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 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
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Resilience refers to the ability of ecosystems to adapt to the impacts of climate change and maintain their structure and function.
Which of the following is a key characteristic of industrial ecosystems?
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Linear production processes
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Open-loop material flows
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Resource cascading
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Limited stakeholder involvement
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Resource cascading involves the sequential use of materials and energy throughout the industrial ecosystem, maximizing their value and minimizing waste.
What is the concept of 'industrial symbiosis' within an industrial ecosystem?
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Collaboration among industries to exchange resources and by-products
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Isolation of industries to prevent resource sharing
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Exclusive use of virgin materials in production processes
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Minimization of energy consumption in industrial operations
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Industrial symbiosis involves the exchange of resources, by-products, and waste materials among different industries, creating a network of interconnected and mutually beneficial relationships.
Which of the following is an example of an industrial ecosystem?
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A traditional linear production system
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A network of industries exchanging resources and by-products
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An isolated factory with no resource sharing
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A cluster of industries with no environmental regulations
B
Correct answer
Explanation
An industrial ecosystem involves a network of industries that exchange resources and by-products, creating a closed-loop system and minimizing waste.
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
A
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
D
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
A
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
D
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).
D
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.
A
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
D
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
A
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
A
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.
What is the term used to describe the ability of an ecosystem to maintain its structure and function despite 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 refers to the ability of an ecosystem to absorb disturbances, such as climate change or pollution, and still maintain its essential functions and characteristics.
Which research ecosystem is crucial for carbon sequestration and plays a significant role in mitigating climate change?
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Mangrove Forests
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Temperate Deciduous Forests
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Boreal Forests
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Mediterranean Shrublands
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Mangrove Forests are important for carbon sequestration and play a significant role in mitigating climate change.