Deck 48: Human Impacts on the Biosphere

Question 1

The image of the animal shown above caused quite a media frenzy in recent years due to reports that it was not extinct.What is it?

A) blue-footed booby
B) ivory billed woodpecker
C) dodo bird
D) red caucaded woodpecker
E) none of these

Answer 1

B

Question 2

Which of the following areas is still seeing an increase in deforestation?

A) North America
B) Europe
C) China
D) Brazil
E) None of these.

Answer 2

D

Question 3

According to the text, ____ major mass extinction(s) and recovery(ies) has(have) taken place in the past.

A) 1
B) 2
C) 3
D) 4
E) 5

Answer 3

E

Question 4

A species that has population levels so low it faces extinction in all or part of its range is designated as

A) riparian.
B) endemic.
C) endangered.
D) fragmented.
E) an indicator.

Question 5

A U.S.submarine surfaced ____ miles from the nearest land in the arctic and found polar bears hunting on the frozen sea.

A) 100
B) 1,000
C) 500
D) 50,000
E) none of these

Question 6

Tom Curtis wrote a letter in 2006 to try and encourage research into

A) rare plants.
B) microorganisms.
C) agricultural crops.
D) prairie grasses.
E) all of these.

Question 7

Which of the following is a deforested area more likely to experience?

A) nutrient poor soils.
B) soil loss.
C) loss of species diversity.
D) warmer temperatures.
E) all of these.

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of an interacting effect causing a decline in a species?

A) habitat loss of the polar bear
B) dodo birds being hunted by sailors
C) pollution buildup in the eggs of eagles
D) decline in buffalo causing a drop in native clover
E) all of these

Question 9

Which of the following is most likely the cause of the current extinction crisis?

A) asteroid impact
B) human activity
C) adaptive radiation
D) tectonic activity
E) climate change

Question 10

The dodo

A) is a large, flightless bird.
B) became extinct at human hands.
C) lived only on Mauritius.
D) was plentiful in the year 1600.
E) includes all of these descriptions.

Question 11

Which of the following is least likely to be a cause of extinction?

A) asteroid impact
B) human activity
C) adaptive radiation
D) continental drift
E) climate change

Question 12

Exotic species that are introduced into a non-native habitat can

A) interbreed with native species.
B) drive endemic species to extinction.
C) die out due to competition from native species.
D) blend in with endemic species.
E) create habitat islands for themselves.

Question 13

Endemic means a species

A) originated in one geographic region and lives nowhere else.
B) could cause an epidemic at any time.
C) is on its way to extinction.
D) can live in only one habitat.
E) is extinct.

Question 14

Settlers to the United States found between ____ and ____ passenger pigeons.They are extinct today.

A) 15,000-25,000
B) 3-5 billion
C) 50-100 million
D) none; they are native to Europe
E) none of these

Question 15

All of the following can contribute to desertification EXCEPT

A) drought.
B) overplowing.
C) overgrazing.
D) natural fertilizer.
E) All of these can contribute to desertification.

Question 16

Polar bears are top predators, and tests on their tissues have shown a surprising

A) resistance to warming.
B) amount of protein.
C) resistance to disease.
D) amount of mercury and organic pesticides.
E) evidence of none of these.

Question 17

Curtis's contention that if the last blue whale were to choke on the last panda bear and it still would not be the end of the world was his way of

A) stressing the improper attitude of some environmental activists and to encourage the drilling for oil in Alaska.
B) stressing the importance of some bacteria to the biosphere.
C) encouraging the study of endangered species.
D) shocking an audience into the study of conservation biology.
E) doing none of these.

Question 18

The current extinction rate is estimated to be at least how much greater than the background extinction rate?

A) 2
B) 5
C) 10
D) 50
E) 100

Question 19

One of the major causes of panda bears becoming endangered is

A) habitat loss and fragmentation.
B) increasing the effects of chemical pollution.
C) a sexually transmitted disease that plagues the bears.
D) introduced exotic species into a habitat.
E) all of these.

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a contributing factor in species extinction?

A) habitat loss
B) overharvesting
C) habitat fragmentation
D) conservation biology
E) illegal wildlife trading

Question 21

The level of the oceans is rising due to:

A) ozone depletion.
B) global warming.
C) lost species biodiversity.
D) increased precipitation.
E) acid rain.

Question 22

Conservation biology includes

A) a survey of biological diversity.
B) maintaining biodiversity to benefit human populations.
C) ecological considerations of diversity.
D) an effort to maintain biodiversity.
E) all of these.

Question 23

Which of the following is not an impact of acid rain?

A) It stops fish egg development
B) It can burn foliage.
C) It releases toxins in the soil.
D) It causes eutrophication
E) It can kill adult aquatic organisms

Question 24

Which of the following is NOT true of chlorofluorocarbons?

A) They can destroy ozone.
B) They are odorless.
C) They are a greenhouse gas
D) They break down very slowly.
E) Their action is allowing more UV radiation through the atmosphere.

Question 25

Biological wealth is the source of

A) food.
B) medicine.
C) ecotourism.
D) economic opportunity.
E) all of these.

Question 26

MATCHING
Matching.Choose the one most appropriate answer for each.
a.a reduction in suitable places to live
b.organisms that give an "early warning" signal of changes in biodiversity
c.new method of harvesting trees to preserve diversity
d.a field of research whose goal is conservation of biodiversity
e.species vulnerable to extinction
f.broad land or ocean region defined by climate, geography, and producers
g.ocean structure of amazing biological complexity
h.locations where species are in greatest danger of extinction
i.a national park is an example
j.
narrow corridor of vegetation along a stream or river
k.isolated patches of habitat;
conservation biology

Question 27

MATCHING
Matching.Choose the one most appropriate answer for each.
a.a reduction in suitable places to live
b.organisms that give an "early warning" signal of changes in biodiversity
c.new method of harvesting trees to preserve diversity
d.a field of research whose goal is conservation of biodiversity
e.species vulnerable to extinction
f.broad land or ocean region defined by climate, geography, and producers
g.ocean structure of amazing biological complexity
h.locations where species are in greatest danger of extinction
i.a national park is an example
j.
narrow corridor of vegetation along a stream or river
k.isolated patches of habitat;
endangered species

Question 28

All of the following are goals of conservation biology EXCEPT

A) to investigate the decline in genetic diversity.
B) to survey the range of biodiversity.
C) to determine if loss of any specific species would be detrimental to mankind.
D) to identify ways to maintain and use biodiversity to help man.
E) all of these are goals of conservation biology.

Question 29

Habitats with the most species in greatest danger of extinction are called

A) ecoregions.
B) indicator species.
C) riparian zones.
D) hot spots.
E) conservation islands.

Question 30

MATCHING
Matching.Choose the one most appropriate answer for each.
a.a reduction in suitable places to live
b.organisms that give an "early warning" signal of changes in biodiversity
c.new method of harvesting trees to preserve diversity
d.a field of research whose goal is conservation of biodiversity
e.species vulnerable to extinction
f.broad land or ocean region defined by climate, geography, and producers
g.ocean structure of amazing biological complexity
h.locations where species are in greatest danger of extinction
i.a national park is an example
j.
narrow corridor of vegetation along a stream or river
k.isolated patches of habitat;
ecoregion

Question 31

Which statement is NOT true about Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve?

A) It was purchased by a private individual.
B) It is one of the few habitats left for jaguarand ocelot.
C) It is home to more than 400 species of birds.
D) There are only a few mammalian species still surviving in the Reserve.
E) Ecotourism on the reserve provides employment to local people.

Question 32

All of the following can contribute to desertification EXCEPT

A) drought.
B) overplowing.
C) overgrazing.
D) farming in areas with high winds.
E) all of these.

Question 33

Which of the following is not a renewable energy source?

A) hydroelectric power.
B) coal.
C) solar.
D) wind.
E) all of these are renewable.

Question 34

A broad land or ocean region defined by climate, geography, and producers is called

A) an ecoregion.
B) a hot spot.
C) a realm.
D) a habitat island.
E) the biosphere.

Question 35

Which of the following is not a negative impact of surface mining?

A) Loss of vegetation.
B) Contamination of waterways.
C) Dust pollution of the air.
D) Loss of soil.
E) All of these are negative impacts of surface mining.

Question 36

MATCHING
Matching.Choose the one most appropriate answer for each.
a.a reduction in suitable places to live
b.organisms that give an "early warning" signal of changes in biodiversity
c.new method of harvesting trees to preserve diversity
d.a field of research whose goal is conservation of biodiversity
e.species vulnerable to extinction
f.broad land or ocean region defined by climate, geography, and producers
g.ocean structure of amazing biological complexity
h.locations where species are in greatest danger of extinction
i.a national park is an example
j.
narrow corridor of vegetation along a stream or river
k.isolated patches of habitat;
coral reef

Question 37

Which of the following is not a likely outcome of global warming?

A) Extinction of species.
B) Increased human death due to heat exposure.
C) Changes in animal migration patterns.
D) Increased waterborne illness.
E) All of these are likely outcomes of global warming.

Question 38

In 2009, the U.S.generated ____ tons of trash.

A) 22 billion
B) 251 million
C) 29 million
D) 243 million
E) none of these

Question 39

The first level of inquiry in making a systematic survey of biodiversity is carried out

A) at the ecoregion level.
B) among the riparian zones.
C) in hot spots.
D) at the regional research station.
E) on a global scale.

Question 40

The hole in the ozone layer is most dramatic over:

A) Antarctica.
B) North America.
C) Asia
D) Europe.
E) Africa.

Question 41

Classification.Answer the following questions in reference to the four "habitat" items listed below.
a.habitat fragmentation
b.habitat island
c.habitat loss
d.habitat
This is an inhabited area surrounded by unsuitable habitat.

Question 42

Classification.Answer the following questions in reference to the four "habitat" items listed below.
a.habitat fragmentation
b.habitat island
c.habitat loss
d.habitat
An __________ species is one that is especially sensitive to environmental change and can be monitored to determine the health of an ecosystem.

Question 43

Classification.Answer the following questions in reference to the four "habitat" items listed below.
a.habitat fragmentation
b.habitat island
c.habitat loss
d.habitat
__________ are regions rich in endemic species and under a high level of threat.

Question 44

Classification.Answer the following questions in reference to the four "habitat" items listed below.
a.habitat fragmentation
b.habitat island
c.habitat loss
d.habitat
__________ species are likely to become endangered in the future.

Question 45

Classification.Answer the following questions in reference to the four "habitat" items listed below.
a.habitat fragmentation
b.habitat island
c.habitat loss
d.habitat
Our knowledge of existing species is limited and biased toward __________.

Question 46

Classification.Answer the following questions in reference to the four "habitat" items listed below.
a.habitat fragmentation
b.habitat island
c.habitat loss
d.habitat
__________ cause habitat loss, degradation of habitat, and habitat fragmentation, all of which can endanger the __________ species.

Question 47

MATCHING
Matching.Choose the one most appropriate answer for each.
a.a reduction in suitable places to live
b.organisms that give an "early warning" signal of changes in biodiversity
c.new method of harvesting trees to preserve diversity
d.a field of research whose goal is conservation of biodiversity
e.species vulnerable to extinction
f.broad land or ocean region defined by climate, geography, and producers
g.ocean structure of amazing biological complexity
h.locations where species are in greatest danger of extinction
i.a national park is an example
j.
narrow corridor of vegetation along a stream or river
k.isolated patches of habitat;
habitat island

Question 48

Classification.Answer the following questions in reference to the four "habitat" items listed below.
a.habitat fragmentation
b.habitat island
c.habitat loss
d.habitat
This reduces a habitat's area, making species more vulnerable to extinction.

Question 49

Classification.Answer the following questions in reference to the four "habitat" items listed below.
a.habitat fragmentation
b.habitat island
c.habitat loss
d.habitat
Biologists identify __________, which are larger regions characterized by their physical characteristics as well as the species in them.

Question 50

Classification.Answer the following questions in reference to the four "habitat" items listed below.
a.habitat fragmentation
b.habitat island
c.habitat loss
d.habitat
This action may result in a lack of sufficient resources to sustain the population.

Question 51

MATCHING
Matching.Choose the one most appropriate answer for each.
a.a reduction in suitable places to live
b.organisms that give an "early warning" signal of changes in biodiversity
c.new method of harvesting trees to preserve diversity
d.a field of research whose goal is conservation of biodiversity
e.species vulnerable to extinction
f.broad land or ocean region defined by climate, geography, and producers
g.ocean structure of amazing biological complexity
h.locations where species are in greatest danger of extinction
i.a national park is an example
j.
narrow corridor of vegetation along a stream or river
k.isolated patches of habitat;
hot spot

Question 52

Classification.Answer the following questions in reference to the four "habitat" items listed below.
a.habitat fragmentation
b.habitat island
c.habitat loss
d.habitat
How many of the mass extinctions have had an organic cause?

Question 53

Classification.Answer the following questions in reference to the four "habitat" items listed below.
a.habitat fragmentation
b.habitat island
c.habitat loss
d.habitat
__________ is the conversion of grassland or woodland to desertlike conditions.

Question 54

Classification.Answer the following questions in reference to the four "habitat" items listed below.
a.habitat fragmentation
b.habitat island
c.habitat loss
d.habitat
This could be the result of chemical pollution.

Question 55

MATCHING
Matching.Choose the one most appropriate answer for each.
a.a reduction in suitable places to live
b.organisms that give an "early warning" signal of changes in biodiversity
c.new method of harvesting trees to preserve diversity
d.a field of research whose goal is conservation of biodiversity
e.species vulnerable to extinction
f.broad land or ocean region defined by climate, geography, and producers
g.ocean structure of amazing biological complexity
h.locations where species are in greatest danger of extinction
i.a national park is an example
j.
narrow corridor of vegetation along a stream or river
k.isolated patches of habitat;
habitat loss

Question 56

MATCHING
Matching.Choose the one most appropriate answer for each.
a.a reduction in suitable places to live
b.organisms that give an "early warning" signal of changes in biodiversity
c.new method of harvesting trees to preserve diversity
d.a field of research whose goal is conservation of biodiversity
e.species vulnerable to extinction
f.broad land or ocean region defined by climate, geography, and producers
g.ocean structure of amazing biological complexity
h.locations where species are in greatest danger of extinction
i.a national park is an example
j.
narrow corridor of vegetation along a stream or river
k.isolated patches of habitat;
indicator species

Question 57

Classification.Answer the following questions in reference to the four "habitat" items listed below.
a.habitat fragmentation
b.habitat island
c.habitat loss
d.habitat
We recognize three levels of biodiversity: genetic diversity, species diversity, and __________diversity.

Question 58

MATCHING
Matching.Choose the one most appropriate answer for each.
a.a reduction in suitable places to live
b.organisms that give an "early warning" signal of changes in biodiversity
c.new method of harvesting trees to preserve diversity
d.a field of research whose goal is conservation of biodiversity
e.species vulnerable to extinction
f.broad land or ocean region defined by climate, geography, and producers
g.ocean structure of amazing biological complexity
h.locations where species are in greatest danger of extinction
i.a national park is an example
j.
narrow corridor of vegetation along a stream or river
k.isolated patches of habitat;
habitat fragmentation

Question 59

Classification.Answer the following questions in reference to the four "habitat" items listed below.
a.habitat fragmentation
b.habitat island
c.habitat loss
d.habitat
__________ species, which evolved in one place and are present only in that habitat, are highly vulnerable to extinction.

Question 60

Classification.Answer the following questions in reference to the four "habitat" items listed below.
a.habitat fragmentation
b.habitat island
c.habitat loss
d.habitat
This describes where a species lives.

Question 61

The current mass extinction is said to be 100 to 1000 times above the background extinction rate.What does this mean?

Question 62

Consider a typical food chain.Which level would be at the greatest risk of suffering from exposure to a toxin based on the concept of biological magnification?