Biogeography Quizzes: Test Your Knowledge of Plant and Animal Distribution

Question 1

The scientific study of the interactions between living organisms and their environment is known as:

Accepted Answer

Ecology

Answer

Biology

Answer

Biogeography

Answer

Zoology

Question 2

The transition zone between two distinct biomes is known as a:

Accepted Answer

Ecotone

Answer

Biome transition zone

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Ecological boundary

Answer

Habitat shift

Question 3

The range of geographic locations where a particular species can be found is known as its:

Accepted Answer

Species range

Answer

Population density

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Community structure

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Biodiversity

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a major factor determining the distribution of species?

Accepted Answer

Political boundaries

Answer

Availability of resources

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Climate and environmental conditions

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Competition and predator-prey interactions

Question 5

Identify the biome that experiences a hot, humid climate with significant rainfall throughout the year.

Accepted Answer

Tropical rainforest

Answer

Polar tundra

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Temperate forest

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Desert

Question 6

What term describes the relationships and interactions between different species within a particular ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Biotic interactions

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Environmental factors

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Community dynamics

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Population genetics

Question 7

What is the process that leads to the formation of new species through genetic divergence and adaptation?

Accepted Answer

Evolution

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Photosynthesis

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Cellular respiration

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Fermentation

Question 8

What is the significance of keystone species within an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

They exert a disproportionate influence relative to their abundance

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They consume a significant portion of available resources

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They engage in intense competition with other species

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They primarily decompose organic matter

Question 9

Which of the following is the best description of tundra as a biome?

Accepted Answer

A vast, cold region in the Earth's polar regions, dominated by low-growing vegetation.

Answer

A forested biome characterized by trees shedding leaves in autumn.

Answer

A luxuriant, humid biome receiving abundant rainfall all year round.

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An urbanized area supporting a dense human population.

Question 10

In biogeography, the geographical range within which a particular species is found is referred to as its:

Accepted Answer

Distribution

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Habitat

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Abundance

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Niche

Question 11

Why are conservation hotspots considered significant?

Accepted Answer

They harbor a disproportionately large number of the world's endemic species.

Answer

They are easily accessible for conservation interventions.

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They are devoid of any human activities.

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They are found exclusively in tropical regions.

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of a keystone species?

Accepted Answer

Sea urchin

Answer

Tiger

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Dandelion

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Plankton

Question 13

Distinguish between an endemic species and an introduced species.

Accepted Answer

Endemic species are native to a specific region, while introduced species are non-native.

Answer

Introduced species are native to a specific region, while endemic species are non-native.

Answer

There is no distinction between endemic and introduced species.

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Endemic species are always endangered, while introduced species are not.

Question 14

Define the concept of a 'biogeographic realm'.

Accepted Answer

A vast geographic area characterized by distinct plant and animal communities.

Answer

A small geographic area with a unique ecosystem.

Answer

A group of species descended from a common ancestor.

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A level of ecological organization above a biome.

Question 15

What is a defining characteristic of a 'biodiversity hotspot'?

Accepted Answer

High concentration of endemic species

Answer

Slow rate of habitat loss

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Low overall species richness

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Presence of a specific geographic feature

Question 16

What is the term for the process through which organisms gradually adapt to their environment over generations?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

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Genetic mutation

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Genetic drift

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Artificial selection

Question 17

What is the term for the scientific study of the distribution of animal species on Earth?

Accepted Answer

Zoogeography

Answer

Paleontology

Answer

Ethology

Answer

Ecology

Question 18

What is the term for the benefits that humans derive from the functioning of ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Ecosystem services

Answer

Environmental resources

Answer

Ecological processes

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Biodiversity value

Question 19

Which factor is unrelated to species distribution?

Accepted Answer

Intraspecific collaboration

Answer

Climate

Answer

Soil characteristics

Answer

Geological background

Question 20

What is the definition of 'biogeographic realm'? Select the best answer.

Accepted Answer

A vast region with unique plant and animal life.

Answer

A limited area with exceptional species abundance.

Answer

A collection of species with similar environmental adaptations.

Answer

A boundary between two distinct ecosystems.

Question 21

Which term describes the analysis of interactions between organisms and their surroundings?

Accepted Answer

Ecology

Answer

Biogeography

Answer

Evolutionary biology

Answer

Conservation biology

Question 22

Which of the following is not a consequence of habitat fragmentation?

Accepted Answer

Increased speciation

Answer

Biodiversity loss

Answer

Interrupted gene flow

Answer

Reduced ecosystem resilience

Question 23

Which process describes species adapting to changing environmental conditions over time?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Gene flow

Answer

Mutation

Question 24

Which dispersal type is demonstrated by seeds carried by the wind?

Accepted Answer

Passive dispersal

Answer

Active dispersal

Answer

Dispersal limitation

Answer

Metapopulation dynamics

Question 25

Which of the following factors does NOT directly influence the distribution of plants and animals on Earth's surface?

Accepted Answer

Amount of rainfall during spring

Answer

Soil type

Answer

Climate

Answer

Inter-species competition

Question 26

The term 'ecological niche' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The specific role and requirements of a species within an ecosystem, including its interactions with other species and the environment.

Answer

The geographical area where a species is found.

Answer

The number of individuals of a species in a given habitat.

Question 27

The term 'biomes' is used to describe:

Accepted Answer

Large-scale ecological communities with distinct assemblages of plants and animals that have adapted to similar climate and environmental conditions.

Answer

Small-scale habitats within a larger ecosystem.

Answer

The geographic distribution of a single species.

Question 28

Which of the following factors does NOT influence the distribution of marine organisms?

Accepted Answer

Altitude

Answer

Water temperature

Answer

Ocean currents

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Salinity

Question 29

The formation of new plant species without the need for geographic isolation is known as:

Accepted Answer

Sympatric speciation

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Parapatric speciation

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Adaptive speciation

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Allopatric speciation

Question 30

A unique characteristic of island biogeography is:

Accepted Answer

Higher rates of both extinction and speciation compared to mainland areas.

Answer

Lower rates of both extinction and speciation compared to mainland areas.

Answer

Equal rates of extinction and speciation to mainland areas.

Question 31

The study of the past distribution of species and ecosystems is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Paleobiogeography

Answer

Ecological biogeography

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Evolutionary biogeography

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Historical biogeography

Question 32

Define biogeography and state its primary focus.

Accepted Answer

Biogeography is the study of the distribution of living organisms on Earth, exploring the factors influencing their patterns and the implications for biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.

Answer

Ecology examines the interactions between organisms and their environment.

Answer

Zoology is the study of animal behavior and physiology.

Question 33

Describe the concept of a biome, highlighting its defining characteristics.

Accepted Answer

A biome is a large-scale ecological community characterized by distinct climate, vegetation, and animal life, representing a major division of the Earth's biosphere.

Answer

A population refers to a group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area.

Answer

An ecosystem is a smaller-scale community of interacting organisms and their environment within a biome.

Question 34

Define dispersal and explain its significance in the distribution of species across different regions.

Accepted Answer

Dispersal is the movement of individuals or propagules from one area to another, facilitating the spread of species and genetic diversity across geographic distances.

Answer

Adaptation refers to the process by which species evolve traits that enhance their survival in specific environments.

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Evolution describes the gradual change in the characteristics of a species over generations.

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Migration is a regular seasonal movement of animals between different habitats.

Question 35

What is the purpose of the IUCN Red List and explain its role in conservation efforts?

Accepted Answer

The IUCN Red List serves as a comprehensive global database of the conservation status of species, assessing their risk of extinction and informing conservation priorities.

Answer

WWF is an organization dedicated to wildlife conservation, implementing conservation projects worldwide.

Answer

Protected areas are designated areas that receive legal protection for the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems.

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Conservation Biology is a scientific discipline focused on the study and protection of biodiversity.

Question 36

Which measure accurately represents species richness in an ecological community?

Accepted Answer

Species count

Answer

Productivity measures the rate of biomass production in an ecosystem.

Answer

Population size refers to the number of individuals within a specific population.

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Biomass represents the total mass of living organisms in an ecosystem.

Question 37

Define an invasive species and discuss the potential impacts it can have on native ecosystems.

Accepted Answer

An invasive species is a non-native species introduced to an area by human activities, often outcompeting native species for resources and disrupting ecosystem balance.

Answer

A protected species receives legal protection to prevent its decline or extinction.

Answer

An endemic species is native to a particular geographic region and found nowhere else on Earth.

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A threatened species faces a high risk of extinction due to population decline or habitat loss.