Question 1

Which of the following best describes 'genetic diversity' within the context of biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

The evolutionary distinctiveness and variation of genes and alleles within populations of a species.

Question 2

A region is considered a biodiversity hotspot if it:

Accepted Answer

Has a high number of endemic species and has lost at least 70% of its original habitat.

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of an ecosystem service classified as a 'regulating service'?

Accepted Answer

Pollination of crops by insects

Question 4

The concept of 'shifting baselines' is most relevant to which threat to biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Overexploitation

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why highly biodiverse communities are more resilient to disturbances?

Accepted Answer

They contain a greater variety of species and functions, allowing for compensation if some species are lost.

Question 6

Which of the following is a direct consequence of deforestation in tropical regions?

Accepted Answer

Loss of habitat leading to species extinction

Question 7

A species is considered 'functionally extinct' when:

Accepted Answer

Its population size is so low that it no longer plays a significant ecological role.

Question 8

Which of the following best illustrates the ethical dimension of human behavior on biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

The idea that organisms have intrinsic worth and future generations deserve access to ecosystem services.

Question 9

Why is replacing lost ecosystem services typically more costly than protecting them in the first place?

Accepted Answer

Restoration requires significant resources and may not fully recover original functions.

Question 10

Which of the following is a major challenge when implementing conservation strategies in biodiversity hotspots?

Accepted Answer

Hotspots often span multiple political boundaries, requiring international cooperation.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the relationship between farming/ranching and climate change?

Accepted Answer

Farming and ranching contribute to climate change through CO$_2$ and CH$_4$ emissions, and by altering carbon and water cycles.

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a direct threat to biodiversity as identified in the study materials?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Question 13

Which IUCN protected area category is primarily focused on scientific research with minimal human disturbance?

Accepted Answer

Strict nature reserve

Question 14

Why is the American bison (Bison bison) considered functionally extinct in many areas?

Accepted Answer

Its population is so reduced that it no longer fulfills its ecological role.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why ecosystem services are valued at approximately US$125 trillion per year?

Accepted Answer

They encompass all direct and indirect benefits humans derive from functioning ecosystems.

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Medicinal resources

Question 17

Which of the following statements about protected areas is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Protected areas serve various purposes and their distribution is uneven globally.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the ultimate cause of current mass extinctions according to the study materials?

Accepted Answer

Continued human population growth, fossil fuel consumption, and resource overexploitation

Question 19

Which of the following is a key reason why effective conservation policies for ecoregions can be challenging to implement?

Accepted Answer

Ecoregions often cross multiple national borders, requiring cooperation among nations.

Biodiversity: Threats and Conservation

Study Guide - Practice Questions