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
Which of the following is NOT a type of environmental value?
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Biocentric
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Anthropocentric
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Egocentric
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Theocentric
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Egocentric is not a type of environmental value. Biocentric, anthropocentric, and theocentric are all types of environmental values.
Which of the following is NOT a common metric used to assess the success of ecological restoration?
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Species richness
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Species composition
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Ecosystem function
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Economic value
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Economic value is not a common metric used to assess the success of ecological restoration because it is not a direct measure of the ecological health of the restored ecosystem.
What is the term used to describe the ability of an ecosystem to recover from disturbances and maintain its ecological balance?
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Resilience
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Sustainability
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Biodiversity
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Carrying capacity
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Resilience refers to the ability of an ecosystem to withstand disturbances, adapt to changes, and maintain its ecological integrity.
The term 'carrying capacity' in ecology refers to:
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The maximum population size of a species that an environment can sustain indefinitely
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The minimum population size of a species that an environment can sustain indefinitely
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The rate at which a population grows or declines
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The number of individuals of a species that an environment can support at a given time
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Carrying capacity in ecology refers to the maximum population size of a species that an environment can sustain indefinitely.
Which of the following is an example of a resilience strategy employed by coral reefs?
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Rapid growth
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Adaptation to changing conditions
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Symbiosis with other organisms
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Coral reefs exhibit resilience through various strategies, including rapid growth, adaptation to changing conditions, and symbiotic relationships with other organisms.
What is the term used to describe the ability of an ecosystem to maintain its structure and function despite disturbances?
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Stability
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Resilience
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Equilibrium
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Homeostasis
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Resilience refers to the capacity of an ecosystem to absorb disturbances and recover from them, maintaining its structure and function.
What is the term used to describe the variety of life on Earth, including the different species, genes, and ecosystems?
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Biodiversity
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Conservation
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Ecology
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Environmental Science
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Biodiversity encompasses the entire spectrum of life on Earth, from the smallest microorganisms to the largest animals and plants, as well as the ecosystems in which they interact.
According to Urie Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory, what is the term used to describe the immediate environment in which a child lives and interacts?
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Microsystem
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Mesosystem
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Exosystem
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Macrosystem
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Bronfenbrenner's microsystem refers to the immediate environment in which a child lives and interacts, including family, school, and peer group.
Riverine ecosystems are characterized by their:
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Unidirectional water flow
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High species diversity
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Absence of aquatic vegetation
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Stable environmental conditions
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Riverine ecosystems are defined by the unidirectional flow of water, which shapes their physical and biological characteristics.
What is the term used to describe the process by which aquatic organisms adapt to their specific riverine environment?
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Ecological specialization
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Habitat selection
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Riverine adaptation
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Ecological niche partitioning
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Riverine adaptation refers to the specific adaptations that aquatic organisms develop to survive and thrive in riverine ecosystems.
What is the term used to describe the interconnectedness and interdependence of organisms within a riverine ecosystem?
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Ecological connectivity
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Trophic interactions
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Habitat heterogeneity
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Ecological succession
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Ecological connectivity refers to the interconnectedness and interdependence of organisms within an ecosystem, including their interactions and energy flow.
What is the term used to describe the process by which nutrients are cycled within a riverine ecosystem?
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Nutrient cycling
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Biogeochemical cycling
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Trophic transfer
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Ecological succession
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Nutrient cycling refers to the process by which nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, are exchanged between different components of a riverine ecosystem.
Which of these is a common type of habitat found in riverine ecosystems?
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Riparian zone
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Floodplain
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Estuary
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Wetland
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The riparian zone is the area of land adjacent to a river or stream, which often supports diverse vegetation and provides important habitat for aquatic and terrestrial organisms.
Which of the following is NOT an ecosystem service?
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Pollination
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Climate regulation
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Water purification
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Fossil fuel extraction
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Fossil fuel extraction is not an ecosystem service because it does not provide any direct benefit to humans from the natural environment.
Which of the following is an example of a provisioning ecosystem service?
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Pollination
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Climate regulation
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Water purification
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Food production
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Food production is an example of a provisioning ecosystem service because it provides humans with a direct benefit in the form of food.