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
What is the term used to describe the zone of transition between two altitudinal zones?
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Ecotone
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Transition Zone
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Buffer Zone
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Habitat Edge
B
Correct answer
Explanation
A transition zone is the zone of transition between two altitudinal zones, where the two zones meet and interact.
In environmental science, the concept of an ecosystem can be mathematically represented as a:
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Set of organisms and their interactions
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Function mapping organisms to their habitats
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Matrix depicting the relationships between different species
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Graph illustrating the flow of energy and nutrients
A
Correct answer
Explanation
An ecosystem is a community of living organisms and their interactions with each other and with their physical environment. Mathematically, it can be represented as a set, where the elements of the set are the organisms and their associated interactions.
Which of the following is not a type of biological diversity recognized under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002?
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Ecosystem diversity.
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Species diversity.
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Genetic diversity.
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Cultural diversity.
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Cultural diversity is not a type of biological diversity recognized under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. The Act focuses on the conservation and protection of ecosystem diversity, species diversity, and genetic diversity.
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The variety of life on Earth
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The number of different species on Earth
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The genetic diversity within a species
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Biodiversity encompasses the variety of life on Earth, including the number of different species, the genetic diversity within species, and the ecosystems in which they live.
Forests are home to a diverse range of plant and animal species. What is the ecological term for this rich biodiversity found in forests?
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Biodiversity
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Ecosystem
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Habitat
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Biosphere
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, found in a particular ecosystem. Forests are known for their high levels of biodiversity.
Alpine forests play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle by:
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Storing carbon dioxide
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Releasing oxygen
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Regulating temperature
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Alpine forests play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle by storing carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen, and regulating temperature.
What is the term used to describe the intricate network of interconnected coral reefs and associated ecosystems?
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Coral reef complex
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Coral reef ecosystem
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Coral reef biome
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Coral reef zone
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Coral reef ecosystem encompasses the entire interconnected system of coral reefs, including the diverse marine life that inhabits and relies on them.
What is the term used to describe the variety of life on Earth, including the different species of plants, animals, and microorganisms, as well as the ecosystems in which they live?
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Biodiversity
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Ecosystem Diversity
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Species Diversity
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Genetic Diversity
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Biodiversity encompasses the variety of life on Earth, including the different species of plants, animals, and microorganisms, as well as the ecosystems in which they live.
Which of the following is NOT a type of biodiversity?
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Species Diversity
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Genetic Diversity
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Ecosystem Diversity
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Cultural Diversity
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Cultural Diversity is not a type of biodiversity. Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, including the different species of plants, animals, and microorganisms, as well as the ecosystems in which they live.
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A community of living organisms in conjunction with the nonliving components of their environment (things like air, water and soil), interacting as a system.
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A group of organisms of the same species living in the same area.
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A physical environment in which an organism lives.
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A group of organisms that interact with each other and their physical environment.
A
Correct answer
Explanation
An ecosystem is a complex network of living organisms and their physical environment, interacting as a system. It includes all the organisms in a given area, as well as the nonliving components of their environment, such as air, water, soil, and sunlight.
What are the two main types of ecosystems?
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Natural and artificial
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Terrestrial and aquatic
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Biotic and abiotic
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Producer and consumer
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Ecosystems can be classified into two main types: terrestrial ecosystems, which are found on land, and aquatic ecosystems, which are found in water.
Which of the following is an example of an aquatic ecosystem?
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Desert
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Grassland
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Tundra
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Lake
D
Correct answer
Explanation
A lake is an example of an aquatic ecosystem, as it is found in water and consists of aquatic plants, animals, and other organisms interacting with each other and their physical environment.
What is the term for the transfer of energy and nutrients from one organism to another in an ecosystem?
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Food chain
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Food web
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Energy pyramid
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Ecological succession
A
Correct answer
Explanation
A food chain is a linear sequence of organisms through which energy and nutrients pass, starting with producers and ending with top predators. Each organism in the food chain consumes the one below it, transferring energy and nutrients up the chain.
What is the term for the interconnected network of food chains and energy flow in an ecosystem?
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Food chain
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Food web
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Energy pyramid
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Ecological succession
B
Correct answer
Explanation
A food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains, showing the feeding relationships between different organisms in an ecosystem. It illustrates the flow of energy and nutrients through the various trophic levels of the ecosystem.
What is the term for the gradual change in the composition of species in an ecosystem over time?
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Food chain
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Food web
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Energy pyramid
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Ecological succession
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Ecological succession is the gradual change in the composition of species in an ecosystem over time, as one community of organisms is replaced by another. It can be caused by natural disturbances, such as fires or floods, or by human activities, such as deforestation or pollution.