habitat degradation?

Accepted Answer

Habitat destruction is the complete elimination of a habitat, whereas habitat degradation is a reduction in habitat quality that decreases its ability to support species.

Question 2

According to global biodiversity trends, where is biodiversity typically highest?

Accepted Answer

In tropical regions near the equator.

Question 3

Which of the following is a quantitative measure of biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Species richness, defined as the total number of species present in a given area.

Question 4

A scientist is comparing the effects of pollution on freshwater, terrestrial, and marine vertebrates. According to the study guide, which group is generally most threatened by pollution?

Accepted Answer

Freshwater vertebrates.

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT considered a major threat to biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection.

Question 6

If a graph shows a positive correlation between plant species richness and total biomass, which of the following best explains this relationship?

Accepted Answer

More species lead to greater resource use and higher productivity.

Question 7

Which equation would you use to calculate species richness in a given area?

Accepted Answer

$S = \sum_{i=1}^{n} 1$

Question 8

A conservation biologist wants to predict future extinction rates. Which process is most likely used to make these predictions?

Accepted Answer

Analyzing current threats and using mathematical models to estimate future rates.

Question 9

Which of the following ecosystem services is best exemplified by trees producing oxygen and removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere?

Accepted Answer

Regulating services.

Question 10

A student is analyzing a bar chart showing the percentage of threatened bird, mammal, and amphibian species. If 20% of birds, 25% of mammals, and 40% of amphibians are threatened, which group is most at risk?

Accepted Answer

Amphibians.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the concept of resilience in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

The ability of an ecosystem to recover after a disturbance.

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of a provisioning ecosystem service?

Accepted Answer

Production of timber from forests.

Question 13

A scientist is testing the hypothesis that increased species richness leads to greater ecosystem resistance. Which variable should be measured to test this hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

The ability of the ecosystem to remain unchanged after a disturbance.

Question 14

Which conservation strategy is most likely to be effective in preserving biodiversity in a rapidly urbanizing area?

Accepted Answer

Establishing protected areas and wildlife corridors.

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct ethical argument for conserving biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity should be conserved because all species have intrinsic value and contribute to ecosystem health.

Question 16

Which formula would you use to calculate the percentage of critically endangered species in a group?

Accepted Answer

$	ext{Percent} = \frac{	ext{Number of critically endangered species}}{	ext{Total number of species}} 	imes 100$

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the human niche and its expected change over the next 50 years?

Accepted Answer

Humans will expand their niche by increasing resource use and altering more environments.

Question 18

Which of the following is a supporting ecosystem service?

Accepted Answer

Nutrient cycling in soil.

Question 19

A student is asked to organize biological data and generate a graph. What is the correct order of steps?

Accepted Answer

Collect data, choose graph type, label axes, plot data, interpret results.

Question 20

Which of the following is a real-world example of an invasive species threatening biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Introduction of zebra mussels into North American lakes.

Biodiversity and Conservation: Study Guide and Key Concepts

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards