Question 1

Which of the following terms includes all of the others?

Accepted Answer

A)  species diversity 
B)  biodiversity 
C)  genetic diversity 
D)  ecosystem diversity 
E)  species richness 
A)  species diversity 
B)  biodiversity 
C)  genetic diversity 
D)  ecosystem diversity 
E)  species richness B

Question 2

Managing southwestern forests specifically for the red-cockaded woodpecker

Accepted Answer

A)  was wholeheartedly supported by the timber extraction industry. 
B)  contributed to greater abundance and diversity of other forest bird species. 
C)  caused other species of songbird to decline. 
D)  involved strict fire suppression measures. 
E)  involved the creation of fragmented forest habitat. 
A)  was wholeheartedly supported by the timber extraction industry. 
B)  contributed to greater abundance and diversity of other forest bird species. 
C)  caused other species of songbird to decline. 
D)  involved strict fire suppression measures. 
E)  involved the creation of fragmented forest habitat. B

Question 3

Review the formula for effective population size. Imagine a population of 1,000 small rodents. Of these, 300 are breeding females, 300 are breeding males, and 400 are nonbreeding juveniles. What is the effective population size?

Accepted Answer

A)  1,000 
B)  1,200 
C)  600 
D)  400 
E)  300 
A)  1,000 
B)  1,200 
C)  600 
D)  400 
E)  300 C

Question 4

The use of DDT as an insecticide in the United States has been outlawed since 1971, yet is still a problem for certain top-level carnivores in the United States. Which of the following choices best explains this apparent incongruity?

Accepted Answer

A)  DDT is still used for mosquito control in tropical countries, and certain migratory predators can be affected by a seasonal biomagnification. 
B)  DDT is persistent in the environment and all of the pre-1971 DDT is still available in toxic form to poison top-level carnivores. 
C)  Pre-1971 DDT has been deposited in certain habitats, particularly wetlands and estuaries, so predators in these ecosystems are vulnerable to biomagnifications of DDT. 
D)  Whereas most DDT-susceptible species have become resistant to persistent DDT, others are still vulnerable. 
E)  All of the options are correct. 
A)  DDT is still used for mosquito control in tropical countries, and certain migratory predators can be affected by a seasonal biomagnification. 
B)  DDT is persistent in the environment and all of the pre-1971 DDT is still available in toxic form to poison top-level carnivores. 
C)  Pre-1971 DDT has been deposited in certain habitats, particularly wetlands and estuaries, so predators in these ecosystems are vulnerable to biomagnifications of DDT. 
D)  Whereas most DDT-susceptible species have become resistant to persistent DDT, others are still vulnerable. 
E)  All of the options are correct.

Question 5

For the following questions, match the statement with the appropriate term/phrase.
-This causes extremely high levels of toxic chemicals in fish-eating birds.

Accepted Answer

A)  depletion of ozone layer 
B)  acid precipitation 
C)  biological magnification 
D)  greenhouse effect 
E)  eutrophication 
A)  depletion of ozone layer 
B)  acid precipitation 
C)  biological magnification 
D)  greenhouse effect 
E)  eutrophication

Question 6

What is the biggest problem with selecting a site for a preserve?

Accepted Answer

A)  There is always a conflict about use of land set aside for preservation. 
B)  Making a proper selection is difficult because currently the environmental conditions of almost any site change so quickly. 
C)  Keystone species are difficult to identify in potential preserve sites. 
D)  Only lands that are not useful to human activities are available for preserves. 
E)  Most of the best sites are inaccessible by land transportation, so making roads to them is often prohibitively expensive. 
A)  There is always a conflict about use of land set aside for preservation. 
B)  Making a proper selection is difficult because currently the environmental conditions of almost any site change so quickly. 
C)  Keystone species are difficult to identify in potential preserve sites. 
D)  Only lands that are not useful to human activities are available for preserves. 
E)  Most of the best sites are inaccessible by land transportation, so making roads to them is often prohibitively expensive.

Question 7

The introduction of the brown tree snake in the 1940s to the island of Guam has resulted in

Accepted Answer

A)  eradication of non-native rats and other undesirable/pest species. 
B)  the extirpation of many of the island's bird and reptile species. 
C)  a good lesson in biological control. 
D)  a new species of hybrids from crossbreeding with a native snake species. 
E)  its failure to compete with native species and its quick elimination from the island. 
A)  eradication of non-native rats and other undesirable/pest species. 
B)  the extirpation of many of the island's bird and reptile species. 
C)  a good lesson in biological control. 
D)  a new species of hybrids from crossbreeding with a native snake species. 
E)  its failure to compete with native species and its quick elimination from the island.

Question 8

We should care about loss in biodiversity in the populations of other species because of

Accepted Answer

A)  biophilia. 
B)  potential loss of medicines and other products yet undiscovered from threatened species. 
C)  potential loss of genes, some of which may code for proteins useful to humans. 
D)  the risk to global ecological stability. 
E)  All of the options are correct. 
A)  biophilia. 
B)  potential loss of medicines and other products yet undiscovered from threatened species. 
C)  potential loss of genes, some of which may code for proteins useful to humans. 
D)  the risk to global ecological stability. 
E)  All of the options are correct.

Question 9

Biodiversity hot spots are not necessarily the best choice for nature preserves because

Accepted Answer

A)  hot spots are situated in remote areas not accessible to wildlife viewers. 
B)  their ecological importance makes land purchase very expensive. 
C)  a hot spot for one group of organisms may not be a hot spot for another group. 
D)  hot spots are designated by abiotic factors present, not biotic factors. 
E)  designated hot spots change on a daily basis. 
A)  hot spots are situated in remote areas not accessible to wildlife viewers. 
B)  their ecological importance makes land purchase very expensive. 
C)  a hot spot for one group of organisms may not be a hot spot for another group. 
D)  hot spots are designated by abiotic factors present, not biotic factors. 
E)  designated hot spots change on a daily basis.

Question 10

Extinction is a natural phenomenon. It is estimated that 99% of all species that ever lived are now extinct. Why then do we say that we are now experiencing an extinction (loss of biodiversity)crisis?

Accepted Answer

A)  Humans are ethically responsible for protecting endangered species. 
B)  Scientists have finally identified most of the species on Earth and are thus able to quantify the number of species becoming extinct. 
C)  The current rate of extinction is high and human activities threaten biodiversity at all levels. 
D)  Humans have greater medical needs than at any other time in history, and many potential medicinal compounds are being lost as plant species become extinct. 
E)  Most biodiversity hot spots have been destroyed by recent ecological disasters. 
A)  Humans are ethically responsible for protecting endangered species. 
B)  Scientists have finally identified most of the species on Earth and are thus able to quantify the number of species becoming extinct. 
C)  The current rate of extinction is high and human activities threaten biodiversity at all levels. 
D)  Humans have greater medical needs than at any other time in history, and many potential medicinal compounds are being lost as plant species become extinct. 
E)  Most biodiversity hot spots have been destroyed by recent ecological disasters.

Question 11

What is the biological significance of genetic diversity between populations?

Accepted Answer

A)  Genes for adaptive traits to local conditions make microevolution possible. 
B)  The population that is most fit would survive by competitive exclusion. 
C)  Genetic diversity allows for species stability by preventing speciation. 
D)  Isolated populations become more fit. 
E)  Diseases and parasites are not spread between separated populations. 
A)  Genes for adaptive traits to local conditions make microevolution possible. 
B)  The population that is most fit would survive by competitive exclusion. 
C)  Genetic diversity allows for species stability by preventing speciation. 
D)  Isolated populations become more fit. 
E)  Diseases and parasites are not spread between separated populations.

Question 12

If the sex ratio in a population is significantly different from 50:50, then which of the following will always be true?

Accepted Answer

A)  The population will enter the extinction vortex. 
B)  The genetic variation in the population will increase over time. 
C)  The genetic variation in the population will decrease over time. 
D)  The effective population size will be greater than the actual population size. 
E)  The effective population size will be less than the actual population size. 
A)  The population will enter the extinction vortex. 
B)  The genetic variation in the population will increase over time. 
C)  The genetic variation in the population will decrease over time. 
D)  The effective population size will be greater than the actual population size. 
E)  The effective population size will be less than the actual population size.

Question 13

Which of the following provides the best evidence of a biodiversity crisis?

Accepted Answer

A)  the incursion of a non-native species 
B)  increasing pollution levels 
C)  decrease in regional productivity 
D)  high rate of extinction 
E)  climate change 
A)  the incursion of a non-native species 
B)  increasing pollution levels 
C)  decrease in regional productivity 
D)  high rate of extinction 
E)  climate change

Question 14

Which of the following is true about the current research regarding forest fragmentation?

Accepted Answer

A)  Fragmented forests support a greater biodiversity because they result in the combination of forest-edge species and forest-interior species. 
B)  Fragmented forests support a lesser biodiversity because the forested-adapted species leave, and only the edge and open-field species can occupy fragmented forests. 
C)  Fragmented forests are the goal of conservation biologists who design wildlife preserves. 
D)  Harvesting timber that results in forest fragmentation results in less soil erosion. 
E)  The disturbance of timber extraction causes the species diversity to increase because of the new habitats created. 
A)  Fragmented forests support a greater biodiversity because they result in the combination of forest-edge species and forest-interior species. 
B)  Fragmented forests support a lesser biodiversity because the forested-adapted species leave, and only the edge and open-field species can occupy fragmented forests. 
C)  Fragmented forests are the goal of conservation biologists who design wildlife preserves. 
D)  Harvesting timber that results in forest fragmentation results in less soil erosion. 
E)  The disturbance of timber extraction causes the species diversity to increase because of the new habitats created.

Question 15

What is a critical load?

Accepted Answer

A)  the amount of nutrient augmentation necessary to bring a depleted habitat back to its former level 
B)  the level of a given toxin in an ecosystem that is lethal to 50% of the species present 
C)  the maximum abundance level of a particular species, beyond which additional numbers will degrade a habitat 
D)  the amount of added nutrient that can be absorbed by plants without damaging ecosystem integrity 
E)  the number of predators an ecosystem can support that effectively culls prey populations to healthy levels 
A)  the amount of nutrient augmentation necessary to bring a depleted habitat back to its former level 
B)  the level of a given toxin in an ecosystem that is lethal to 50% of the species present 
C)  the maximum abundance level of a particular species, beyond which additional numbers will degrade a habitat 
D)  the amount of added nutrient that can be absorbed by plants without damaging ecosystem integrity 
E)  the number of predators an ecosystem can support that effectively culls prey populations to healthy levels

Question 16

Cowbirds utilize fragmented forests effectively by

Accepted Answer

A)  feeding on the fruits of shrubs that tend to grow at the forest/open-field interface. 
B)  parasitizing the nests of forest birds, and feeding on open-field insects. 
C)  roosting in forest trees, and nesting in grassy fields. 
D)  outcompeting other songbird species in fragmented communities. 
E)  using forest cover to escape from predators in their normal grassland habitat. 
A)  feeding on the fruits of shrubs that tend to grow at the forest/open-field interface. 
B)  parasitizing the nests of forest birds, and feeding on open-field insects. 
C)  roosting in forest trees, and nesting in grassy fields. 
D)  outcompeting other songbird species in fragmented communities. 
E)  using forest cover to escape from predators in their normal grassland habitat.

Question 17

According to most conservation biologists, the single greatest threat to global biodiversity is

Accepted Answer

A)  chemical pollution of water and air. 
B)  stratospheric ozone depletion. 
C)  overexploitation of certain species. 
D)  alteration or destruction of the physical habitat. 
E)  global climate change resulting from a variety of human activities. 
A)  chemical pollution of water and air. 
B)  stratospheric ozone depletion. 
C)  overexploitation of certain species. 
D)  alteration or destruction of the physical habitat. 
E)  global climate change resulting from a variety of human activities.

Question 18

How is habitat fragmentation related to biodiversity loss?

Accepted Answer

A)  Less carbon dioxide is absorbed by plants in fragmented habitats. 
B)  In fragmented habitats, more soil erosion takes place. 
C)  Populations of organisms in fragments are smaller and, thus, more susceptible to extinction. 
D)  Animals are forced out of smaller habitat fragments. 
E)  Fragments generate silt that negatively affects sensitive river and stream organisms. 
A)  Less carbon dioxide is absorbed by plants in fragmented habitats. 
B)  In fragmented habitats, more soil erosion takes place. 
C)  Populations of organisms in fragments are smaller and, thus, more susceptible to extinction. 
D)  Animals are forced out of smaller habitat fragments. 
E)  Fragments generate silt that negatively affects sensitive river and stream organisms.

Question 19

Overexploitation encourages extinction and is most likely to affect

Accepted Answer

A)  animals that occupy a broad ecological niche. 
B)  large animals with low intrinsic reproductive rates. 
C)  most organisms that live in the oceans. 
D)  terrestrial organisms more than aquatic organisms. 
E)  edge-adapted species. 
A)  animals that occupy a broad ecological niche. 
B)  large animals with low intrinsic reproductive rates. 
C)  most organisms that live in the oceans. 
D)  terrestrial organisms more than aquatic organisms. 
E)  edge-adapted species.

Question 20

Burning fossil fuels releases oxides of sulfur and nitrogen. These air pollutants can be responsible for

Accepted Answer

A)  the death of fish in lakes. 
B)  precipitation with a pH as low as 3.0. 
C)  calcium deficiency in soils. 
D)  direct damage to plants by leaching nutrients from the leaves. 
E)  All of the options are correct. 
A)  the death of fish in lakes. 
B)  precipitation with a pH as low as 3.0. 
C)  calcium deficiency in soils. 
D)  direct damage to plants by leaching nutrients from the leaves. 
E)  All of the options are correct.

Exam 56: Conservation Biology and Global Change

Which of the following terms includes all of the others?

Managing southwestern forests specifically for the red-cockaded woodpecker

Review the formula for effective population size. Imagine a population of 1,000 small rodents. Of these, 300 are breeding females, 300 are breeding males, and 400 are nonbreeding juveniles. What is the effective population size?

The use of DDT as an insecticide in the United States has been outlawed since 1971, yet is still a problem for certain top-level carnivores in the United States. Which of the following choices best explains this apparent incongruity?

For the following questions, match the statement with the appropriate term/phrase. -This causes extremely high levels of toxic chemicals in fish-eating birds.

What is the biggest problem with selecting a site for a preserve?

The introduction of the brown tree snake in the 1940s to the island of Guam has resulted in

We should care about loss in biodiversity in the populations of other species because of

Biodiversity hot spots are not necessarily the best choice for nature preserves because

Extinction is a natural phenomenon. It is estimated that 99% of all species that ever lived are now extinct. Why then do we say that we are now experiencing an extinction (loss of biodiversity)crisis?

What is the biological significance of genetic diversity between populations?

If the sex ratio in a population is significantly different from 50:50, then which of the following will always be true?

Which of the following provides the best evidence of a biodiversity crisis?

Which of the following is true about the current research regarding forest fragmentation?

What is a critical load?

Cowbirds utilize fragmented forests effectively by

According to most conservation biologists, the single greatest threat to global biodiversity is

How is habitat fragmentation related to biodiversity loss?

Overexploitation encourages extinction and is most likely to affect

Burning fossil fuels releases oxides of sulfur and nitrogen. These air pollutants can be responsible for

Introduction: Themes in the Study of Life

The Chemical Context of Life

Water and Life

Carbon and the Molecular Diversity of Life

The Structure and Function of Large Biological Molecules

A Tour of the Cell

Membrane Structure and Function

An Introduction to Metabolism

Cellular Respiration and Fermentation

Photosynthesis

Cell Communication

The Cell Cycle

Meiosis and Sexual Life Cycles

Mendel and the Gene Idea

The Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance

The Molecular Basis of Inheritance

From Gene to Protein

Regulation of Gene Expression

Viruses

Biotechnology

Genomes and Their Evolution

Descent with Modification: A Darwinian View of Life

The Evolution of Populations

The Origin of Species

The History of Life on Earth

Phylogeny and the Tree of Life

Bacteria and Archaea

Protists

Plant Diversity I: How Plants Colonized Land

Plant Diversity II: The Evolution of Seed Plants

Fungi

An Overview of Animal Diversity

An Introduction to Invertebrates

The Origin and Evolution of Vertebrates

Plant Structure, Growth, and Development

Resource Acquisition and Transport in Vascular Plants

Soil and Plant Nutrition

Angiosperm Reproduction and Biotechnology

Plant Responses to Internal and External Signals

Basic Principles of Animal Form and Function

Animal Nutrition

Circulation and Gas Exchange

The Immune System

Osmoregulation and Excretion

Hormones and the Endocrine System

Animal Reproduction

Animal Development

Neurons, Synapses, and Signaling

Nervous Systems

Sensory and Motor Mechanisms

Animal Behavior

An Introduction to Ecology and the Biosphere

Population Ecology

Community Ecology

Ecosystems and Restoration Ecology

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