Deck 30: Conserving Earths Biodiversity

Question 1

About ________% of prescription medications contain active compounds derived from natural sources, mostly plants.

A)5
B)10
C)25
D)50
E)75

Answer 1

E

Question 2

The 1993 flooding along the Missouri River was partially caused by:

A)removal of forests and wetlands along the river.
B)decreased conversion of forests to farmland.
C)attempts to return the river to its natural flow pattern.
D)increased evaporation due to fewer trees.
E)decreased soil formation.

Answer 2

A

Question 3

In 2005, the authors of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment concluded that ________% of Earth's ecosystem services are being degraded.

A)5
B)20
C)40
D)60
E)80

Answer 3

D

Question 4

Why is it important to preserve the genetic diversity of the wild relatives of crop plants?

A)The wild relatives may someday have to replace the crop plants because they are generally more disease-resistant.
B)The wild relatives are food sources for many domestic animal species.
C)The wild relatives may someday have to replace the crop plants because they are generally more resistant to insect pests.
D)The wild relatives are food sources for a large percentage of the human population.
E)Beneficial genes from the wild relatives may be transferred into crop plants.

Question 5

Attempts are being made to restore the Kissimmee River in order to:

A)reduce ecotourism.
B)expand development.
C)use more land for agriculture.
D)improve the water quality.
E)decrease biodiversity.

Question 6

The variety of communities and the nonliving environment upon which the communities depend is the:

A)genetic diversity.
B)conservation biology.
C)species diversity.
D)ecosystem services.
E)ecosystem diversity.

Question 7

Most of the world's food supply comes from:

A)more than a hundred rain-forest species.
B)only a dozen crops.
C)wild plants.
D)crops suited to local growing conditions.
E)salt-tolerant crops.

Question 8

The major goal of conservation biology is to:

A)preserve the diversity of living organisms.
B)restore the biosphere to its previously unspoiled condition.
C)make the biosphere more habitable for humanity.
D)increase the population sizes of all species.
E)repair the damage to ecosystems done by introduced species.

Question 9

Maintaining soil fertility, purifying water, producing oxygen, and decomposing waste are all examples of:

A)ecological footprint.
B)biodiversity.
C)biocapacity.
D)species diversity
E)ecosystem services.

Question 10

Coastal wetlands, or marshes, serve to:

A)purify water farther upriver.
B)store phosphorus.
C)return nitrogen to the atmosphere.
D)"absorb" water from major storms.
E)provide a habitat for major predators.

Question 11

Clear-cutting of rain forests may result in the local climate becoming:

A)cooler and drier.
B)cooler and wetter.
C)hotter and drier.
D)cooler and drier.
E)It is not expected to affect the local climate.

Question 12

About ________% of the carbon dioxide produced by human activity is a result of deforestation.

A)10
B)25
C)40
D)50
E)75

Question 13

Tropical rain forests provide all of the following EXCEPT:

A)large supplies of fossil fuels.
B)wood used for cooking by local residents.
C)traditional medicines.
D)hardwoods for consumers worldwide.
E)prescription medicines.

Question 14

In the soil, ________ convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use.

A)plants
B)bacteria
C)fungi
D)worms
E)insects

Question 15

Traditional medicines, which are used by about ________% of people worldwide, are primarily derived from wild plants.

A)30
B)50
C)70
D)80
E)90

Question 16

The project to straighten the Kissimmee River in the mid-twentieth century and the subsequent loss of wetlands resulted in:

A)a decline in populations of invasive species.
B)a pollution problem.
C)an increase in the local average temperature.
D)enhanced natural water purification.
E)an increase in native plant populations with an accompanying decline in herbivore species.

Question 17

The number of different types of organismsplants, animals, microbes, and fungiliving in an area is the ________ of a community.

A)genetic diversity.
B)conservation biology.
C)species diversity.
D)ecosystem services.
E)ecosystem diversity.

Question 18

Forests influence local climates by:

A)increasing the temperature via photosynthesis.
B)increasing the amount of water runoff.
C)increasing evaporation by blocking winds.
D)transpiring water into the atmosphere.
E)releasing carbon dioxide.

Question 19

Plants prevent erosion by:

A)holding water.
B)supporting animals that consume excess water.
C)blocking winds.
D)promoting flooding.
E)recycling nutrients.

Question 20

Plants help reduce flooding by:

A)removing soil.
B)increasing the soil's ability to hold water.
C)increasing CO2 levels.
D)breaking down the soil.
E)decreasing the amount of water returned to the air.

Question 21

The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, begun in 2000, has already resulted in:

A)a rebound in the populations of native plants, birds, and fish.
B)the need to build more water treatment facilities.
C)restoration of the Kissimmee River to its original flow pattern.
D)an improvement in water quality.
E)an increase in the populations of invasive species.

Question 22

Human farming activities began about ________ years ago.

A)400
B)5,500
C)11,000
D)120,000
E)500,000

Question 23

It is difficult to estimate current rates of extinction because:

A)many "extinct" species may still be represented by isolated populations.
B)extinction is very rare.
C)new species are evolving as fast as species are becoming extinct.
D)the number of species is unknown; many remain undescribed to science.
E)most species in danger of extinction are microscopic.

Question 24

In less-developed countries, many species are being harvested unsustainably because:

A)they are considered a danger to humans.
B)the people must eat or sell the species' products to survive.
C)they are hunted and killed because they carry human diseases.
D)people thoughtlessly destroy what they do not need.
E)pollution has reduced their population sizes dramatically.

Question 25

Some biologists believe that life on Earth is in the midst of a sixth major mass extinction event caused by:

A)loss of genetic diversity due to inbreeding.
B)a gradual increase in global temperature.
C)coevolution of predator and prey species.
D)rapid climate change.
E)human activity.

Question 26

Loss of habitat is a problem for more than ________% of threatened amphibians, mammals, and birds.

A)25
B)45
C)65
D)75
E)85

Question 27

Overexploitation is a problem for more than ________% of threatened mammals and birds.

A)30
B)40
C)50
D)60
E)70

Question 28

The largest threat to global biodiversity, as identified by the IUCN, is:

A)global warming.
B)introduced species.
C)phosphate pollution.
D)loss of habitat.
E)lack of farmland.

Question 29

Comparison of the human ecological footprint to Earth's biocapacity suggests that:

A)the human population is growing slowly.
B)the human population cannot sustain its current level of resource usage.
C)the human population will soon rapidly decrease in size.
D)the human population can continue at its present level of resource usage indefinitely.
E)global warming is seriously damaging most ecosystems.

Question 30

The most likely explanation for any mass extinction event is:

A)loss of genetic diversity due to inbreeding.
B)a gradual increase in global temperature.
C)coevolution of predator and prey species.
D)rapid environmental change.
E)human activity.

Question 31

Many large mammals and birds require ________ acres of continuous suitable habitat for food and territory.

A)several
B)dozens of
C)hundreds of
D)thousands of
E)millions of

Question 32

The idea that several species in a community have functionally equivalent roles but vary in their ability to withstand environmental stressors is called the ________ hypothesis.

A)multiple species
B)redundancy
C)unextinction
D)rivet
E)biocapacity

Question 33

Pollutants such as ________ may affect the development or reproduction of organisms.

A)estrogen mimics
B)carbon monoxide
C)nitrogen
D)sulfur
E)water

Question 34

Tropical rainforests are home to ________% of the world's plants and animals.

A)20
B)40
C)50
D)60
E)90

Question 35

Much of the tropical rain-forest land that has been lost has been used for:

A)pastures for grazing domestic animals.
B)wildlife preserves.
C)human dwellings.
D)recreational areas.
E)farmland.

Question 36

A ________ species is fundamentally essential to an ecosystem; its loss changes the structure of the entire community.

A)redundant
B)baseline
C)keystone
D)footprint
E)rivet

Question 37

The ecological footprint of the human species is about:

A)30% of Earth's biocapacity.
B)80% of Earth's biocapacity.
C)equal to Earth's biocapacity.
D)30% greater than Earth's biocapacity.
E)80% greater than Earth's biocapacity.

Question 38

The minimum viable population is the:

A)number of organisms that can be spread over a fragmented habitat.
B)smallest number of organisms capable of maintaining a population.
C)smallest number of males needed to maintain a population.
D)number of organisms produced by an inbred population.
E)number of organisms that can reproduce in a population.

Question 39

Many marine animal species are threatened because:

A)they are overexploited as a human food source.
B)they are overexploited for the oil and other products in their bodies.
C)they are caught in nets along with other species being fished.
D)their habitats, coastal wetlands, are disappearing.
E)their food sources are disappearing.

Question 40

An introduced species is "invasive" if it:

A)is a threat to humans.
B)cannot successfully maintain a population in the new habitat.
C)survives in its new habitat and forms mutually beneficial relationships with native species.
D)outcompetes native species in its new habitat.
E)does not cause significant harm to native species.

Question 41

________ occurs when human developments break up natural ecosystems into smaller areas.

A)Habitat fragmentation
B)Overexploitation
C)Species invasion
D)Conservation biology
E)Sustainable development

Question 42

Unsustainable farming practices include:

A)planting different crops in the same field in alternating years.
B)abandoning fields and allowing them to go through natural succession.
C)abandoning the use of irrigation to water fields.
D)using herbicides and pesticides.
E)mulching fields after harvest.

Question 43

The reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone National Park has indirectly resulted in a(n):

A)increase in the elk population.
B)increase in the coyote population.
C)increase in the aspen population.
D)decrease in the beaver population.
E)decrease in the grizzly bear population.

Question 44

The transition zone of a Biosphere Reserve is an area where:

A)there are captive breeding programs to allow threatened species to increase their population sizes.
B)there are many human residents, and the goal is sustainable development.
C)only research and tourism are allowed.
D)the government funds educational programs, stressing conservation, in public schools.
E)low-impact human activities and development are permitted.

Question 45

As a result of global warming:

A)the ozone layer is being degraded.
B)species' ranges are shifting toward the equator.
C)there are greater extremes in weather patterns.
D)species are becoming active later in the spring.
E)forests are expanding in range.

Question 46

Adult sea turtles are primarily threatened by:

A)beach development.
B)hunting.
C)polluted ocean waters.
D)beach development and hunting.
E)beach development, hunting, and polluted ocean waters.

Question 47

The detritivores and decomposers in soil are responsible for recycling nutrients. True or False?

Question 48

Core reserves are areas where:

A)humans are forbidden from entering.
B)wildlife species benefit from extensive conservation programs, including nurseries and clinics.
C)only human activities that have low impact on the native wildlife are allowed.
D)humans have irrevocably destroyed the local ecosystem.
E)humans are allowed to use and develop as they see fit.

Question 49

In the United States, most Biosphere Reserves are found in:

A)national parks and national forests.
B)national zoos.
C)the Rocky Mountain region.
D)the Appalachian Mountain region.
E)coastal regions.

Question 50

The greatest threat to newly hatched sea turtles is:

A)beach development.
B)hunting.
C)polluted ocean waters.
D)drowning.
E)predation by native species.

Question 51

In forested areas, the trees reduce evaporation and disrupt the normal water cycle. True or False?

Question 52

Wetlands neutralize pollutants and provide breeding grounds for many animals. True or False?

Question 53

In the wild, plants depend on bacteria in the soil to provide nitrogen. True or False?

Question 54

The United Nations has established a network of Biosphere Reserves, each of which consists of a:

A)core reserve.
B)core reserve and buffer zone.
C)core reserve, buffer zone, and transition area.
D)core reserve, buffer zone, transition area, and remediation zone.
E)core reserve, buffer zone, transition area, remediation zone, and education center.

Question 55

Trees alter runoff patterns, causing increased erosion and potential flooding. True or False?

Question 56

One goal of conservation biology is to prevent extinction caused by:

A)asteroid impacts.
B)climate change.
C)predation.
D)human activity.
E)disease.

Question 57

The conservation organization TAMAR has had some success in protecting sea turtles by:

A)restricting access to beaches.
B)engaging the local community in conservation efforts.
C)lobbying for legislation that supports their cause.
D)fundraising in wealthy countries.
E)increasing the market for turtle eggs.

Question 58

The goals of conservation biologists include all of the following EXCEPT:

A)cataloguing the number of species.
B)studying the natural impacts of human activities.
C)working toward resource sustainability.
D)reversing the loss of biodiversity.
E)maintaining and restoring natural ecosystems.

Question 59

Food that is produced using unsustainable farming practices tends to:

A)be less susceptible to pest damage.
B)have a longer shelf life.
C)be cheaper.
D)have a lower fat content.
E)have more complex carbohydrates.

Question 60

Organic farming involves:

A)using organic pesticides and herbicides.
B)planting non-genetically engineered crops only.
C)germinating crop plants in the laboratory before planting them.
D)adding organic fertilizers to the soil.
E)allowing natural predators to control pests.

Question 61

As long as a single member of a species remains, the population is still viable. True or False?

Question 62

Human destruction of habitat is the most serious threat to biodiversity. True or False?

Question 63

Habitat fragmentation increases the breeding success of a species. True or False?

Question 64

Removal of a keystone species from an ecosystem has minimal effect because other species compensate and take over its role. True or False?

Question 65

Sustainable agriculture depends on planting large tracts of high-profit crops. True or False?

Question 66

The term ________ describes the variety of life, whether organismal, genetic, or among species.

Question 67

Global warming is accelerating the grow of coral reefs. True or False?

Question 68

Buying food that is grown locally supports sustainable agriculture. True or False?

Question 69

The single greatest threat to marine life is overfishing. True or False?

Question 70

In aquatic environments, high levels of nutrients can act as pollutants. True or False?

Question 71

Farmers who practice no-till methods commonly use herbicides. True or False?

Question 72

The use of technology has reduced the ecological footprint of people in developed countries to less than that of people in developing countries. True or False?

Question 73

Human population growth poses a threat to sustainability. True or False?

Question 74

The mass extinction currently taking place is most likely due to human activities. True or False?

Question 75

Wildlife corridors are designed to keep breeding populations isolated from one another. True or False?

Question 76

Under the redundancy hypothesis, if one species is removed from an ecosystem, then another organism in that ecosystem who occupies a similar niche will take its place, leading to minimal disruption. True or False?

Question 77

Straightening rivers improves water quality, expands breeding areas for birds and fish, and reduces the number of invasive species. True or False?

Question 78

In Yellowstone National Park, moose are the keystone species. True or False?

Question 79

The Great Lakes are protected from invasive species because they are isolated from the oceans. True or False?

Question 80

The term ________ refers to the ways in which natural communities influence human life.