Question 1

Which of the following best describes the three levels of biodiversity that conservation biology seeks to protect?

Accepted Answer

Genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity

Question 2

A new species of frog is discovered in a single wetland threatened by agricultural expansion. Which threat to biodiversity is most directly endangering this species?

Accepted Answer

Habitat loss

Question 3

Which process describes the accumulation of toxins at higher trophic levels, as seen with PCBs in aquatic food webs?

Accepted Answer

Biological magnification

Question 4

Why are species with small population sizes and restricted habitats especially vulnerable to overharvesting?

Accepted Answer

Their populations cannot recover quickly from losses

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Pollination of crops by insects

Question 6

A river receives excess nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural runoff, leading to massive phytoplankton blooms and subsequent fish die-offs. What is this process called?

Accepted Answer

Eutrophication

Question 7

Which of the following strategies is most effective for protecting top predators that require large territories?

Accepted Answer

Establishing one large, continuous protected area

Question 8

What is the main reason introduced species often become invasive and threaten native biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

They lack natural predators and competitors in the new environment

Question 9

Which of the following is a direct benefit to humans from conserving biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Discovery of new medicines from plants

Question 10

A conservation biologist is tasked with maintaining the genetic diversity of a captive population. Which tool would be most useful?

Accepted Answer

Studbooks to track breeding and genetic lineages

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the concept of a 'minimum viable population'?

Accepted Answer

The smallest population size at which a species can survive long-term

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Increased edge effects and spread of invasive species

Question 13

Which restoration ecology strategy involves using organisms to add essential materials to a degraded ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Biological augmentation

Question 14

A population of fish in a polluted lake is declining due to high concentrations of mercury. Which restoration strategy would most directly address this problem?

Accepted Answer

Bioremediation using bacteria to break down mercury

Question 15

Which of the following is a reason why biodiversity 'hot spots' are prioritized for conservation?

Accepted Answer

They contain a high number of endemic and threatened species

Question 16

Which of the following equations best represents the process of photosynthesis, a key ecosystem service?

Accepted Answer

$$6CO_2 + 6H_2O \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6$ + 6O_2$$

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why the loss of a keystone species can have a disproportionate effect on an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Keystone species play a critical role in maintaining community structure and ecosystem function

Question 18

Which of the following is a plausible multi-step scenario illustrating the impact of human activities on biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Deforestation for agriculture leads to habitat loss, which reduces species diversity and disrupts ecosystem services such as water purification

Question 19

Which of the following statements about the current rate of extinction is supported by scientific evidence?

Accepted Answer

The current rate of extinction is 100–1,000 times higher than the background rate

Conservation Biology and the Threats to Biodiversity

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