Biodiversity and Conservation: A Comprehensive Guide for Environmental Science Students

Question 1

What is a keystone species?

Accepted Answer

A species that has a disproportionately large impact on its ecosystem relative to its abundance.

Answer

A species that is at the top of the food chain.

Answer

A species that is endemic to a particular region.

Answer

A species that is sensitive to environmental changes.

Question 2

What is the primary goal of a conservation strategy?

Accepted Answer

To protect and manage biodiversity and ecosystems.

Answer

To mitigate the effects of climate change.

Answer

To promote sustainable economic development.

Answer

To enhance public awareness about environmental issues.

Question 3

How are threatened species distinguished from endangered species?

Accepted Answer

Threatened species are likely to become endangered in the near future, while endangered species face an immediate risk of extinction.

Answer

Threatened species face a higher risk of extinction than endangered species.

Answer

Endangered species face a higher risk of extinction than threatened species.

Answer

There is no distinction between threatened and endangered species.

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a key strategy for conserving endangered species?

Accepted Answer

Promoting sustainable hunting and fishing practices

Answer

Protecting and restoring their habitats

Answer

Captive breeding and reintroduction programs

Answer

Controlling invasive species and reducing pollution

Question 5

What is the primary purpose of establishing a protected area?

Accepted Answer

To conserve and safeguard natural ecosystems

Answer

To provide leisure activities

Answer

To exploit natural resources

Answer

To facilitate urban development

Question 6

Which species in the UK is an example of an endangered species?

Accepted Answer

Red squirrel

Answer

Hedgehog

Answer

Fox

Answer

Pigeon

Question 7

Identify the core principle of sustainable development:

Accepted Answer

Fulfilling current needs without compromising future generations

Answer

Maximizing economic growth regardless of consequences

Answer

Exploiting natural resources for short-term gains

Answer

Creating environmental crises for future generations

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

To conserve biological diversity and ensure its sustainable use

Answer

To promote the extraction of natural resources

Answer

To facilitate the trade of endangered species

Answer

To undermine national sovereignty over natural resources

Question 9

What is the ethical basis for conserving biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

The inherent value of all species

Answer

The economic benefits provided by ecosystems

Answer

The need to protect human health

Answer

The fear of future pandemics

Question 10

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) plays a crucial role in global biodiversity conservation. What is the primary responsibility of the IUCN?

Accepted Answer

Assessing the conservation status of species

Answer

Establishing and managing protected area networks

Answer

Implementing conservation projects worldwide

Answer

Educating the public about biodiversity

Question 11

Ecosystem health can be evaluated using various indicators. Which of the following is NOT a reliable indicator of ecosystem health?

Accepted Answer

Presence of invasive species

Answer

Species diversity

Answer

Biomass production

Answer

Nutrient cycling

Question 12

The concept of an ecological niche refers to the unique:

Accepted Answer

Role of a species within an ecosystem

Answer

Physical habitat in which a species resides

Answer

Reproductive strategy of a species

Answer

Genetic makeup of a species

Question 13

Biodiversity conservation offers numerous benefits to humanity. Which of the following is NOT a recognized benefit of biodiversity conservation?

Accepted Answer

Guaranteed economic growth

Answer

Provision of essential ecosystem services

Answer

Potential for medical advancements

Answer

Cultural and recreational value

Question 14

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an international agreement with specific objectives for biodiversity conservation. Which of the following is NOT an objective of the CBD?

Accepted Answer

Eradicating all invasive species

Answer

Conserving endangered species

Answer

Promoting sustainable use of biodiversity

Answer

Ensuring equitable sharing of genetic resources

Question 15

Implementing effective conservation strategies often faces various challenges. Which of the following is NOT a commonly encountered challenge in conservation efforts?

Accepted Answer

Advanced technological solutions

Answer

Limited funding

Answer

Political interference

Answer

Public apathy

Question 16

The concept of a keystone species in ecology emphasizes the:

Accepted Answer

Role of specific species in shaping their environment

Answer

Importance of top predators in maintaining ecosystem balance

Answer

Vulnerability of certain species to habitat change

Answer

Interdependence of species within ecosystems

Question 17

What is a potential drawback of establishing protected areas?

Accepted Answer

Dividing habitats

Answer

Preserving ecosystem balance

Answer

Boosting local economies

Answer

Lowering carbon emissions

Question 18

In-situ conservation refers to the preservation of species:

Accepted Answer

Within their natural habitats

Answer

In zoos and botanical gardens

Answer

Through reintroduction programs

Answer

In captive breeding programs

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a direct consequence of habitat fragmentation?

Accepted Answer

Increased genetic diversity within populations

Answer

Reduced population sizes

Answer

Reduced gene flow between populations

Answer

Increased isolation of populations

Question 20

The concept of 'ecosystem services' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The benefits humans derive from healthy ecosystems

Answer

The role of biodiversity in maintaining ecological balance

Answer

The economic value of biodiversity

Answer

The ethical imperative to conserve biodiversity

Question 21

Which of the following conservation strategies focuses on protecting large, intact areas of natural habitat?

Accepted Answer

Protected areas

Answer

Habitat restoration

Answer

Sustainable harvesting

Answer

Species reintroduction programs

Question 22

The 'Red List' of threatened species is maintained by:

Accepted Answer

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

Answer

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

Answer

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Question 23

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

Accepted Answer

Increased genetic diversity

Answer

Habitat loss and degradation

Answer

Invasive species

Answer

Climate change

Question 24

The 'Precautionary Principle' in conservation means:

Accepted Answer

Taking action to prevent potential harm to biodiversity even if scientific certainty is lacking

Answer

Focusing on the economic benefits of biodiversity conservation

Answer

Waiting for conclusive scientific evidence before taking action

Question 25

Which of the following is a major benefit of conserving biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining ecosystem services essential for human well-being

Answer

Increasing the availability of natural resources for exploitation

Answer

Reducing the economic costs of conservation efforts

Question 26

The concept of 'ecological footprint' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The amount of land and resources required to sustain a person's lifestyle

Answer

The impact of human activities on biodiversity

Answer

The carrying capacity of an ecosystem

Question 27

A 'trophic cascade' is a process where:

Accepted Answer

The removal of a top predator has cascading effects on lower trophic levels

Answer

Climate change alters the distribution of species

Answer

The introduction of an invasive species disrupts food webs