Biodiversity and Ecosystems: Online Learning Quizzes for Sustainability Studies

Question 1

Which of the following is **not** a major global threat to biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Sustainable use of natural resources

Answer

Habitat loss and degradation

Answer

Pollution

Answer

Climate change

Question 2

Which aspect is not explicitly addressed in the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)?

Accepted Answer

Climate change adaptation

Answer

Conservation of ecosystems and species

Answer

Sustainable utilization of natural resources

Answer

Equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources

Question 3

Which of the following is not a type of biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Landscape diversity

Answer

Genetic diversity

Answer

Species diversity

Answer

Ecosystem diversity

Question 4

In the context of sustainable development, which element is crucial for safeguarding biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Incorporating biodiversity conservation into decision-making

Answer

Prioritizing economic growth over minimizing environmental impacts

Answer

Unrestricted exploitation of natural resources

Answer

Exclusive focus on preserving rare and endangered species

Question 5

Biodiversity encompasses the variety of life on Earth. Which of the following is NOT a recognized type of biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Language diversity

Answer

Genetic diversity

Answer

Species diversity

Answer

Ecosystem diversity

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Sustainable development

Answer

Habitat loss

Answer

Climate change

Answer

Pollution

Question 7

Which of the following is not a direct aspect of biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Cultural diversity

Answer

Genetic diversity

Answer

Species diversity

Answer

Ecosystem diversity

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a direct consequence of biodiversity loss?

Accepted Answer

Increased social unrest

Answer

Impaired nutrient cycling

Answer

Diminished food variety and security

Answer

Exacerbated climate change

Question 9

Which type of biodiversity cannot be quantified or measured?

Accepted Answer

Cultural biodiversity

Answer

Genetic biodiversity

Answer

Species biodiversity

Answer

Ecosystem biodiversity

Question 10

In an ecosystem, which term encompasses all living organisms, including their genetic diversity and complex interactions?

Accepted Answer

Biological diversity

Answer

Genetic variation

Answer

Species richness

Answer

Habitat heterogeneity

Question 11

Genetic diversity within a population refers to:

Accepted Answer

Greater ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions

Answer

High genetic uniformity, making it more vulnerable to environmental changes

Answer

Increased risk of inbreeding depression due to mating among closely related individuals

Question 12

Why is genetic diversity essential for the well-being of populations?

Accepted Answer

It helps populations adapt to changing environments, ensuring their survival.

Answer

It increases the risk of genetic disorders, harming the population's health.

Answer

It is only necessary for large populations to maintain their numbers.

Answer

It has minimal impact on the overall functioning of an ecosystem.

Question 13

In an ecosystem with significantly reduced biodiversity, which outcome is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Diminished ability to recover from environmental stressors

Answer

Increased ecosystem resilience

Answer

Reduced vulnerability to climate change

Answer

Enhanced ecosystem services

Question 14

How does biodiversity contribute to the resilience of ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Enhances ecosystems' ability to withstand and recover from disturbances

Answer

Makes ecosystems more vulnerable to disturbances

Answer

Limits resources available to individual species

Answer

Increases the likelihood of species extinction

Question 15

To conserve an endangered species with a small, isolated population facing habitat loss and genetic diversity issues, which strategy is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Establish a new population in a suitable habitat to enhance genetic diversity and reduce vulnerability to environmental changes.

Answer

Implement a captive breeding program to increase population size, but without addressing genetic diversity or habitat concerns.

Answer

Restrict human access to the species' habitat without addressing the underlying threats to its population.

Answer

Adopt a passive approach and allow natural selection to proceed, despite the species' vulnerable state.

Question 16

Which human activity is a major cause of the rapid decline in biodiversity in recent decades?

Accepted Answer

Habitat destruction and fragmentation due to urbanization, agriculture, and mining

Answer

Conservation efforts like creating protected areas and sustainable land management

Answer

Reforestation programs to increase forest cover and restore ecosystems

Answer

Development of renewable energy sources to reduce fossil fuel use

Question 17

In biodiversity conservation, what is the main goal of establishing and managing protected areas?

Accepted Answer

Protect and maintain ecosystems and species for future generations

Answer

Generate revenue through tourism and recreation

Answer

Preserve scenic landscapes for aesthetic enjoyment

Answer

Provide recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts

Question 18

How might biodiversity loss impact the pharmaceutical industry? Consider the industry's dependence on natural products and the potential consequences for drug discovery and development.

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity loss could reduce the availability of natural products used in drug discovery and development.

Answer

Biodiversity loss would have minimal impact on the pharmaceutical industry due to the availability of synthetic alternatives.

Answer

The pharmaceutical industry's investment in synthetic biology will eliminate its reliance on natural products.

Question 19

Which of the following statements about keystone species is **incorrect**?

Accepted Answer

They usually have a low biomass.

Answer

They have a disproportionately large impact on their ecosystem relative to their abundance.

Answer

They prevent the establishment of dominant species.

Answer

They can be used as indicator species.

Question 20

Which of the following is **not** a benefit of biodiversity for human well-being?

Accepted Answer

Increased susceptibility to environmental changes

Answer

Provision of ecosystem services

Answer

Increased food security

Answer

Enhanced resilience to environmental changes

Question 21

Which of the following is the process by which organisms adapt to their environment over time?

Accepted Answer

Evolution

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Genetic drift

Question 22

What is the term for the process by which plants utilize sunlight to create energy?

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis

Answer

Respiration

Answer

Decomposition

Answer

Transpiration

Question 23

What ecological term refers to the variety of species found within a given ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Species richness

Answer

Species abundance

Answer

Species evenness

Answer

Species composition

Question 24

Which conservation strategy aims to protect endangered species within their natural habitats?

Accepted Answer

In-situ conservation

Answer

Ex-situ conservation

Answer

Habitat restoration

Answer

Education and outreach

Question 25

What is the primary function of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Decomposing deceased organisms and recycling nutrients

Answer

Producing oxygen through photosynthesis

Answer

Fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere

Answer

Filtering water and removing pollutants

Question 26

Biodiversity loss can have severe impacts on ecosystem functioning. Which of the following is a **correct** consequence of biodiversity loss on ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Reduced ecosystem resilience to disturbances

Accepted Answer

Diminished nutrient cycling rates

Accepted Answer

Altered food web dynamics

Answer

Increased primary productivity

Question 27

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a healthy ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Low levels of pollution

Answer

High biodiversity

Answer

Resilience to disturbances

Answer

Balanced nutrient cycles

Question 28

Which of the following 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 bottom of the food chain

Answer

A species that is a generalist feeder

Answer

A species that is found in only one ecosystem

Question 29

Which of the following is a conservation strategy aimed at protecting specific threatened species?

Accepted Answer

Captive breeding programs

Answer

Habitat restoration

Answer

Protected areas

Answer

Invasive species management

Question 30

The process through which an ecosystem gradually recovers its original state after a disturbance is known as:

Accepted Answer

Succession

Answer

Resilience

Answer

Pioneer species colonization

Answer

Community assembly

Question 31

The concept that emphasizes the benefits of biodiversity for human well-being is known as:

Accepted Answer

Ecosystem services

Answer

Biophilia

Answer

Environmental sustainability

Answer

Sustainable development

Question 32

The term 'carrying capacity' refers to the:

Accepted Answer

Maximum population size of a species that can be supported by a given environment over a sustained period

Answer

Ability of an ecosystem to absorb pollution

Answer

Resilience of an ecosystem to disturbances

Answer

Number of prey individuals required to sustain a predator population

Question 33

Which of the following approaches to conservation aims to protect and manage entire ecosystems rather than individual species?

Accepted Answer

Landscape ecology

Answer

Species conservation

Answer

Habitat conservation

Answer

Ecosystem restoration

Question 34

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an international treaty that primarily focuses on:

Accepted Answer

Promoting the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity

Answer

Combating desertification

Answer

Mitigating climate change

Answer

Protecting wetlands

Question 35

What is the predominant function of keystone species in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Balancing species populations

Answer

Decomposing organic material

Answer

Facilitating nutrient cycling

Answer

Providing sustenance for all species

Question 36

Define the concept of ecosystem services.

Accepted Answer

Benefits provided by ecosystems for human well-being

Answer

Negative impacts of ecosystems on human activities

Answer

Human role in maintaining ecosystem equilibrium

Answer

Species diversity within specific ecosystems

Question 37

Which conservation approach prioritizes protecting specific species?

Accepted Answer

Captive breeding programs

Answer

Habitat restoration

Answer

Establishment of protected areas

Answer

Invasive species management

Question 38

Which of the following is NOT a defining characteristic of an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Isolation from external influences

Answer

Interdependence of living organisms

Answer

Presence of non-living components

Answer

Ability to adapt to changes

Question 39

The ecosystem approach to conservation emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

Understanding the interconnectedness of ecosystems

Answer

Managing individual species in isolation

Answer

Protecting fragmented habitats

Answer

Eradication of invasive species

Question 40

How does traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) enhance conservation strategies?

Accepted Answer

TEK offers insights into a region's unique environmental conditions and sustainable practices.

Answer

TEK is fully compatible and interchangeable with scientific approaches.

Answer

TEK is only suitable for small-scale conservation projects.

Answer

TEK is unreliable due to its lack of scientific validation.

Question 41

Keystone species play a crucial role in ecosystems. What unique characteristic distinguishes them from other species?

Accepted Answer

They have a disproportionate impact on their ecosystem relative to their abundance.

Answer

They only influence their ecosystem through direct competition.

Answer

They are always the top predators in their ecosystem.

Question 42

Identify the most significant threat to biodiversity:

Accepted Answer

Destruction of natural habitats

Answer

Excessive exploitation of resources

Answer

Introduction of invasive species

Answer

Pollution

Question 43

In ecology, what is the concept of carrying capacity?

Accepted Answer

The maximum population size that an ecosystem can sustain indefinitely

Answer

The rate at which a population increases in size

Answer

The number of individuals that can be added to a population without causing harm

Answer

The ability of an ecosystem to recover from disruptions

Question 44

What is a distinguishing characteristic of a keystone species?

Accepted Answer

Has a disproportionate impact on its ecosystem relative to its abundance

Answer

Is always a top predator

Answer

Feeds on a specialized diet

Answer

Has a long lifespan

Question 45

Which of the following is a type of conservation measure that involves preserving species outside their natural habitat?

Accepted Answer

Seed banks

Answer

Habitat restoration

Answer

Wildlife corridors

Answer

National parks

Question 46

Which of the following is a unique challenge in managing ecosystems for biodiversity conservation?

Accepted Answer

Balancing human needs with ecological protection

Answer

Climate change

Answer

Lack of scientific knowledge

Answer

Public apathy

Question 47

Which of the following is a characteristic of a healthy and resilient ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

High species diversity

Answer

High levels of pollution

Answer

Dominance of invasive species

Answer

Low primary productivity

Question 48

In a grassland ecosystem, which species plays a vital keystone role?

Accepted Answer

Prairie dog

Answer

Hummingbird

Answer

Shark

Answer

Lion

Question 49

What ecological term describes the variation and abundance of different species within a particular ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Species diversity

Answer

Ecosystem diversity

Answer

Genetic diversity

Answer

Landscape diversity

Question 50

What is the ecological function of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Decompose dead organisms and recycle nutrients

Answer

Consume other organisms for energy

Answer

Produce their own food through photosynthesis

Answer

Regulate prey populations

Question 51

What is widely recognized as the leading cause of the ongoing mass extinction event?

Accepted Answer

Human activities

Answer

Asteroid impact

Answer

Climate change

Answer

Natural disasters

Question 52

Which conservation strategy aims to safeguard specific geographical areas for the protection of biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Protected areas

Answer

Invasive species control

Answer

Habitat restoration

Answer

Sustainable resource use

Question 53

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of maintaining high levels of biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Reduced resilience to environmental change

Answer

Enhanced ecosystem stability

Answer

Increased crop yields

Question 54

Which terrestrial ecosystem is characterized by a high level of species diversity, structural complexity, and rainfall?

Accepted Answer

Tropical rainforest

Answer

Grassland

Answer

Tundra

Answer

Temperate deciduous forest

Question 55

What is considered the primary cause of species extinction on a global scale during the past century?

Accepted Answer

Habitat loss and degradation

Answer

Climate change

Answer

Overexploitation

Answer

Pollution

Question 56

Which of the following is a key attribute of a keystone species?

Accepted Answer

It exerts a disproportionate impact on its ecosystem relative to its abundance.

Answer

It is the most abundant species in its community.

Answer

It is a top predator.

Question 57

What is the term for the non-living components of an ecosystem, such as temperature, sunlight, and soil?

Accepted Answer

Abiotic factors

Answer

Biotic factors

Answer

Ecosystem services

Answer

Biodiversity

Question 58

Which marine ecosystem is characterized by open waters away from the coastline and is dominated by microscopic organisms called phytoplankton?

Accepted Answer

Pelagic zone

Answer

Terrestrial zone

Answer

Benthic zone

Answer

Freshwater zone

Question 59

What is the primary role of decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, within an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Break down dead organisms and recycle nutrients

Answer

Prey on animals

Answer

Consume plant material

Answer

Produce oxygen

Question 60

The process by which new species arise from existing ones is known as:

Accepted Answer

Speciation

Answer

Adaptation

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Evolution

Question 61

Which species plays a disproportionately significant ecological role in its ecosystem, despite its relatively small population size?

Accepted Answer

Sea otter

Answer

Polar bear

Answer

Blue whale

Answer

Elephant

Question 62

Which term refers to the number of different species found within an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Species richness

Answer

Species evenness

Answer

Species abundance

Answer

Species diversity

Question 63

Succession refers to the:

Accepted Answer

Gradual change in the composition of species in an ecosystem over time

Answer

Increase in the abundance of a single species in an ecosystem

Answer

Rapid loss of species from an ecosystem due to a disturbance

Answer

Introduction of new species into an ecosystem

Question 64

Ecology is the scientific discipline that primarily focuses on:

Accepted Answer

Interactions between organisms and their environment

Answer

Conservation of endangered species

Answer

Evolutionary history of species

Answer

Classification of organisms