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 ability of an ecosystem to recover from disturbances?
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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 is the term used to describe the ability of an ecosystem to recover from disturbances.
What is the term used to describe the ability of an ecosystem to maintain its balance and stability?
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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 is the term used to describe the ability of an ecosystem to maintain its balance and stability.
Which of the following is an example of an ecosystem service?
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Clean air
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Water purification
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Pollination
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Ecosystem services are the benefits that humans derive from ecosystems, such as clean air, water purification, pollination, and many others.
What is the ecological significance of permafrost?
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It supports a unique ecosystem adapted to cold temperatures
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It stores large amounts of carbon and methane
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It regulates the global climate
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Permafrost plays a crucial ecological role by supporting unique ecosystems, storing carbon and methane, and regulating the global climate.
What is the term used to describe the variety of life found in marine ecosystems?
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Marine biodiversity
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Oceanic diversity
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Aquatic life
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Sea life
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Marine biodiversity encompasses the wide range of species, habitats, and ecological processes found in marine environments.
What is the term used to describe the interconnectedness and interdependence of species within a marine ecosystem?
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Biodiversity
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Ecosystem services
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Food web
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Ecological balance
C
Correct answer
Explanation
A food web represents the interconnectedness and interdependence of species within an ecosystem, showing how energy and nutrients flow through different organisms.
What is the term used to describe the range of conditions under which life can exist?
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Habitable Zone
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Goldilocks Zone
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Life-Supporting Zone
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All of the Above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The terms 'Habitable Zone', 'Goldilocks Zone', and 'Life-Supporting Zone' are all used interchangeably to refer to the range of conditions suitable for life.
The Ecological Footprint measures the:
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Amount of land and water required to sustain a population
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Amount of pollution generated by a population
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Amount of energy consumed by a population
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All of the above
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Ecological Footprint measures the land and water needed to produce the resources consumed by a population.
What is the term used to describe the idea that all living things are interconnected and interdependent?
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Biocentrism
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Anthropocentrism
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Environmentalism
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Ecology
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Ecology studies the interactions between organisms and their environment, emphasizing the interconnectedness of living things.
What is the primary factor that determines the resilience of a temperate ecosystem?
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Species diversity
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Climate stability
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Soil fertility
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Water availability
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Climate stability is the primary factor that determines the resilience of a temperate ecosystem. Stable climate conditions allow ecosystems to adapt and recover from disturbances.
Which of the following is an example of an adaptation that helps temperate ecosystems recover from disturbances?
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Increased seed production
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Rapid growth
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Enhanced nutrient cycling
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Increased seed production, rapid growth, and enhanced nutrient cycling are all examples of adaptations that help temperate ecosystems recover from disturbances.
What is the concept of the "Anthropocene"?
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The idea that humans are the dominant species on Earth.
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The idea that humans are destroying the Earth.
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The idea that humans are a part of nature.
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All of the above.
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The concept of the "Anthropocene" refers to the idea that humans are the dominant species on Earth and that human activity is having a significant impact on the planet. This concept is often associated with the postmodern thinker Bruno Latour.
What is the term for the area of land that is surrounded by a different type of habitat?
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Habitat fragment
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Habitat patch
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Habitat island
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The term for the area of land that is surrounded by a different type of habitat is habitat fragment, habitat patch, or habitat island.
What is the term used to describe the diversity of life on Earth, including all species, ecosystems, and genetic variation?
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Biodiversity
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Ecosystem diversity
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Genetic diversity
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Species diversity
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Biodiversity encompasses the variety of life on Earth, including all species, ecosystems, and genetic variation.
Which of the following is NOT a major type of biodiversity?
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Ecosystem diversity
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Species diversity
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Genetic diversity
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Habitat diversity
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Habitat diversity is not a major type of biodiversity. The three major types of biodiversity are ecosystem diversity, species diversity, and genetic diversity.