Question 1

Which of the following is considered a major driver of global change according to global change ecology?

Accepted Answer

Land use change

Question 2

The image of a map showing forest plant invasion intensity across the United States is most directly related to which global change driver?

Accepted Answer

Invasive species

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the difference between point and non-point sources of pollution?

Accepted Answer

Point sources originate from a single, identifiable location, while non-point sources come from multiple, diffuse locations.

Question 4

According to the Earth's radiation budget diagram, which process is primarily responsible for warming the planet?

Accepted Answer

Absorption of solar radiation by the surface

Question 5

Solar energy input varies with latitude. Which region receives the most direct solar energy, and how does this affect global atmospheric circulation?

Accepted Answer

The tropics; it sets the atmosphere in motion, driving global circulation patterns.

Question 6

Which equation best represents the process of photosynthesis in the carbon cycle?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 7

Which of the following is a primary goal of conservation biology?

Accepted Answer

To protect species and ecosystems from decline and extinction

Question 8

Which conservation strategy is illustrated by the image of a person planting trees in a field?

Accepted Answer

Restoration ecology

Question 9

Biodiversity is important for ecosystem services. Which of the following is an example of an ecosystem service provided by high biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced pollination of crops

Question 10

Which of the following is a human activity that threatens biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Habitat loss due to urban development

Question 11

The recovery of the humpback whale population is an example of which conservation strategy?

Accepted Answer

Species management through international law

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the relationship between basic science and applied science in conservation biology?

Accepted Answer

Basic science provides foundational knowledge, which is then used in applied science to develop practical solutions.

Question 13

Which of the following equations represents the process of cellular respiration in the carbon cycle?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 14

A satellite image showing fragmented agricultural land is most likely illustrating which ecological concept?

Accepted Answer

Habitat fragmentation due to land use change

Question 15

Which of the following is a plausible consequence of biological invasions, as shown in the map of plant invasion intensity?

Accepted Answer

Economic costs due to loss of ecosystem services

Question 16

Which of the following is a natural factor that can threaten biodiversity, but is less likely to cause extinction compared to human activities?

Accepted Answer

Natural disturbance such as storms or fires

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the multidisciplinary nature of conservation biology?

Accepted Answer

It integrates many fields of study and perspectives to conserve biodiversity and ecosystems.

Question 18

Which of the following is a real-world example of a non-point source of pollution?

Accepted Answer

Runoff from agricultural fields

Question 19

Which of the following is a critical insight from the study of biogeochemical cycles, such as the carbon cycle?

Accepted Answer

Human activities such as fossil fuel burning significantly alter the carbon cycle.

Question 20

Which of the following conservation strategies would be most effective for protecting a species threatened by habitat loss?

Accepted Answer

Habitat protection

Ecology and Global Change: Drivers, Impacts, and Conservation

Study Guide - Practice Questions