Environmental Studies ยท Biology

Ecology and Biodiversity

1,739 Questions

Ecology and biodiversity are vital topics in environmental studies, covering ecosystem structures, species diversity, and environmental impacts. These concepts are frequently tested in competitive examinations for civil services and state selections. The questions cover carrying capacity, ecological succession, and conservation fundamentals.

Species richness measurementTypes of ecological diversityBiome distribution factorsCarrying capacity conceptEcosystem servicesEnvironmental Impact Assessment

Ecology and Biodiversity Questions

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of functional diversity in an ecosystem?

  1. A forest with a variety of tree species, each with different leaf shapes and sizes.

  2. A grassland with a variety of grass species, each with different grazing preferences.

  3. A coral reef with a variety of coral species, each with different growth forms and feeding strategies.

  4. All of the above.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

All of the examples provided are instances of functional diversity in different ecosystems. The forest with a variety of tree species exhibits functional diversity in terms of leaf traits and canopy structure. The grassland with a variety of grass species shows functional diversity in grazing preferences and nutrient acquisition strategies. The coral reef with a variety of coral species displays functional diversity in growth forms and feeding strategies.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the process by which invasive species alter the functional composition of an ecosystem?

  1. Functional homogenization.

  2. Functional divergence.

  3. Functional convergence.

  4. Functional redundancy.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Functional homogenization refers to the process by which invasive species alter the functional composition of an ecosystem, making it more similar to other ecosystems that have been invaded by the same species. This can occur when invasive species replace native species with similar functional traits, leading to a reduction in functional diversity.

Multiple choice

What is functional diversity?

  1. The variety of functions performed by organisms in an ecosystem

  2. The number of different species in an ecosystem

  3. The genetic diversity within a species

  4. The physical diversity of an ecosystem
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Functional diversity refers to the variety of functions performed by organisms in an ecosystem. This includes the different ways that organisms interact with their environment, such as their feeding habits, reproductive strategies, and dispersal mechanisms.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a supporting service provided by ecosystems?

  1. Nutrient cycling

  2. Soil formation

  3. Pollination

  4. Climate regulation
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Climate regulation is a regulating service provided by ecosystems, not a supporting service.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a type of supporting service provided by ecosystems?

  1. Water cycling

  2. Gas regulation

  3. Habitat provision

  4. Food production
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Food production is a provisioning service provided by ecosystems, not a supporting service.

Multiple choice

The provision of shelter and resources for plants and animals is called:

  1. Habitat provision

  2. Biodiversity conservation

  3. Ecosystem structure

  4. Species richness
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Habitat provision is the process by which ecosystems provide shelter and resources for plants and animals, enabling them to survive and reproduce.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a supporting service provided by ecosystems?

  1. Pollination

  2. Water purification

  3. Erosion control

  4. Recreation
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Recreation is a cultural service provided by ecosystems, not a supporting service.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a supporting service provided by ecosystems?

  1. Nutrient cycling

  2. Soil formation

  3. Pollination

  4. Waste disposal
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Waste disposal is a cultural service provided by ecosystems, not a supporting service.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a supporting service provided by ecosystems?

  1. Nutrient cycling

  2. Soil formation

  3. Pollination

  4. Education
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Education is a cultural service provided by ecosystems, not a supporting service.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a typical metric used to measure biodiversity?

  1. Species richness

  2. Species evenness

  3. Species diversity

  4. Species dominance
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Species dominance is typically not considered to be a metric used to measure biodiversity.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a typical metric used to measure ecosystem functioning?

  1. Primary production

  2. Decomposition

  3. Nutrient cycling

  4. Water filtration
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Water filtration is typically not considered to be a metric used to measure ecosystem functioning.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a typical metric used to measure biodiversity?

  1. Species richness

  2. Species evenness

  3. Species diversity

  4. Species dominance
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Species dominance is typically not considered to be a metric used to measure biodiversity.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the number of different species in a community?

  1. Species richness

  2. Species diversity

  3. Species abundance

  4. Species composition
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Species richness refers to the number of different species present in a community.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a measure of the relative abundance of different species in a community?

  1. Species richness

  2. Species diversity

  3. Species abundance

  4. Species composition
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Species abundance refers to the relative number of individuals of each species in a community.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the variety of species and their relative abundances in a community?

  1. Species richness

  2. Species diversity

  3. Species abundance

  4. Species composition
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Species diversity encompasses both species richness and species abundance, providing a more comprehensive measure of community structure.