Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

B

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Passenger pigeons were once one of the most numerous bird species in North America, with flocks numbering in the billions. However, due to overhunting and habitat loss, they were extinct by the early 20th century. The estimated population size at the time of the arrival of settlers is believed to have been around 3-5 billion.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

The dodo

Accepted Answer

All of the given descriptions are true - the dodo was a large, flightless bird that became extinct due to human intervention and could only be found on the island of Mauritius. Additionally, it was plentiful in the year 1600 before its population rapidly declined.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to the text, __________ major mass...

Question 6

Recovery from a mass extinction requires about how long?

Accepted Answer

Recovery from a mass extinction event, where a significant portion of species go extinct, can take at least 10 million years due to the time it takes for new species to evolve and for ecosystems to rebuild.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

The current extinction crisis is primarily caused by human activity, such as habitat destruction, introduction of invasive species, and overexploitation of natural resources. While climate change and other factors may also play a role, humans are the main cause of the current extinction crisis.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Tests on polar bear tissues have shown high levels of mercury and organic pesticides, which accumulate in their bodies as they consume other animals in the food chain. This is due to pollution and the fact that these chemicals are persistent in the environment. This is a concern as high levels of these substances can lead to health problems in polar bears, including reproductive and immune system issues.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

When exotic species are introduced into a non-native habitat, they can outcompete and displace endemic species, leading to their extinction. This is particularly problematic when the exotic species has no natural predators or competitors in its new habitat, giving it an advantage over the endemic species. This loss of biodiversity can have a range of negative ecological and economic impacts.

Question 10

All of the following are goals of conservation biology EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

While conservation biology does aim to investigate the origins and range of biodiversity, as well as identify ways to maintain and use it, its primary goal is not to determine the specific value of a species to humans. Instead, conservation biology is concerned with the overall health and preservation of ecosystems and their inhabitants.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of Curtis's contention that if the last blue...

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Adaptive radiation is the process by which one species evolves into multiple new species to adapt to different ecological niches, which typically increases biodiversity rather than causing extinction. The other choices have all been potential causes of extinction in the past.

Question 13

Habitat fragmentation can reduce biodiversity by

Accepted Answer

Habitat fragmentation can decrease the size of habitat patches, which can lead to a decrease in biodiversity due to the loss of optimal breeding conditions for some species. This can result in decreased survival and reproduction, and can eventually lead to extinction. Chemical pollution, elimination of forests, and introduction of exotic species can also contribute to a decrease in biodiversity, but they are not direct consequences of habitat fragmentation.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Habitats with the most species in greatest danger of extinction are called "hot spots." These areas contain a high concentration of endemic species, meaning species found nowhere else in the world, and are at high risk of habitat destruction and loss due to human activities. Conservation efforts often focus on protecting hot spots to preserve biodiversity.

Question 15

Endemic means a species

Accepted Answer

Endemic refers to a species that is unique to a specific geographic location and does not occur naturally anywhere else. It has originated in a particular region and adapted to its habitat.

Question 16

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?

Accepted Answer

The image shown above is the ivory-billed woodpecker, which was thought to be extinct until several unconfirmed sightings in the early 2000s caused a sensation in the media. Despite extensive searches and scientific expeditions, the ivory-billed woodpecker has not been officially documented since the 1940s, and its status remains uncertain.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Conservation biology is a field dedicated to preserving and protecting biodiversity, therefore it is not a contributing factor to species extinction. The other choices (A, B, C, and E) have all been identified as contributing factors to species extinction.

Question 18

During the Proterozoic period photosynthetic cells caused

Accepted Answer

During the Proterozoic period, photosynthetic cells evolved and began producing oxygen through photosynthesis. This caused a significant change in the course of evolution, leading to the emergence of oxygen-dependent life forms and ultimately the oxygenation of Earth's atmosphere. This event, known as the Great Oxygenation Event, had a profound impact on the Earth's biosphere, leading to the extinction of many anaerobic organisms and the proliferation of oxygen-dependent ones.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is an example...

Question 20

One of the major causes of panda bears becoming endangered is

Accepted Answer

Habitat loss and fragmentation is the main cause of panda bears becoming endangered. The destruction of bamboo forests due to human activities like logging, agriculture and development, disrupts the panda's habitat, making it difficult for them to find food and mates. Other factors like pollution and invasive species can also have a negative impact, but they are not the main cause of their endangerment.

Quiz 49: Human Impacts on the Biosphere