Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

The variety of alleles and genes present among individuals of a single species.

Question 2

Community 1 and Community 2 both have four tree species, but Community 1 has each species at 25% abundance, while Community 2 has one species at 70% and the others at 10% each. Which statement is correct?

Accepted Answer

Both communities have the same species richness, but Community 1 has higher species evenness.

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of functional diversity in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

The presence of both herbivores and carnivores that perform different ecological roles.

Question 4

Why are biodiversity hotspots considered a high priority for conservation efforts?

Accepted Answer

They contain a high number of endemic species and are experiencing significant habitat loss.

Question 5

Which equation would you use to calculate species evenness in a community?

Accepted Answer

$$E = \frac{H'}{\ln S}$$

Question 6

A tropical rainforest has a higher net primary productivity (NPP) than a temperate grassland. Which factor most directly contributes to this difference?

Accepted Answer

Greater species richness and functional diversity in the rainforest.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the latitudinal diversity gradient?

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity is highest near the equator and decreases toward the poles.

Question 8

Which scenario best illustrates high resistance but low resilience in an ecosystem after a disturbance?

Accepted Answer

The ecosystem changes little after disturbance but recovers slowly if affected.

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT considered an ecosystem service provided by biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Production of synthetic fertilizers in factories.

Question 10

A scientist is comparing two communities: one with high phylogenetic diversity and one with low phylogenetic diversity. What does this mean?

Accepted Answer

The community with high phylogenetic diversity has species that are more distantly related.

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why high biodiversity can increase the resilience of an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

A greater variety of species increases the likelihood that some can maintain ecosystem functions after disturbance.

Question 12

If a disease wipes out a single plant species in a diverse grassland, why might the ecosystem's productivity remain stable?

Accepted Answer

Other species can fill the lost species' ecological role, maintaining ecosystem function.

Question 13

Which of the following is a direct consequence of low genetic diversity in a population?

Accepted Answer

Decreased ability to adapt to new diseases.

Question 14

Which of the following equations best represents the calculation of species richness ($$S) in a $$community?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of an ecosystem service that directly supports human agriculture?

Accepted Answer

Decomposition of organic matter by soil microbes.

Question 16

A region is identified as a biodiversity hotspot. Which of the following characteristics is most likely true for this region?

Accepted Answer

It has high species richness and high endemism.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the relationship between species richness and ecosystem productivity, as shown in experimental studies?

Accepted Answer

Ecosystem productivity increases with species richness up to a point, then levels off.

Question 18

Which of the following scenarios would most likely result in a decrease in ecosystem services?

Accepted Answer

A forest is converted to a monoculture plantation.

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-world example of how biodiversity loss can impact human well-being?

Accepted Answer

Loss of pollinator species leading to reduced crop yields.

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why conservation of biodiversity is important for maintaining ecosystem function?

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity ensures that ecosystems can provide essential services and recover from disturbances.

Community Ecology II: Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function

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