Question 1

Biodiversity refers to the

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life, encompassing the different species, genetic variations, and ecosystems found on Earth.

Question 2

A scientist is studying biodiversity in an ecosystem. She is focusing on the adaptations of species to survive in the habitat. She is mostly likely concerned with

Accepted Answer

The scientist is focusing on adaptations, which are often related to genetic traits that help species survive in their environment, indicating a concern with genetic diversity.

Question 3

Scientists studying how microbes interact with each other, decaying organic matter, the soil, and greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane, are most concerned with

Accepted Answer

Scientists studying these interactions are most concerned with ecosystem diversity, as it encompasses the variety of ecosystems and the complex interactions within them, including how microbes contribute to processes like decomposition and greenhouse gas regulation.

Question 4

Which of the following statements about biodiversity is false?

Accepted Answer

Ecosystem diversity is not directly essential for evolution and natural selection; rather, genetic diversity within species is crucial for these processes.

Question 5

Gray wolves once roamed the western portions of North America from Alaska to Mexico. Gray wolves prey on bison, deer, elk, and moose. These prey had been depleted by hunting by settlers. Ranches and farms were built near gray wolf habitat. The wolves thus began to prey on livestock. When the federal government set aside the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) as a national park in 1872, about 300-400 wolves were present, preying mostly on elk and bison (Yellowstone Association 1996). Fearing the wolves' impact on elk and bison herds as well as livestock owned by area ranchers, the federal government began eradicating the wolf population. Bounty programs that continued until 1965 offered as much as $50 per wolf. By the 1930s, wolves had been effectively eliminated from the 48 contiguous states and Mexico and remained in high numbers only in Alaska. The elk population then grew. Elk grazed on plants and soon plant populations declined. Plants such as willow trees and aspen were negatively affected. Song birds depended on the trees for habitat, river banks remain stable because of the trees, but now the trees were not producing saplings (young trees). Which of the following is the best conclusion to make based on this situation?

Accepted Answer

Gray wolves are a keystone species, and their removal led to significant ecological changes, demonstrating their crucial role in ecosystem sustainability and influence on other species.

Question 6

Which of the following statements about measuring species richness and species evenness is true?

Accepted Answer

As species richness and evenness increase, so diversity increases.

Question 7

A group of scientists are studying the biodiversity of a habitat. Their data is in the chart below. Using the Simpson Diversity Index, they conclusion that location _______ is more diverse because it has greater species _______.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A group of scientists are studying the...

Question 8

Which of the following are ways that humans directly benefit from the diversity of species due to living organisms providing for human needs?

Accepted Answer

Humans benefit from biodiversity through food, medicine, building materials, and clothing, as these are essential resources provided by various species.

Question 9

Four types of benefits that biodiversity provides for humans would be

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity provides benefits such as direct use (resources like food and medicine), indirect use (ecosystem services), options (potential future uses), and existence value (value of knowing biodiversity exists).

Question 10

In many countries across Asia, areas considered to be natural buffers against hurricane-force winds and flooding have been removed to facilitate economic development. However, during the 2004 tsunami, these areas were the hardest hit. This scenario illustrates the importance of biodiversity to humans through

Accepted Answer

The scenario illustrates the indirect use of biodiversity, as natural buffers like mangroves and wetlands provide ecosystem services that protect against natural disasters.

Question 11

When phytoplankton (organisms that photosynthesize) in the oceans absorb carbon dioxide, this is considered what type of biodiversity benefit?

Accepted Answer

Phytoplankton absorbing carbon dioxide is an example of environmental services, as they help regulate the Earth's climate by reducing atmospheric CO2 levels.

Question 12

Humans depend on biodiversity in many ways. Which of the following is considered to be an "option value"?

Accepted Answer

"Option value" refers to the potential future benefits of biodiversity, such as the discovery of new medicines or resources. The future discovery of a cure for cancer represents this potential, as it relies on the preservation of biodiversity for future use.

Question 13

Which of the following statements is false?

Accepted Answer

The greatest diversity of species is typically found in tropical rainforests, not in the deserts of Africa.

Question 14

The graph below shows organisms found in and around a pond. Choose the best interpretation of the data.
 (Source: http://www.aquatax.ca/skAquaticInsectInfo.html)

Accepted Answer

The answer of The graph below shows organisms found in...

Question 15

Examine the map of biological "hot spots" below and choose the best conclusion of the data shown on the map.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Examine the map of biological "hot spots"...

Question 16

Which data support the statement "The planet is on the brink of a large extinction, much like the dinosaurs."?

Accepted Answer

The statement in choice A provides specific data on the current rate of species loss and projects a significant future impact, aligning with the idea of a large extinction event.

Question 17

The complete loss of all individuals of a species is defined as

Accepted Answer

Extinction is the term used to describe the complete loss of all individuals of a species.

Question 18

In the forests of the Sierra, Rocky, and Cascade Mountain ranges the pine beetle has killed large numbers of whitebark pine trees. In some areas up to 100,000 trees are falling daily. The beetles have survived and multiplied due to warmer winters. The entire ecosystem is affected and the tree species are threatened. Which major threat to biodiversity below is most likely the cause?

Accepted Answer

The pine beetle population has increased due to warmer winters, which is a result of global climate change. This has led to the destruction of whitebark pine trees and affected the ecosystem.

Question 19

What evidence shows that species have lived and gone extinct?

Accepted Answer

The fossil record provides direct evidence of species that have lived and gone extinct by preserving remains or imprints of organisms from the past.

Question 20

Suppose that a lake commonly used for fishing, both for a food resource and for pleasure, becomes depleted due to overfishing. The community decides it will bring in another fish in large numbers to help reestablished the fish population. The new fish, the Nile perch, is a large, voracious eater, and adapts well to new locations. Which of the following is the best conclusion for this scenario?

Accepted Answer

Introducing a nonnative species like the Nile perch can be risky because it may prey on local fish, potentially leading to further depletion of native fish populations.

Quiz 3: Biodiversity