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 NOT a typical component of EIA baseline studies?

  1. Physical environment (e.g., air quality, water quality, soil conditions)

  2. Biological environment (e.g., flora, fauna, ecosystems)

  3. Socioeconomic environment (e.g., population, land use, economic activities)

  4. Cultural and historical resources
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Cultural and historical resources are typically not included in EIA baseline studies as they are not directly related to the potential environmental impacts of a project.

Multiple choice

Which of these is an example of a keystone species, playing a crucial role in maintaining the balance of an ecosystem?

  1. Sea Otters

  2. Wolves

  3. Bees

  4. Coral Reefs
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Sea otters are keystone species because they prey on sea urchins, preventing them from overgrazing kelp forests, which in turn supports a diverse array of marine life.

Multiple choice

What is natural capital?

  1. The stock of natural resources that provide goods and services to humans.

  2. The stock of produced goods and services that provide utility to humans.

  3. The stock of human knowledge and skills that provide utility to humans.

  4. The stock of foreign assets that provide utility to humans.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Natural capital is the stock of natural resources that provide goods and services to humans.

Multiple choice

The carrying capacity of an ecosystem is the maximum population size that can be sustained by the available resources. Which mathematical equation is used to represent the carrying capacity?

  1. Logistic Equation

  2. Gompertz Equation

  3. Beverton-Holt Equation

  4. Ricker Equation
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Logistic Equation is commonly used to represent the carrying capacity of an ecosystem, as it captures the idea of population growth initially increasing exponentially and then leveling off as resources become limited.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the ability of an island ecosystem to withstand and recover from disturbances?

  1. Island resilience

  2. Ecological resilience

  3. Ecosystem resilience

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

All of the above terms refer to the ability of an island ecosystem to withstand and recover from disturbances.

Multiple choice

The concept of 'biocultural diversity' refers to the:

  1. Variety of life forms on Earth

  2. Cultural diversity among human societies

  3. Interconnectedness between biological and cultural diversity

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

Biocultural diversity encompasses the variety of life forms on Earth, the cultural diversity among human societies, and the interconnectedness between biological and cultural diversity.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the ability of an ecosystem to maintain its structure and function over time?

  1. Resilience

  2. Stability

  3. Equilibrium

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

Resilience refers to the ability of an ecosystem to withstand disturbances and maintain its functionality.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the ability of an ecosystem to maintain its structure and function over time?

  1. Resilience

  2. Sustainability

  3. Carrying capacity

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

Resilience refers to the ability of an ecosystem to withstand disturbances and maintain its structure and function over time. It is a key aspect of sustainable development, as resilient ecosystems can better adapt to environmental changes and support human well-being.

Multiple choice

The term 'ecological efficiency' refers to:

  1. The transfer of energy from one trophic level to the next

  2. The impact of a change in one trophic level on other trophic levels

  3. The cycling of nutrients through an ecosystem

  4. The efficiency with which energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Ecological efficiency is the percentage of energy transferred from one trophic level to the next.

Multiple choice

The Environmental Vulnerability Index (EVI) is a composite index that measures the vulnerability of ecosystems to environmental hazards. Which of the following is NOT a component of the EVI?

  1. Biodiversity

  2. Ecosystem services

  3. Land use

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

Climate change is not a component of the EVI.

Multiple choice

What is the role of viruses in the ecosystem?

  1. Decomposing organic matter

  2. Fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere

  3. Producing oxygen through photosynthesis

  4. Infecting and replicating within host cells
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Viruses infect and replicate within host cells, causing various diseases and ecological impacts.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of coastal and marine ecosystems?

  1. High biodiversity

  2. Unique adaptations

  3. Low productivity

  4. Dynamic environmental conditions
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Coastal and marine ecosystems are known for their high productivity, supporting a wide range of organisms.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the process by which marine organisms interact with each other and their environment?

  1. Ecology

  2. Ecosystem dynamics

  3. Trophic cascade

  4. Biogeochemical cycling
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Ecology is the study of the interactions between marine organisms and their environment, including their behavior, distribution, and abundance.

Multiple choice

What is an exhaustible resource?

  1. A resource that can be replenished naturally.

  2. A resource that is available in limited quantities.

  3. A resource that is not affected by human activity.

  4. A resource that is evenly distributed across the globe.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Exhaustible resources are those that are finite in quantity and cannot be replenished naturally at a rate comparable to their rate of consumption.

Multiple choice

What is the primary role of lichens in the ecosystem?

  1. Primary producers

  2. Decomposers

  3. Nitrogen fixers

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

Lichens play multiple roles in the ecosystem. They are primary producers, synthesizing organic matter through photosynthesis. They also act as decomposers, breaking down organic matter and releasing nutrients into the soil. Additionally, some lichens have the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, making it available to other organisms.