Environmental Studies ยท Biology
Ecology and Biodiversity
1,737 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 intricate network of relationships and interactions among organisms in a coral reef ecosystem?
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Coral Symbiosis
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Coral Connectivity
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Coral Biodiversity
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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.
What is the core idea behind the concept of 'ecological footprint'?
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The amount of land and resources required to sustain a population.
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The impact of human activities on biodiversity.
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The rate of deforestation and habitat loss.
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The concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The ecological footprint measures the human demand on the Earth's resources and ecosystems.
What is Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK)?
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A body of knowledge and beliefs about the natural world and how to live in harmony with it, developed by indigenous peoples over generations
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A system of scientific knowledge about the environment
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A set of beliefs and practices that are not based on scientific evidence
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A type of knowledge that is only relevant to indigenous peoples
A
Correct answer
Explanation
TEK is a body of knowledge and beliefs about the natural world and how to live in harmony with it, developed by indigenous peoples over generations. It is based on the close relationship between indigenous peoples and their environment, and it includes knowledge about plants, animals, weather, and other natural phenomena.
Which of the following is an example of a successful adaptation strategy employed by tundra communities to cope with environmental changes?
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Shifting to alternative food sources
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Developing new hunting techniques
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Relocating to warmer regions
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Reducing reliance on traditional practices
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Tundra communities have demonstrated resilience by adapting to changing environmental conditions. One example is the shift to alternative food sources, such as fish, berries, and wild plants, to compensate for the decline in traditional game populations due to climate change and habitat loss.
How does the resilience of tundra ecosystems contribute to the global food supply?
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It supports traditional food systems
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It provides grazing lands for livestock
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It contributes to the production of agricultural crops
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The resilience of tundra ecosystems contributes to the global food supply in several ways. It supports traditional food systems of indigenous communities, providing sources of meat, fish, and berries. Tundra ecosystems also provide grazing lands for livestock, such as reindeer and caribou, which are important sources of food and income for many communities. Additionally, the resilience of tundra ecosystems helps maintain the productivity of agricultural crops in adjacent regions by regulating water flow and nutrient cycling.
What is the term for the unique biodiversity found on islands, often including endemic species?
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Island Endemism
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Island Speciation
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Island Extinction
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Island Conservation
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Island endemism refers to the unique biodiversity found on islands, often including species that are not found anywhere else in the world.
Which of the following is NOT a threat to mangrove forests?
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Deforestation for development
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Pollution from industrial and agricultural activities
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Climate change and sea level rise
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Natural disasters, such as hurricanes and tsunamis
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Deforestation, pollution, and climate change are all threats to mangrove forests, while natural disasters are not.
What is the term used to describe the unique ecosystem that exists between mangrove forests and coral reefs?
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Mangrove-coral reef complex
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Mangrove-coral reef ecosystem
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Mangrove-coral reef association
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The term mangrove-coral reef complex, mangrove-coral reef ecosystem, and mangrove-coral reef association are all used to describe the unique ecosystem that exists between mangrove forests and coral reefs.
What is the primary ecosystem service provided by grasslands?
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Food production
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Water filtration
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Carbon sequestration
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Biodiversity conservation
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Grasslands are home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, making them important for biodiversity conservation.
Which of the following is NOT a type of ecosystem service?
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Pollination
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Water purification
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Climate regulation
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Pesticide production
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Pesticide production is not a type of ecosystem service. Ecosystem services are the benefits that humans derive from ecosystems.
What is the term used to describe the interconnectedness and interdependence of species within an ecosystem?
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Biodiversity
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Ecological balance
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Food web
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Ecosystem services
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Ecological balance refers to the intricate web of interactions and dependencies among species within an ecosystem, maintaining its stability and functioning.
What is the term used to describe the benefits that humans derive from ecosystems?
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Biodiversity
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Ecological balance
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Food web
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Ecosystem services
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Ecosystem services refer to the various benefits that humans obtain from ecosystems, such as clean air, water, food, and regulation of climate.
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 refers to the variety of cultures and traditions among human societies, while species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity are all types of biodiversity related to the natural world.
What is the term used to describe the interconnectedness and interdependence of species within an ecosystem?
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Biodiversity
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Ecosystem services
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Food web
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Ecological balance
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Ecological balance refers to the interconnectedness and interdependence of species within an ecosystem, where each species plays a role in maintaining the stability and functioning of the ecosystem.
Which of the following is NOT an example of an ecosystem service?
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Pollination
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Water purification
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Climate regulation
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Economic benefits
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Economic benefits are not considered an ecosystem service, as they are not directly derived from the functioning of ecosystems.