Question 1

Which of the following best describes the three main levels of biodiversity discussed in conservation biology?

Accepted Answer

Genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity

Question 2

A population of a rare plant species is reduced to only 20 individuals due to habitat destruction. Which concept explains why this population is at high risk of extinction?

Accepted Answer

The extinction vortex, where small population size leads to loss of genetic variation and increased inbreeding

Question 3

Which equation is used to estimate the effective population size ($$N_e) in $$conservation biology?

Accepted Answer

$$N_e = \frac{4N_f N_m}{N_f + N_m}$$

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Pollination of crops by insects

Question 5

A conservation biologist is studying a species whose population is declining due to habitat loss, even though the population size is still relatively large. Which approach should the biologist use?

Accepted Answer

The declining-population approach

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why introduced species can become invasive in new environments?

Accepted Answer

They often lack natural predators, parasites, and pathogens in the new environment

Question 7

Which of the following is a direct consequence of biological magnification?

Accepted Answer

Toxins such as PCBs and DDT become more concentrated in organisms at higher trophic levels

Question 8

A country is considering establishing a new nature reserve. Which of the following is a potential advantage of creating one large reserve instead of several small ones?

Accepted Answer

Large reserves have proportionally smaller perimeters, reducing edge effects

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the concept of a biodiversity hot spot?

Accepted Answer

A relatively small area with a high concentration of endemic and endangered species

Question 10

Which of the following human activities is the greatest threat to biodiversity worldwide?

Accepted Answer

Habitat loss due to human alteration

Question 11

A movement corridor is constructed between two forest fragments. What is a potential benefit and a potential risk of this action?

Accepted Answer

It can promote dispersal and reduce inbreeding, but may also facilitate the spread of disease

Question 12

Which of the following best defines sustainable development?

Accepted Answer

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of how genetic diversity benefits agriculture?

Accepted Answer

Breeding virus-resistant commercial crops by crossing with wild relatives

Question 14

Which of the following is a likely consequence of exceeding the critical load of nutrients in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Nutrient runoff leads to phytoplankton blooms and subsequent dead zones due to low oxygen

Question 15

Why are species with restricted habitats and low reproductive rates especially vulnerable to overharvesting?

Accepted Answer

Their populations cannot rebound quickly when numbers are reduced

Question 16

Which of the following is a real-world example of a species providing a direct benefit to human health?

Accepted Answer

The rosy periwinkle, which contains alkaloids that inhibit cancer growth

Question 17

Which of the following statements about the greenhouse effect is correct?

Accepted Answer

It is caused by gases such as CO2 reflecting infrared radiation back toward Earth, maintaining habitable temperatures

Question 18

Which of the following is a likely effect of rapid climate change on plant species?

Accepted Answer

Many plants may not be able to disperse rapidly enough to survive

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the ecological footprint concept?

Accepted Answer

It summarizes the aggregate land and water area needed to sustain a nation’s population

Question 20

Which of the following is a key reason why conservation efforts often focus on biodiversity hot spots?

Accepted Answer

They contain a high concentration of endemic and threatened species, so protecting them can maximize conservation impact

Global Ecology and Conservation Biology: Biodiversity, Threats, and Solutions

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