Question 1

A worldwide loss of biodiversity is underway because of human activities.

Accepted Answer

There is widespread scientific consensus that human activities, such as habitat destruction, pollution, overexploitation, and climate change, are causing a significant and rapid loss of biodiversity around the world. This loss of species and ecosystems has significant negative impacts on the health and well-being of both humans and the natural world.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT an effect of climate change on biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Climate change is causing an increase in sea level, not a decrease. This rise in sea level is threatening the survival of coastal ecosystems and species.

Question 3

What areas are most susceptible to loss of biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Locations near human activities are most susceptible to loss of biodiversity due to habitat destruction, pollution, introduction of invasive species, and climate change caused by human activities. Other areas may also be susceptible to loss of biodiversity, but human activities are a major factor contributing to the decline of biodiversity worldwide.

Question 4

How are extinctions related to biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Extinctions decrease the number of species in an ecosystem, leading to a decrease in overall species biodiversity. B and E may be true to some extent, but they do not directly relate to biodiversity as much as species extinction does. C and D are false, as extinctions do not increase genetic or species biodiversity.

Question 5

How is biodiversity measured in a given area?

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity can be measured in various ways depending on the context and purpose. The genetic diversity within a population of trees or the diversity of species of trees can be used to measure biodiversity in a forested area, while the diversity of ecosystems in the area can be used in a larger landscape or regional context. The diversity of species of bacteria can be used to measure biodiversity in soil, water, or other microbial habitats. Therefore, all the given choices are correct ways of measuring biodiversity depending on the specific context and purpose.

Question 6

Global warming is a human-caused increase in the greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere,thereby causing climate conditions more extreme than the greenhouse effect alone.

Accepted Answer

Global warming is indeed a human-caused increase in greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide in Earth's atmosphere. This increase traps more heat in the atmosphere, leading to rising global temperatures and more extreme weather conditions, such as heat waves, droughts, floods, and hurricanes. The greenhouse effect, by itself, is a natural phenomenon that keeps the planet warm enough for life to exist. However, the human-induced increase in greenhouse gases is causing global warming and its harmful effects on the environment and human health.

Question 7

In the section "Investigating Life:The Case of the Missing Frogs:Is Climate the Culprit?",the disappearance of harlequin frogs from Costa Rica's Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve was related to oil spills and a bacterial skin infection.

Accepted Answer

The disappearance of harlequin frogs from Costa Rica's Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve was actually related to a chytrid fungus outbreak, not oil spills or bacterial skin infections. Climate change may have played a role in making the environment more hospitable for the fungus.

Question 8

Why is it important to maintain biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

All of the choices listed are important reasons to maintain biodiversity. Preventing habitat destruction and protecting species richness helps to maintain ecological balance and ensure the survival of various species. Maintaining genetic variation is important for adapting to changing environmental conditions, and biodiversity also provides resources to humans, such as food, medicine, and raw materials for manufacturing.

Question 9

What is the benefit of biodiversity to humans?

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity provides various benefits to humans, including the production of oxygen, energy, sources of drugs, and a variety of food sources. Therefore, all the given options are correct.

Question 10

What resulted in the biodiversity on Earth?

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity on Earth is a result of the process of evolution, where species adapt and evolve over time in response to environmental changes and competition for resources. This process of natural selection explains why certain species have unique adaptations that enable them to survive in specific environments, resulting in the diverse range of habitats and ecosystems that we see today. Global climate change, the greenhouse effect, overexploitation, and bycatch may all impact biodiversity, but they are not the direct cause of it.

Question 11

Humans can survive on Earth without biodiversity.

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity is essential for human survival as it provides us with various ecosystem services such as clean water, air, food, and medicines. Biodiversity also helps in regulating climate, preventing soil erosion and natural disasters, and maintaining ecological balance. Any loss or degradation of biodiversity can have significant impacts on human health and well-being, hence it is crucial to conserve and protect biodiversity.

Quiz 20: Preserving Biodiversity