Importance of Biodiversity: A Comprehensive Guide for Current Affairs

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a type of threat to biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Increased access to education

Answer

Habitat destruction

Answer

Pollution

Answer

Climate change

Question 2

Identify an example of a keystone species.

Accepted Answer

Tiger in a rainforest

Answer

Barnacle on a whale

Answer

Human in an urban area

Answer

Fish in an aquarium

Question 3

What is the primary objective of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)?

Accepted Answer

To conserve biodiversity and ensure its sustainable use

Answer

To promote economic development

Answer

To address climate change

Answer

To protect human health

Question 4

What is the potential impact of losing a single species from an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Ecological cascades

Answer

Increased biodiversity

Answer

Improved ecosystem stability

Answer

Reduced competition among species

Question 5

Which human activity poses the most significant threat to biodiversity on a global scale?

Accepted Answer

Deforestation

Answer

Overfishing

Answer

Urbanization

Answer

Pollution

Question 6

What is a fundamental principle of sustainable development?

Accepted Answer

Meeting the needs of the present without compromising future generations

Answer

Prioritizing economic growth over environmental protection

Answer

Limiting population growth at all costs

Answer

Exploiting natural resources without considering the consequences

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a type of biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Cultural diversity

Answer

Genetic diversity

Answer

Species diversity

Answer

Ecosystem diversity

Question 8

Biodiversity encompasses:

Accepted Answer

The variety and abundance of life on Earth, including all species, genes, and their complex interactions within ecosystems

Answer

Only the total number of plant and animal species in a specific region

Answer

únicamente the unique characteristics of each individual within a species

Answer

The rate at which entirely new species are discovered

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT an ecosystem service provided by biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Production of fossil fuels for energy

Answer

Regulation of air and water quality

Answer

Provision of food and medicines

Answer

Control of pests and diseases

Question 10

The leading cause of biodiversity loss globally is primarily attributed to:

Accepted Answer

Habitat destruction and fragmentation

Answer

Climate change and its widespread impacts

Answer

Overexploitation of natural resources

Answer

Pollution and its various forms

Question 11

Select the example that best represents an in-situ conservation measure:

Accepted Answer

Establishing national parks and protected areas to safeguard habitats

Answer

Breeding endangered species in captivity to increase their populations

Answer

Transplanting individuals to new habitats to establish new populations

Answer

Using assisted reproductive technologies to increase genetic diversity

Question 12

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) primarily focuses on:

Accepted Answer

Promoting sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity at all levels

Answer

Establishing a comprehensive global network of protected areas

Answer

Eradicating invasive species to protect native biodiversity

Answer

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions to address climate change

Question 13

Keystone species are characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Having a disproportionate impact on their ecosystem relative to their abundance

Answer

Always representing top predators or herbivores within their food webs

Answer

Typically being narrowly distributed geographically, with limited ranges

Answer

Always facing imminent threats of endangerment or extinction

Question 14

The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment revealed that human activities have primarily resulted in:

Accepted Answer

A significant decline in the provision of vital ecosystem services

Answer

An increase in the variety and abundance of species globally

Answer

No significant change in the state and trends of biodiversity

Answer

A decrease in the rate of species extinction

Question 15

The ultimate goal of sustainable biodiversity conservation is:

Accepted Answer

To maintain the full diversity and abundance of species and their ecosystems for future generations

Answer

To eliminate all invasive species and restore pristine ecosystems

Answer

To focus solely on restoring degraded ecosystems to their former states

Answer

To accelerate the rate of new species formation and evolution

Question 16

Which international agreement is aimed at promoting the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Convention on Biological Diversity

Answer

Kyoto Protocol

Answer

Paris Agreement

Answer

Ramsar Convention

Question 17

What is the main purpose of ecological restoration?

Accepted Answer

To restore damaged or degraded ecosystems to their original state

Answer

To introduce new species to an ecosystem

Answer

To eradicate invasive species

Answer

To mitigate the effects of climate change

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Increases the availability of oil and gas

Answer

Provides food and medicine

Answer

Improves water and air quality

Answer

Reduces vulnerability to climate change

Question 19

What is the term used to describe the variety and abundance of different species in a particular area?

Accepted Answer

Species diversity

Answer

Ecosystem diversity

Answer

Habitat diversity

Answer

Genetic diversity

Question 20

What is the term used to describe the loss of genetic diversity within a species?

Accepted Answer

Genetic erosion

Answer

Habitat loss

Answer

Climate change

Answer

Overexploitation

Question 21

Which ethical principle is the cornerstone of biodiversity conservation?

Accepted Answer

Valuing all species inherently

Answer

Protecting endangered species

Answer

Using resources sustainably

Answer

Reducing human impact on ecosystems

Question 22

Which of the following is NOT an ecosystem service provided by biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Political stability

Answer

Food provision

Answer

Water purification

Answer

Climate regulation

Question 23

The loss of which type of species can have a disproportionately large impact on an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Keystone species

Answer

Common species

Answer

Indicator species

Answer

Foundation species

Question 24

Which of the following is a major driver of biodiversity loss in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Agricultural intensification

Answer

Climate change

Answer

Overfishing

Answer

Invasive species

Question 25

The concept of 'ecosystem services' refers to the:

Accepted Answer

Benefits derived by humans from natural ecosystems

Answer

Impacts of human activities on ecosystems

Answer

Interactions between species within ecosystems

Answer

Evolutionary processes shaping ecosystems

Question 26

The term 'biodiversity hotspot' refers to an area with:

Accepted Answer

High levels of endemism and threatened species

Answer

Low levels of biodiversity

Answer

Unique geological formations

Answer

Rapidly changing climate

Question 27

What is the primary goal of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)?

Accepted Answer

To conserve biodiversity, ensure its sustainable use, and promote fair and equitable sharing of genetic resources

Answer

To regulate international trade in endangered species

Answer

To promote the development of biotechnology

Answer

To combat climate change

Question 28

Which provision is common to both the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Nagoya Protocol?

Accepted Answer

Benefit-sharing

Answer

Establishment of protected areas

Answer

Monitoring of endangered species

Question 29

Which of the following is NOT an ecosystem service provided by biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Resource depletion

Answer

Crop pollination

Answer

Climate regulation

Answer

Erosion control

Question 30

What scientific term describes the variety of life on Earth, including variations within species, between species, and across ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity

Answer

Taxonomy

Answer

Ecology

Answer

Systematics

Question 31

Which of the following best describes a keystone species?

Accepted Answer

A species that has a disproportionate impact on its ecosystem relative to its abundance

Answer

A species that is essential for the survival of other species in its habitat

Answer

A species that is not found anywhere else on Earth

Answer

A species that is threatened with extinction

Question 32

Which of the following is an example of genetic diversity within a species?

Accepted Answer

Variation in leaf shape within a plant species

Answer

Presence of different bird species in a forest

Answer

Diversity of soil microbial communities

Answer

Existence of various habitats within an ecosystem

Question 33

What is the primary objective of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)?

Accepted Answer

To promote the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity

Answer

To regulate the trade in endangered species

Answer

To establish protected areas worldwide

Answer

To fund research on biodiversity loss

Question 34

How is ecosystem stability related to biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Greater biodiversity generally leads to increased ecosystem stability

Answer

Ecosystem stability is independent of biodiversity

Answer

Low biodiversity can enhance ecosystem stability

Answer

The relationship varies depending on the ecosystem

Question 35

What is the concept of agroecology in relation to biodiversity conservation?

Accepted Answer

Using agricultural practices that mimic natural ecosystems

Answer

Promoting the intensive use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers

Answer

Encouraging monocultures for efficient farming

Answer

Introducing genetically modified crops to increase yields

Question 36

Citizen science plays a key role in biodiversity monitoring and conservation efforts. However, it also has some limitations. Which of the following is a potential drawback of citizen science?

Accepted Answer

Potential bias

Answer

Cost-effectiveness

Answer

Increased public awareness

Answer

Always provides scientifically rigorous data

Question 37

How can we incorporate the economic value of biodiversity into decision-making processes?

Accepted Answer

Assign a monetary value to biodiversity and include it in cost-benefit analyses.

Answer

Ignore the economic value of biodiversity in decision-making.

Answer

Use only qualitative assessments to determine the value of biodiversity.

Question 38

Which of the following is NOT a key reason for the importance of biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

It decreases the cost of healthcare.

Answer

It provides ecosystem services such as water filtration and pollination.

Answer

It supports human health and well-being.

Answer

It contributes to food security and economic sustainability.

Question 39

Which of these ecosystem services is predominantly associated with forests?

Accepted Answer

Carbon sequestration and oxygen production.

Answer

Pollination and seed dispersal.

Answer

Water purification and regulation.

Answer

Flood control and nutrient cycling.

Question 40

How does biodiversity enhance the resilience of an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

It increases the system's ability to withstand disturbances and maintain equilibrium.

Answer

It reduces competition among species for resources.

Answer

It prevents the introduction and spread of invasive species.

Question 41

Which of the following human activities poses the most significant threat to biodiversity worldwide?

Accepted Answer

Habitat destruction and fragmentation.

Answer

Overexploitation of natural resources.

Answer

Pollution.

Answer

Climate change.

Question 42

How does the loss of biodiversity affect the stability of food webs?

Accepted Answer

It can disrupt predator-prey relationships and nutrient cycling.

Answer

It increases the abundance of generalist species.

Answer

It enhances the adaptability of ecosystems to environmental changes.

Question 43

Which international agreement aims to promote biodiversity conservation on a global scale?

Accepted Answer

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

Answer

Montreal Protocol.

Answer

Paris Agreement.

Answer

Kyoto Protocol.

Question 44

How does biodiversity contribute to the development of medicines?

Accepted Answer

Many species produce compounds with potential medicinal properties.

Answer

Endangered species are often used for medical research.

Answer

Biodiversity provides the raw materials for vaccine production.

Question 45

Which of the following is a potential consequence of the decline in pollinator populations?

Accepted Answer

Reduced crop yields and food supply disruptions.

Answer

Loss of soil fertility.

Answer

Increased deforestation.

Answer

Changes in weather patterns.

Question 46

Identify the statement that does NOT describe a benefit of biodiversity.

Accepted Answer

It increases pollution levels

Answer

It supports economic growth

Answer

It enhances water quality

Answer

It contributes to food security

Question 47

Which factor is considered the primary driver of biodiversity loss?

Accepted Answer

Habitat destruction and fragmentation

Answer

Climate change solely

Answer

Invasive species exclusively

Answer

Pollution alone

Question 48

In what way does biodiversity directly benefit human well-being?

Accepted Answer

It provides essential resources like food, medicine, and clean water.

Answer

It exclusively protects us from natural disasters.

Answer

It solely regulates the Earth's climate.

Question 49

Which actions can we take to support biodiversity conservation?

Accepted Answer

Protect and restore habitats, minimize pollution, and promote sustainable agricultural practices

Answer

Hunt endangered species

Answer

Use pesticides and herbicides excessively

Question 50

How does biodiversity contribute to mitigating climate change?

Accepted Answer

It absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through processes like photosynthesis.

Answer

It has no impact on climate change whatsoever.

Answer

It releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Question 51

How does biodiversity contribute to economic prosperity?

Accepted Answer

It supports industries like tourism, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals, creating jobs and generating revenue.

Answer

It has no economic value whatsoever.

Answer

Its economic value is purely negative.

Question 52

Which ethical principle underpins the importance of biodiversity conservation?

Accepted Answer

All species have inherent value and deserve our protection.

Answer

We have no ethical obligation to protect biodiversity.

Answer

Biodiversity is only valuable if it directly benefits humans.

Answer

Conservation is too costly to be a priority.

Question 53

Identify the international agreement specifically designed to protect biodiversity.

Accepted Answer

Convention on Biological Diversity

Answer

Kyoto Protocol on greenhouse gas emissions

Answer

Paris Agreement on climate change

Answer

Montreal Protocol on ozone-depleting substances