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 ability of an ecosystem to maintain its balance and recover from disturbances?
-
Resilience
-
Biodiversity
-
Conservation
-
Sustainability
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Resilience refers to the ability of an ecosystem to withstand and recover from disturbances, such as natural disasters or human activities.
What is the term used to describe the interconnectedness of all living things on Earth, including humans?
-
Ecology
-
Biodiversity
-
Conservation
-
Sustainability
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Ecology encompasses the study of the interactions between organisms and their environment, including the interconnectedness of all living things on Earth.
Which media format is effective in showcasing the beauty and fragility of natural ecosystems?
-
Written articles
-
Infographics
-
Documentaries
-
Podcasts
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Documentaries, with their visual and storytelling capabilities, are effective in showcasing the beauty and fragility of natural ecosystems, immersing viewers in the natural world and fostering a sense of connection.
What does Leopold mean by the term 'land'?
-
The physical environment, including soil, water, and air.
-
The plants and animals that live on the land.
-
The human communities that live on the land.
-
All of the above.
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Leopold uses the term 'land' in a broad sense to refer to the entire natural community, including the physical environment, the plants and animals, and the human communities that live on the land.
Which of the following is a key factor contributing to the resilience of subtropical ecosystems?
-
High levels of biodiversity
-
Diverse and interconnected habitats
-
Strong community involvement in conservation
-
All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Resilience in subtropical ecosystems is influenced by a combination of factors, including high levels of biodiversity, diverse and interconnected habitats, and strong community involvement in conservation.
What is the term for the idea that humans are an integral part of nature and should live in harmony with it?
-
Ecocentrism
-
Biocentrism
-
Anthropocentrism
-
Environmentalism
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Ecocentrism is the belief that the natural world has intrinsic value and that humans should live in harmony with it, rather than dominating or exploiting it.
What is the term for the view that the good life is one that is lived in accordance with nature?
-
Naturalism
-
Environmentalism
-
Ecocentrism
-
Deep ecology
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Naturalism is the view that the good life is one that is lived in accordance with nature and natural values, often emphasizing the importance of simplicity, self-sufficiency, and connection to the natural world.
What is the term used to describe the ability of an ecosystem to adapt to changes in its environment?
-
Resilience
-
Sustainability
-
Adaptability
-
Vulnerability
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Adaptability is the ability of an ecosystem to adapt to changes in its environment. This can include changes in climate, land use, or other factors.
What are some of the ways that permafrost ecosystems can adapt to changes in their environment?
-
Changing the composition of plant and animal species
-
Migrating to new areas
-
Changing their behavior
-
All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Permafrost ecosystems can adapt to changes in their environment in a number of ways, including changing the composition of plant and animal species, migrating to new areas, and changing their behavior. For example, some plant species may become more dominant in permafrost ecosystems as the climate warms, while other species may decline. Some animal species may move to new areas as their habitat changes, while others may change their behavior to adapt to the new conditions.
What is the term used to describe the ability of an ecosystem to adapt to changes in its environment?
-
Resilience
-
Sustainability
-
Adaptability
-
Vulnerability
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Adaptability is the ability of an ecosystem to adapt to changes in its environment. This can include changes in climate, land use, or other factors.
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of riverine ecosystems?
-
High biodiversity
-
Dynamic and ever-changing environment
-
Low productivity
-
Importance as a source of drinking water
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Riverine ecosystems are generally highly productive, supporting a wide variety of plant and animal life.
Which of the following is NOT a type of environmental model?
-
Deterministic model
-
Stochastic model
-
Hybrid model
-
Empirical model
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Empirical models are not considered a type of environmental model because they are based on observed data rather than mathematical equations.
What is the primary factor that determines the resilience of a riverine environment?
-
Climate
-
Geology
-
Vegetation
-
Human Activity
B
Correct answer
Explanation
The geological characteristics of a riverine environment, such as the type of bedrock and soil, play a crucial role in determining its resilience to disturbances.
What is the term used to describe the interconnectedness and interdependence of organisms within an ecosystem?
-
Biodiversity
-
Symbiosis
-
Food Chain
-
Ecosystem Services
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Symbiosis refers to the close and often long-term interaction between two or more different species, resulting in mutual benefit or harm.
What is the term used to describe the intricate network of relationships and interactions among organisms in a coral reef ecosystem?
-
Coral Symbiosis
-
Coral Connectivity
-
Coral Biodiversity
-
Coral Food Web
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The coral food web encompasses the complex network of trophic interactions among various organisms in a coral reef ecosystem, including producers, consumers, and decomposers.