Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Interactive Learning Quizzes for Sixth Form Environmental Science

Question 1

How can ecological principles be incorporated into economic decision-making to support sustainable development?

Accepted Answer

Assess the environmental impact of economic activities and prioritize those with lower impacts.

Accepted Answer

Use economic incentives to encourage businesses to adopt environmentally friendly practices.

Answer

Ignore ecological principles and focus solely on economic growth.

Answer

Prohibit all economic activities with any potential environmental impact.

Question 2

Which factor is crucial for effective ecosystem restoration and management?

Accepted Answer

Community involvement

Answer

Species reintroduction alone

Answer

Standardized strategies

Answer

Solely measuring success by species reintroduced

Question 3

What is a defining feature of a thriving ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

High variety of species

Answer

Limited nutrient circulation

Answer

Predominance of one species

Answer

Regular disruptions

Question 4

Which statement accurately describes keystone species?

Accepted Answer

Their loss or decline can have major effects on the entire ecosystem.

Answer

They are the most abundant species in an ecosystem.

Answer

They are always the top predators in the food chain.

Answer

Their influence is confined to their immediate surroundings.

Question 5

How do invasive species impact the structure and functioning of ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Outcompete native species for resources, reducing biodiversity

Accepted Answer

Disrupt food webs by preying on or competing with native species

Accepted Answer

Act as disease vectors, spreading pathogens to native species

Answer

Have no significant impact on native species or ecosystem functioning

Question 6

To restore a degraded forest ecosystem, which approach is most effective?

Accepted Answer

Use native species, create diverse habitats, and involve stakeholders throughout the process.

Answer

Introduce large predators first, ignoring other species.

Answer

Plant only fast-growing trees, ignoring habitat diversity.

Answer

Involve stakeholders only after key decisions are made.

Question 7

Climate change poses a significant threat to ecosystems worldwide. How might climate change impact species interactions and ecosystem dynamics?

Accepted Answer

Shifts in species distribution, leading to increased competition for resources

Answer

Enhanced symbiotic relationships between species due to increased temperatures

Answer

No significant impact on species interactions or ecosystem dynamics

Answer

Increased biodiversity within ecosystems

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of increased biodiversity in ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Increased vulnerability to environmental disturbances

Answer

Enhanced stability and resilience of ecosystems

Answer

Reduced likelihood of disease outbreaks

Answer

Improved air and water quality

Question 9

How does traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) contribute to developing effective conservation strategies?

Accepted Answer

TEK provides historical data on ecosystem changes, allowing us to compare past and present conditions.

Answer

TEK is only relevant to traditional societies and has no use in modern conservation.

Answer

TEK is unreliable and subjective, making it unsuitable for scientific conservation.

Answer

TEK only focuses on cultural beliefs and practices, offering no practical value for conservation.

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Increased vulnerability to disease

Answer

Increased ecosystem resilience

Answer

Enhanced nutrient cycling

Answer

Provision of food and resources

Question 11

What is the term for the variety of different species within an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Species richness

Answer

Genetic diversity

Answer

Ecological diversity

Answer

Beta diversity

Question 12

Which of the following is a keystone species?

Accepted Answer

Coral in coral reefs

Answer

Bacteria in the human gut

Answer

Dandelions in meadows

Answer

Mice in forests

Question 13

Which of the following is a measure of the evenness of species distribution in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Evenness index

Answer

Simpson's diversity index

Answer

Shannon-Wiener index

Answer

Richness index

Question 14

What is the term for the interactions between organisms in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Biotic interactions

Answer

Abiotic interactions

Answer

Population dynamics

Answer

Ecosystem processes

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of a positive biotic interaction?

Accepted Answer

Mutualism

Answer

Predation

Answer

Competition

Answer

Parasitism

Question 16

What is the term for the non-living components of an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Abiotic factors

Answer

Biotic factors

Answer

Anthropogenic factors

Answer

Ecological factors

Question 17

Which of the following is a characteristic of a primary succession ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Establishment of pioneer species

Answer

Nutrient-rich soil

Answer

High levels of biodiversity

Answer

Dominance by mature trees

Question 18

What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Converting organic matter into nutrients

Answer

Regulating the population size of other organisms

Answer

Providing shelter and food for other organisms

Answer

Fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere

Question 19

Which type of species interaction describes a situation where one species benefits while the other is neither harmed nor helped?

Accepted Answer

Commensalism

Answer

Competition

Answer

Mutualism

Answer

Parasitism

Question 20

Which human activity is considered the primary threat to global biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Habitat loss and fragmentation

Answer

Climate change

Answer

Overexploitation of resources

Answer

Pollution

Question 21

According to the trophic pyramid, which organisms are at the highest level, consuming all other levels?

Accepted Answer

Top predators

Answer

Producers

Answer

Primary consumers

Answer

Secondary consumers

Question 22

What is a defining characteristic of a keystone species?

Accepted Answer

Significant influence on ecosystem structure and function

Answer

Low abundance in an ecosystem

Answer

Highly specialized diet

Answer

Exceptional longevity

Question 23

Which stage of ecological succession is characterized by the establishment of hardy, fast-growing plant species?

Accepted Answer

Pioneer stage

Answer

Primary succession

Answer

Secondary succession

Answer

Intermediate stage

Question 24

In aquatic ecosystems, which factor is most likely to limit the production of organic matter by plants?

Accepted Answer

Nutrient availability

Answer

Temperature

Answer

Light availability

Answer

Oxygen levels

Question 25

Which of the following is NOT a widely recognized strategy for conserving biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Introducing non-native species

Answer

Establishing protected areas

Answer

Reducing habitat fragmentation

Answer

Promoting sustainable agricultural practices

Question 26

Which type of ecosystem is renowned for its exceptionally high biodiversity and productivity?

Accepted Answer

Tropical rainforest

Answer

Desert

Answer

Grassland

Answer

Tundra

Question 27

What term describes the non-living components of an ecosystem, such as climate, soil, and water?

Accepted Answer

Abiotic factors

Answer

Biosphere

Answer

Biotic factors

Answer

Habitat

Question 28

Which of the following is NOT a function of biodiversity in ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Increasing soil erosion

Answer

Providing food and clean water

Answer

Regulating climate and air quality

Answer

Supporting pollination and seed dispersal

Question 29

Which species interaction involves two organisms of different species living in close association, with both benefiting from the relationship?

Accepted Answer

Mutualism

Answer

Predation

Answer

Competition

Answer

Parasitism

Question 30

Which ecosystem type exhibits the least productive photosynthetic activity?

Accepted Answer

Tundra

Answer

Tropical rainforest

Answer

Boreal forest

Answer

Temperate grassland

Question 31

Which mechanism within the carbon cycle functions as a positive feedback loop?

Accepted Answer

Deforestation releasing CO2

Answer

Ocean absorption of CO2

Answer

CO2 uptake by plants

Answer

Fossil fuel burning

Question 32

What serves as a key indicator of biodiversity decline?

Accepted Answer

Increasing habitat fragmentation

Answer

Declining species extinction rates

Answer

Expanding protected areas

Answer

Growing human population

Question 33

Which international agreement is focused on mitigating greenhouse gas emissions?

Accepted Answer

Paris Agreement

Answer

Kyoto Protocol

Answer

Montreal Protocol

Answer

Ramsar Convention

Question 34

Within an ecosystem, keystone species primarily fulfill which key function?

Accepted Answer

Preserving species diversity

Answer

Providing nourishment for top predators

Answer

Decomposing organic matter

Answer

Controlling pest populations

Question 35

What term describes the transitional area between two distinct ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Ecotone

Answer

Habitat

Answer

Biome

Answer

Ecosystem

Question 36

In the United Kingdom, which factor poses a primary threat to biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Habitat loss

Answer

Climate change

Answer

Pollution

Answer

Invasive species

Question 37

The concept of a keystone species refers to a species that:

Accepted Answer

Has a disproportionately large impact on its ecosystem despite its abundance

Answer

Is particularly sensitive to environmental changes

Answer

Does not directly participate in nutrient cycling

Answer

Is exclusively found within a single ecosystem

Question 38

Select an example of a symbiotic relationship where both species derive benefits:

Accepted Answer

Mutualism

Answer

Parasitism

Answer

Commensalism

Answer

Predation

Question 39

Biodiversity encompasses:

Accepted Answer

The variety of life on Earth

Answer

The abundance of a specific species

Answer

The genetic diversity within a population

Answer

The number of different habitats

Question 40

Ecosystem services refer to:

Accepted Answer

Benefits humans obtain from ecosystems

Answer

Processes that sustain the health of ecosystems

Answer

Resources that can be extracted from ecosystems

Answer

Economic value of ecosystems

Question 41

Which of these is an example of a keystone species?

Accepted Answer

Sea otter

Answer

Shark

Answer

Elephant

Answer

Lion

Question 42

Which of the following is not considered a component of biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Types of pollution found in an area

Answer

Genetic diversity among individuals within a species

Answer

Variety of species within an ecosystem

Answer

Distinct ecosystems found in different regions

Question 43

A keystone species is an organism that:

Accepted Answer

Has a disproportionately large impact on its ecosystem relative to its abundance

Answer

Is found in every ecosystem on Earth

Answer

Is at the top of the food chain

Answer

Prevents other species from becoming too abundant

Question 44

In the United Kingdom, the primary threat to biodiversity is:

Accepted Answer

Habitat loss due to urban development and agriculture

Answer

Climate change leading to habitat shifts and species loss

Answer

Pollution from industrial activities and vehicle emissions

Answer

Overfishing in coastal waters

Question 45

The key difference between a food chain and a food web is that:

Accepted Answer

A food chain represents a linear sequence of organisms, while a food web shows interconnected feeding relationships.

Answer

A food chain includes all organisms in an ecosystem, while a food web only includes producers and consumers.

Answer

A food chain is a simplified version of a food web, omitting species with minor roles.

Answer

There is no fundamental difference between a food chain and a food web.

Question 46

To effectively preserve the ecological roles of keystone species within an ecosystem, which strategy is most crucial?

Accepted Answer

Focusing on habitat protection and restoration

Answer

Prioritizing captive breeding programs

Answer

Emphasizing species relocation

Question 47

A new road divides a woodland habitat. How will this most likely affect the movement and survival of species within the habitat?

Accepted Answer

Increase risk of local extinctions and population decline

Answer

Increase genetic diversity due to isolation

Answer

Have no significant impact

Question 48

What is the primary function of decomposers within an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

To recycle nutrients back into the system

Answer

To produce food for consumers

Answer

To regulate the population of herbivores

Answer

To provide shelter for other organisms

Question 49

Which type of interaction describes a scenario where two distinct species compete for the same limited resources?

Accepted Answer

Competition

Answer

Mutualism

Answer

Commensalism

Answer

Parasitism

Question 50

What scientific term describes the process by which plants utilize sunlight to create energy?

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis

Answer

Cellular respiration

Answer

Chemosynthesis

Answer

Fermentation

Question 51

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

Accepted Answer

To protect and conserve biodiversity across the globe

Answer

To regulate international trade in endangered species

Answer

To provide financial aid to developing countries for biodiversity conservation

Answer

To monitor the status of biodiversity at a global level

Question 52

What scientific term describes the total count and variety of species present within an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Species diversity

Answer

Species richness

Answer

Community structure

Answer

Ecological niche

Question 53

Which of the following characteristics is NOT typical of ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Absence of competition

Answer

Interdependence of organisms

Answer

Flow of energy and nutrients

Answer

Stability and resilience

Question 54

How does species diversity enhance ecosystem stability?

Accepted Answer

Improves resistance to disturbances

Answer

Intensifies competition for resources

Answer

Slows down ecological succession

Answer

Diminishes the role of keystone species

Question 55

Which of the following interactions represents mutualism?

Accepted Answer

Collaboration between nitrogen-fixing bacteria and leguminous plants

Answer

Predator-prey

Answer

Parasite-host

Answer

Competition

Question 56

What is the primary role of keystone species in ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

They exert a disproportionate influence on ecosystem structure and function

Answer

They are invariably the most abundant species

Answer

They occupy the highest trophic level

Answer

They do not interact with other species

Question 57

Which characteristic is NOT indicative of an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Irrelated and isolated organisms

Answer

Interplay between biotic and abiotic components

Answer

Flow of energy

Answer

Nutrient cycling

Question 58

Which type of species interaction involves mutual benefit?

Accepted Answer

Mutualism

Answer

Competition

Answer

Predation

Answer

Parasitism

Question 59

What term encompasses the variety of living organisms in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity

Answer

Biomass

Answer

Trophic level

Answer

Population density

Question 60

What term describes the distinct functional roles of organisms in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Ecological niches

Answer

Trophic levels

Answer

Biomes

Answer

Habitats

Question 61

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental component of an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Human activities (anthropogenic factors)

Answer

Living organisms (biotic factors)

Answer

Non-living physical and chemical factors (abiotic factors)

Answer

Geological formations (geologic factors)

Question 62

Which type of species interaction involves one species deriving a benefit while the other species is neither harmed nor benefited?

Accepted Answer

Commensalism

Answer

Competition

Answer

Predation

Answer

Mutualism

Question 63

Which of the following is a characteristic of an ecosystem that is relatively stable and resistant to change?

Accepted Answer

Resilience to disturbances and ability to recover

Answer

High species diversity

Answer

Balanced species composition

Answer

Low levels of competition among species

Question 64

How do species diversity and functional diversity contribute to the resilience of ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

They provide backup systems and stability to ecosystem processes.

Answer

They reduce competition, ensuring fair access to resources.

Answer

They enhance nutrient cycling, boosting ecosystem productivity.

Answer

They make ecosystems vulnerable to invasive species, increasing the risk of species loss.