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
Which of the following is NOT a type of ecosystem management?
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Adaptive management
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Conservation management
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Sustainable management
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Integrated management
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Sustainable management is a goal of ecosystem management, not a type of ecosystem management.
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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Food production
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Food production is a human activity, while the other options are examples of ecosystem services provided by natural ecosystems.
What is the term used to describe the variety of life on Earth?
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Biodiversity
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Ecosystem diversity
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Species richness
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Genetic diversity
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, as well as the genetic variation within each species.
What is the primary factor that determines the distribution of ecosystems on Earth?
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Temperature
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Precipitation
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Sunlight
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Soil type
Correct answer
Explanation
Climate, which encompasses temperature, precipitation, and sunlight, is the primary factor that determines the distribution of ecosystems on Earth.
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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Manufacturing
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Manufacturing is not an ecosystem service, as it is a human activity that does not directly benefit ecosystems.
Which of the following is NOT a provisioning ecosystem service?
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Food production
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Water supply
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Climate regulation
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Fiber production
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Climate regulation is a regulating ecosystem service, not a provisioning service.
What are provisioning services in the context of ecosystem services?
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Services that provide food, water, and other resources for human consumption.
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Services that regulate the climate and air quality.
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Services that provide habitat for plants and animals.
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Services that support cultural and recreational activities.
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Provisioning services are defined as the direct and indirect products of ecosystems that provide food, water, and other resources for human consumption.
What is the ecological footprint of a population?
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The amount of land and resources required to sustain the population
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The amount of waste produced by the population
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The amount of energy consumed by the population
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The amount of water used by the population
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The ecological footprint of a population is the amount of land and resources required to sustain the population, including the production of food, goods, and services.
Which of the following is an example of a biocentric value?
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The beauty of a sunset
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The value of a forest for its biodiversity
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The value of a wetland for its role in flood control
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The value of a species for its medicinal properties
B
Correct answer
Explanation
The value of a forest for its biodiversity is a biocentric value because it is based on the inherent value of the forest's living organisms.
Which of the following is a common criticism of biocentrism?
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It is too broad in its focus on all living things.
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It does not take into account the interests of humans.
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It does not take into account the interests of the environment.
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All of the above
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Biocentrism is too broad in its focus on all living things. It does not take into account the interests of humans or the interests of the environment.
Which of the following is NOT a provisioning service provided by ecosystems?
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Food
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Water
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Oxygen
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Biodiversity
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Biodiversity is an ecosystem service that supports the functioning of ecosystems, but it is not a provisioning service directly consumed by humans.
Which ecosystem is known for its high productivity and ability to support dense populations of organisms?
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Oceans
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Deserts
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Grasslands
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Tundra
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Grasslands are highly productive ecosystems, supporting a diverse range of plant and animal species due to their favorable climate and soil conditions.
Which ecosystem is known for its high biodiversity and complex food webs?
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Oceans
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Deserts
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Grasslands
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Tundra
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Oceans are the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth, supporting a vast array of plant and animal species and complex food webs.
Which of the following is NOT an example of a provisioning service?
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Food
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Water
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Biodiversity
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Fuelwood
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Biodiversity is an essential component of ecosystems, but it is not directly considered a provisioning service. Provisioning services refer to the tangible benefits that humans obtain from ecosystems.
What is the term used to describe the interconnectedness and interdependence of all living things in an ecosystem?
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Biodiversity
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Symbiosis
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Food Chain
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Ecological Balance
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Ecological balance refers to the harmonious coexistence and interdependence of various organisms within an ecosystem, where each species plays a crucial role in maintaining stability.