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
What is the term used to describe a species that is not at risk of extinction and is not likely to become so in the future?
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Least concern
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Near threatened
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Vulnerable
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Endangered
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Least concern is the term used to describe a species that is not at risk of extinction and is not likely to become so in the future.
How do temperate ecosystems respond to disturbances?
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They adapt and recover
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They collapse and disappear
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They remain unchanged
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They become more vulnerable to future disturbances
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Temperate ecosystems typically adapt and recover from disturbances through a process of ecological succession.
What is the primary cause of the decline in global biodiversity?
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Habitat Loss
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Climate Change
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Pollution
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Overexploitation
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Habitat loss, primarily due to human activities such as deforestation and urbanization, is the leading cause of biodiversity decline.
How does land use change contribute to biodiversity loss?
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It destroys natural habitats.
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It introduces invasive species.
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It disrupts ecological processes.
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Land use change contributes to biodiversity loss by destroying natural habitats, introducing invasive species, disrupting ecological processes, and fragmenting populations.
What is the primary cause of bird mortality at wind farms?
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Habitat loss
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Collision with wind turbine blades
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Electrocution from power lines
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Noise pollution
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Birds are often killed when they collide with the rapidly rotating blades of wind turbines.
What is the primary cause of bat mortality at wind farms?
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Habitat loss
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Collision with wind turbine blades
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Barotrauma (pressure-related injuries)
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Electrocution from power lines
Correct answer
Explanation
Bats are often killed by barotrauma, which occurs when the rapid pressure changes caused by wind turbine blades damage their lungs.
What are the main threats to protected areas?
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Climate change
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Habitat loss and fragmentation
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Invasive species
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Pollution
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All of the above
E
Correct answer
Explanation
Protected areas face a variety of threats, including climate change, habitat loss and fragmentation, invasive species, pollution, and unsustainable use of natural resources.
What are some of the impacts of habitat fragmentation on wildlife?
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It can make it difficult for animals to find food, mates, and shelter.
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It can increase the risk of predation.
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It can lead to a decline in genetic diversity.
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Habitat fragmentation can have a devastating impact on wildlife, as it can make it difficult for animals to find food, mates, and shelter. It can also increase the risk of predation and lead to a decline in genetic diversity.
What is the primary cause of overfishing?
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Climate change
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Pollution
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Habitat destruction
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Unsustainable fishing practices
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Overfishing is primarily caused by unsustainable fishing practices, such as using destructive fishing gear, fishing in sensitive areas, and exceeding sustainable catch limits.
What are some of the threats to the Jarawa language?
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Loss of habitat
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Assimilation
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Disease
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The Jarawa language is threatened by loss of habitat, assimilation, disease, and other factors.
What is the main threat to coral reefs?
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Climate change
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Overfishing
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Pollution
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Climate change, overfishing, and pollution are all major threats to coral reefs. Climate change is causing the ocean to become warmer and more acidic, which is harmful to coral polyps. Overfishing can reduce the number of fish that eat coral-eating invertebrates, which can lead to an increase in coral damage. Pollution can also harm coral reefs by introducing toxins into the water.
What are some of the threats to coral reefs?
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Climate change
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Overfishing
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Pollution
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Climate change, overfishing, and pollution are all major threats to coral reefs. Climate change is causing the ocean to become warmer and more acidic, which is harmful to coral polyps. Overfishing can reduce the number of fish that eat coral-eating invertebrates, which can lead to an increase in coral damage. Pollution can also harm coral reefs by introducing toxins into the water.
What are some of the threats to the taiga?
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Climate change
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Deforestation
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Pollution
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The taiga is facing a number of threats, including climate change, deforestation, and pollution. Climate change is causing the taiga to warm, which is leading to changes in the vegetation and the distribution of animals. Deforestation is also a major threat, as it is destroying habitat for animals and releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Pollution from industrial activities is also a problem, as it can contaminate the air, water, and soil.
How can language endangerment impact the environment?
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It can lead to the loss of traditional ecological knowledge.
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It can hinder communication about environmental issues.
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It can contribute to the decline of biodiversity.
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Language endangerment can lead to the loss of traditional ecological knowledge, hinder communication about environmental issues, and contribute to the decline of biodiversity.
What is the main threat to seagrass beds?
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Pollution
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Overfishing
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Climate change
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Seagrass beds are threatened by a variety of factors, including pollution, overfishing, and climate change.