Environmental Studies ยท Biology
Biodiversity and Conservation
2,266 Questions
Biodiversity and conservation questions address threats to ecosystems, climate change impacts, and habitat loss. These topics are essential for environmental science sections in major competitive exams. Practicing these questions clarifies concepts regarding species extinction and ecological management.
Habitat loss consequencesClimate change impactsEcosystem degradation causesDesert biodiversity threatsForest diversity threatsResource extraction effects
Biodiversity and Conservation Questions
Which of the following is NOT a potential consequence of the loss of ecosystem services?
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Increased flooding
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Reduced air quality
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Loss of biodiversity
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Increased economic growth
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Increased economic growth is not a potential consequence of the loss of ecosystem services, as the loss of these services can lead to a decline in economic productivity and well-being.
What is the main cause of endemism?
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Geographic isolation
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Climate change
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Habitat destruction
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Pollution
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Geographic isolation is the main cause of endemism, as it prevents species from interbreeding with other populations of the same species.
Which of the following is a threat to endemism?
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Habitat destruction
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Climate change
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Invasive species
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
All of the above are threats to endemism.
Which of the following is a threat to species distribution?
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Habitat destruction
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Climate change
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Invasive species
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
All of the above are threats to species distribution.
What is the tragedy of the commons?
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The overexploitation of resources due to the lack of individual incentives to conserve
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The underutilization of resources due to the lack of individual incentives to invest
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The conflict between private and public interests in resource management
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The degradation of resources due to pollution and waste
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The tragedy of the commons refers to the situation where individuals acting in their own self-interest overuse a common resource, leading to its depletion or degradation.
What are some of the consequences of allopatric speciation?
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The evolution of new species
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The loss of genetic diversity
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The increased risk of extinction
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
All of the above are consequences of allopatric speciation. Allopatric speciation can lead to the evolution of new species, the loss of genetic diversity, and the increased risk of extinction.
Which of the following is not a challenge faced by wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in India?
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Poaching
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Habitat loss
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Climate change
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Overgrazing
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Overgrazing is not a challenge faced by wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in India. Poaching, habitat loss, and climate change are the three main challenges faced by wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in India.
Which of the following is not a challenge faced by wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in India?
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Poaching
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Habitat loss
-
Climate change
-
Overgrazing
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Overgrazing is not a challenge faced by wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in India. Poaching, habitat loss, and climate change are the three main challenges faced by wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in India.
Which of the following is not a challenge faced by wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in India?
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Poaching
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Habitat loss
-
Climate change
-
Overgrazing
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Overgrazing is not a challenge faced by wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in India. Poaching, habitat loss, and climate change are the three main challenges faced by wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in India.
What is the leading hypothesis for the extinction of the megafauna?
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Climate change
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Overhunting by humans
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Disease
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A combination of factors
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The extinction of the megafauna is likely due to a combination of factors, including climate change, overhunting by humans, and disease.
Which of the following is a major threat to biodiversity in India?
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Habitat loss and fragmentation
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Pollution
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Overexploitation of natural resources
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Biodiversity in India is threatened by a combination of factors, including habitat loss, pollution, and overexploitation of natural resources.
Which of the following is a potential consequence of decreased water availability for ecosystems due to climate change?
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Improved biodiversity
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Increased habitat loss
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No impact on ecosystem health
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Reduced species extinction
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Decreased water availability for ecosystems can lead to increased habitat loss and degradation, impacting biodiversity and ecosystem health.
Which of the following is a major cause of biodiversity loss?
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Habitat loss
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Climate change
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Pollution
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Overexploitation
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Invasive species
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Habitat loss is a major cause of biodiversity loss, as it destroys the natural habitats of plants and animals.
Which of the following is NOT a potential consequence of pesticide and herbicide contamination of wildlife?
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Increased risk of cancer and other health issues
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Reduced biodiversity and population declines
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Enhanced wildlife habitat and population growth
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Disruption of endocrine systems
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Pesticide and herbicide contamination of wildlife can have various negative consequences, including increased risk of cancer and other health issues, reduced biodiversity and population declines, and disruption of endocrine systems. However, it does not lead to enhanced wildlife habitat and population growth.
Which of the following is a major threat to biodiversity?
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Habitat loss and fragmentation.
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Climate change.
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Pollution.
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Invasive species.
Correct answer
Explanation
Habitat loss and fragmentation, climate change, pollution, and invasive species are all major threats to biodiversity.