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
Which of the following is an example of a supporting ecosystem service?
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Pollination
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Water purification
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Climate regulation
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Soil formation
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Correct answer
Explanation
Soil formation is an example of a supporting ecosystem service because it provides the foundation for all other ecosystem services. Soil is formed by the weathering of rocks and minerals, and it is essential for plant growth.
Which field of science explores the interactions between organisms and their environment at the ecosystem level?
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Ecology
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Environmental Science
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Conservation Biology
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Biogeography
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Correct answer
Explanation
Ecology is the branch of biology that studies the interactions between organisms and their environment at the ecosystem level, including the flow of energy and nutrients through ecosystems and the dynamics of populations and communities.
What is the term used to describe the ability of an ecosystem to absorb and recover from environmental impacts?
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Resilience
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Carrying capacity
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Ecological footprint
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Biodiversity
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Correct answer
Explanation
Resilience is the term used to describe the ability of an ecosystem to absorb and recover from environmental impacts.
What are some of the conditions necessary for the emergence of life?
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A habitable zone.
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A rocky planet.
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Liquid water.
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All of the above.
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Correct answer
Explanation
The emergence of life requires a habitable zone, a rocky planet, and liquid water. These conditions are rare in the universe.
What is the habitable zone?
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The region around a star where liquid water can exist.
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The region around a star where life can exist.
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The region around a star where planets can exist.
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The region around a star where stars can exist.
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Correct answer
Explanation
The habitable zone is the region around a star where liquid water can exist on the surface of a planet. This is a critical condition for the emergence of life.
What is the term used to describe the ability of ecosystems to adapt to the impacts of climate change?
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Resilience
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Vulnerability
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Adaptation
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Mitigation
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Correct answer
Explanation
Resilience refers to the ability of ecosystems to adapt to the impacts of climate change and maintain their structure and function.
What is the term used to describe the ability of an ecosystem to withstand or recover from disturbances?
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Resilience
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Stability
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Equilibrium
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Homeostasis
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Correct answer
Explanation
Resilience is the capacity of an ecosystem to absorb and recover from disturbances, maintaining its essential functions and structures.
What is the term used to describe the ability of a tropical ecosystem to maintain its structure and function despite disturbances?
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Stability
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Equilibrium
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Homeostasis
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Resilience
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Correct answer
Explanation
Resilience is the capacity of an ecosystem to absorb and recover from disturbances, maintaining its essential functions and structures.
Ecocentrism is often associated with:
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Deep ecology and biocentrism
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Environmental conservation and restoration
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Sustainable development and resource management
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Cultural and historical preservation
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Correct answer
Explanation
Ecocentrism is closely aligned with deep ecology and biocentrism, which emphasize the intrinsic value of all living beings and the importance of preserving ecological integrity.
Which of the following is NOT an example of an ecosystem service?
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Pollination
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Water filtration
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Carbon sequestration
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Mining
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Correct answer
Explanation
Mining is an extractive activity that does not provide any direct benefits to the environment or human well-being. Pollination, water filtration, and carbon sequestration are all examples of ecosystem services.
Which of the following is NOT an ecosystem service provided by marine ecosystems?
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Food production (fisheries).
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Climate regulation (carbon sequestration).
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Water purification (filtration).
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Mineral extraction (deep-sea mining).
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Correct answer
Explanation
Mineral extraction from the deep sea is not a natural ecosystem service provided by marine ecosystems. It is a human activity that can have negative impacts on marine environments.
What is the economic value of marine ecosystems?
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Trillions of dollars per year.
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Hundreds of billions of dollars per year.
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Tens of billions of dollars per year.
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Billions of dollars per year.
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Correct answer
Explanation
Marine ecosystems provide trillions of dollars in economic value annually through fisheries, tourism, recreation, and other ecosystem services.
Which of the following is a key factor contributing to the resilience of Mediterranean ecosystems?
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The presence of diverse plant and animal species
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The ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions
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The high levels of biodiversity
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All of the above
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Correct answer
Explanation
The resilience of Mediterranean ecosystems is attributed to a combination of factors, including the presence of diverse plant and animal species, the ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions, and the high levels of biodiversity.
What is the term used to describe the ability of an ecosystem to absorb and store carbon dioxide?
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Carbon Sink
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Carbon Source
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Carbon Footprint
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Carbon Cycle
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Correct answer
Explanation
Carbon Sink refers to an ecosystem or process that absorbs and stores more carbon dioxide than it releases.
What is the concept of 'reference ecosystem' in the context of ecological restoration?
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An ecosystem that is used as a model for restoration
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An ecosystem that is in a degraded state
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An ecosystem that is not affected by human activities
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An ecosystem that is in a state of equilibrium
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Correct answer
Explanation
A reference ecosystem is an ecosystem that is used as a model for restoration. It is an ecosystem that is in a relatively undisturbed state and that represents the desired end state for the restoration project.