Deck 12: Sustaining Biodiversity: the Species Approach

Question 1

Which bird species did ornithologist John Audubon observe in the early 1800s in a flock that he estimated was 16 kilometres wide and hundreds of kilometres long and consisted of perhaps a billion birds?

A)Carolina parakeets
B)sparrows
C)starlings
D)passenger pigeons

Answer 1

D

Question 2

Which term applies to the California condor and whooping crane?

A)They are imported species
B)They are endangered species.
C)They are overpopulated species.
D)They are threatened species.

Answer 2

B

Question 3

Why is the timber wolf prone to extinction?

A)because of its preference to prey on livestock
B)because of its specialized breeding areas
C)because of its large size
D)because of its fixed migratory patterns

Answer 3

A

Question 4

Which type of organism do mathematical models indicate are more vulnerable to ecological and biological extinction?

A)herbivores
B)decomposers
C)top competitors
D)producers

Question 5

Which term refers to the notion that habitat loss may result in extinction of species over several generations?

A)accumulation
B)positive feedback loop
C)delay
D)negative feedback loop

Question 6

Which species still survives in Canada?

A)the Labrador duck
B)the passenger pigeon
C)the burrowing owl
D)the great auk

Question 7

Why are bats prone to extinction?

A)because of their slow digestive rate
B)because they have generalized feeding habits
C)because of their low reproduction rate
D)because of their solitary existence

Question 8

Which of the following leads to a decrease in biodiversity?

A)ecological land-use planning
B)protection of ecosystems
C)pollution control
D)introduction of exotic species

Question 9

Why were passenger pigeons hunted?

A)Their feathers were used to stuff pillows.
B)They were fed to cats.
C)People feared them.
D)They ate too many insects.

Question 10

In what year did the passenger pigeon become extinct?

A)1874
B)1894
C)1914
D)1934

Question 11

What is the definition of an endangered species?

A)It will eventually become threatened or rare.
B)It can become rare within the next century.
C)It will soon become extinct in all or part of its range.
D)It can undergo alteration of its genetic traits.

Question 12

What has a greater chance of occurring when a population size drops to a critical population density?

A)a smaller gene pool and outbreeding
B)a larger gene pool and outbreeding
C)a smaller gene pool and inbreeding
D)a larger gene pool and inbreeding

Question 13

What are alligators called if their population is so depleted that organisms which depend on alligator habitat for their survival are also suffering?

A)locally extinct
B)endangered
C)threatened
D)ecologically extinct

Question 14

Why is the whooping crane vulnerable to extinction?

A)because of its call
B)because of its small size
C)because of its low reproduction rate
D)because of its variable migration patterns

Question 15

What is the most significant difference between the current extinction crisis and previous mass extinctions?

A)Recovery is likely to be faster because of genetic engineering.
B)It is taking place at a slower rate.
C)It is caused by the human species.
D)Ecosystems that store genes for future generations have been protected.

Question 16

Which of the following leads to an increase in biodiversity?

A)habitat degradation
B)phosphate pollution of streams
C)elimination of exotic vegetation
D)acid deposition

Question 17

Which characteristic is unlikely to make a species more prone to extinction?

A)low population density
B)small body size
C)low reproductive rate
D)specialized niche

Question 18

What is the estimated rate of extinction that correlates with the assumption that there are 100 million different species on Earth?

A)25 000 species per year
B)30 000 species per year
C)50 000 species per year
D)100 000 species per year

Question 19

What is a biologist likely to say about the passenger pigeon?

A)It is ecologically extinct.
B)It is locally extinct.
C)It is endangered.
D)It is biologically extinct.

Question 20

Which characteristic is displayed by small populations of species?

A)They have a large and diverse gene pool.
B)They are not vulnerable to catastrophic events.
C)They may have an increased evolutionary potential for survival.
D)Their population density may be below critical levels.

Question 21

Which of the following "values" do species have, according to claims made by biologists?

A)ecological value
B)market value
C)no value
D)political value

Question 22

What is the greatest threat to most species?

A)sport hunting
B)parasitic infestation
C)habitat reduction
D)water pollution

Question 23

Which cause of endangerment and extinction of wild species has the longest delay?

A)pollution
B)habitat fragmentation
C)human population growth
D)poaching and commercial hunting

Question 24

Which animal has a role in the propagation of cashews, avocados, and bananas?

A)the hummingbird
B)the bat
C)the bee
D)the manatee

Question 25

Which island would likely have the largest number of species?

A)a medium-sized island in the middle of an island chain
B)a small island far removed from other sites
C)a large island far removed from other sites
D)a large island near the mainland

Question 26

Which term did biologist E.O.Wilson give to the sense of affinity that most people feel toward the natural world?

A)technophobia
B)biophobi
C)technophilia
D)biophilia

Question 27

Which economic service is unlikely to be provided by wild species of organisms?

A)recycling nutrients and decomposition of organic wastes
B)balancing all the impacts of human activities
C)moderating Earth's climate
D)diversification of the gene pool

Question 28

Which type of species offers the opportunity to apply the precautionary strategy?

A)an endemic species found in only one part of the world
B)an indicator species
C)a keystone species
D)an alien species

Question 29

What would NOT be likely to cause the extinction and reduction of wildlife populations?

A)human population growth
B)affluence
C)governmental policies that undervalue ecological services
D)sustainable development

Question 30

Which mammals are likely at risk of becoming extinct in the near future?

A)apes and monkeys
B)antelopes
C)wild cats and dogs
D)rodents

Question 31

What type of "island" could a national park be viewed as, given that a national park is usually surrounded by agriculture, industry, and logging?

A)agriculture island
B)habitat island
C)industrial island
D)stream island

Question 32

Which of the following "values" do species have, according to people who believe that wild species have an inherent right to exist?

A)extrinsic value
B)intrinsic value
C)economic value
D)utilitarian value

Question 33

Which excursion is an environmentalist unlikely to go on?

A)an ecotour that hires naturalists and local people
B)an ecotour that contributes a high percentage of the tour company's profits to local environmental projects
C)an ecotour that takes precautions to reduce the tour's impacts on the local ecosystem
D)an ecotour that provides lodging in an internationally owned hotel

Question 34

What percentage of all wild mammals are at risk of becoming extinct in the very near future?

A)65%
B)45%
C)25%
D)15%

Question 35

Why are bats endangered?

A)Bats live in habitats vulnerable to destruction.
B)Bats have a high reproduction rate.
C)People are not fearful of bats.
D)People appreciate the ecological role of bats.

Question 36

What is the greatest species terminator?

A)destruction of tropical forest habitat
B)destruction of coral reef habitat
C)destruction of grassland habitat
D)destruction of desert habitat

Question 37

What percentage of today's food crops were domesticated from wild tropical plants?

A)50%
B)70%
C)80%
D)90%

Question 38

What is an outcome of the general perception that flowers are beautiful?

A)It is evidence that wildflowers have ecological importance.
B)It is evidence that wildflowers have medical importance.
C)It is evidence that wildflowers have economic importance.
D)It is evidence that wildflowers have aesthetic importance.

Question 39

What is the value of a male lion living to age seven in Kenya?

A)$515 000 as a live specimen sold to a zoo
B)$515 000 as a functioning component of the ecosystem
C)$515 000 as a sporting trophy
D)$515 000 as a tourist attraction

Question 40

What term is used on many tropical islands to refer to fruit-eating bats?

A)keystone species
B)generalists
C)alien species
D)indicator species

Question 41

Why was the Carolina parakeet exterminated?

A)because it was an alien species
B)because it spread histoplasmosis, a fungal disease
C)because it fed on fruit crops
D)because it carried a viral disease that killed domesticated parakeets

Question 42

Which threatened or endangered species had their numbers reduced for a reason other than being a nuisance to some humans?

A)coyotes
B)bobcats
C)prairie dogs
D)parrots

Question 43

What is a limiting factor of CITES?

A)It only applies to larger urban centres.
B)It is unclear which species are covered.
C)Much of the illegal wildlife trade occurs in countries that have not signed the treaty.
D)Member countries cannot exempt themselves from protecting any species.

Question 44

What rule should be applied before a non-native species is introduced to an ecosystem or habitat?

A)the first law of thermodynamics
B)the law of common property
C)the law of supply and demand
D)the precautionary principle

Question 45

Which population has been depleted due to the pet trade?

A)temperate fish
B)arctic fish
C)tropical birds
D)Canadian mammals

Question 46

What is CITES?

A)a national organization from Canada dedicated to the preservation of endangered species in Canada only
B)a set of regulations controlling the introduction of only bird species
C)a treaty controlling the international trade in endangered species
D)a pact that supports critical ecosystems that support Antarctic wildlife only

Question 47

Which species would be affected by the fragmentation of tropical forests?

A)raccoons
B)cowbirds
C)migrating songbirds
D)skunks

Question 48

Why might the biodiversity in wildlife reserves be depleted in a few decades?

A)climate change brought about by global warming depletes biodiversity
B)demands for sport trophies depletes biodiversity
C)biological magnification of pesticides depletes biodiversity
D)the use of fossil fuels depletes biodiversity

Question 49

What is a feature of the Japanese kudzu vine?

A)It flowers twice a year.
B)It bears toxic berries that deplete bird populations.
C)It is a source of starch for use in Canadian beverages.
D)It has a strong root system that helps control soil erosion.

Question 50

What has nearly driven prairie dogs to extinction?

A)coyotes
B)shotguns and rifles
C)poison
D)imported black-footed ferrets

Question 51

What may occur as a result of importing exotic birds for use as household pets?

A)a 20% animal death rate
B)improved health of the pet owner
C)the species becoming endangered or threatened
D)increased tourist revenues in the exporting countries

Question 52

Which species is almost extinct because its prime source of food has declined significantly in population due to being poisoned by humans?

A)manatees
B)wolverines
C)black-footed ferrets
D)alligators

Question 53

Which ranking applies to illegal wildlife trafficking?

A)It is the world's second largest form of black-market commerce.
B)It is the world's third largest form of black-market commerce.
C)It is the world's fourth largest form of black-market commerce.
D)It is the world's fifth largest form of black-market commerce.

Question 54

Which statement describes habitat islands?

A)They can NOT be national parks, protected areas, or freshwater lakes.
B)They are wildlife preserves set aside to sustain endangered species.
C)They can create small populations that are resistant to inbreeding.
D)They are often too small to support the minimum number of individuals required to sustain a population.

Question 55

The fact that a species becomes threatened causes demand for the species to increase.The species then becomes endangered.Which term applies to this sequence?

A)negative feedback loop
B)antagonistic interaction
C)delay
D)positive feedback loop

Question 56

Which of the following is a result of habitat fragmentation?

A)Habitat fragmentation increases habitat area to support the maximum breeding population of some species.
B)Habitat fragmentation increases the ability of species to find food and mates.
C)Habitat fragmentation increases the ability of some species to disperse and colonize new areas.
D)Habitat fragmentation increases edge areas that make some species more vulnerable to predators.

Question 57

How can DDT affect wildlife?

A)by increasing the reproductive rates of animals
B)by accelerating the maturation rate of animals
C)by making animals more resistant to diseases
D)by making animals more vulnerable to parasites and predators

Question 58

Which term is synonymous with illegal hunting for profit?

A)commercial hunting
B)poaching
C)subsistence hunting
D)sport hunting

Question 59

What is the biggest threat to native species, other than habitat loss and degradation?

A)greenhouse gases
B)urban sprawl
C)deliberate or accidental introduction of non-native species
D)chemical contamination

Question 60

Which term applies to a situation involving the rapid doubling of a water hyacinth population that exists in nutrient-rich waters with no predators?

A)positive feedback loop
B)negative feedback loop
C)synergistic interaction
D)accumulation

Question 61

When a species has disappeared from the Earth, it is biologically extinct.

Question 62

What is the role of Canada's Species at Risk Act?

A)It provides legal protection for wildlife species in Canada.
B)It became law in 2003 to protect arctic species only.
C)It reports to COSEWIC about the status of wildlife in Canada.
D)It helps protect the importation of endangered species into Canada.

Question 63

Habitat destruction can be counteracted by reconciliation ecology.

Question 64

Biological diversity is an invaluable and irreplaceable resource.

Question 65

What is the view of most Canadians, in terms of the Species at Risk Act?

A)They feel that the Species at Risk Act needs to be applied less widely and seriously.
B)They feel the Species at Risk Act is doing enough.
C)They support the Species at Risk Act in principle but are unhappy with certain flaws.
D)They have not embraced the Species at Risk Act.

Question 66

What is the role of COSEWIC?

A)It helps prevent the importation of endangered species.
B)It estimates projected climate changes.
C)It provides expert assessments of species at risk in Canada.
D)It legally binds signatory governments to reversing the global decline of biological diversity.

Question 67

Because many plant species have potential medicinal benefits, a precautionary strategy would prevent significant destruction of plants.

Question 68

Pollution from human activities primarily affects human health; the effects on the environment are few.

Question 69

When species become endangered, it is an indicator that the health of vital ecosystems is beginning to unravel or decline.

Question 70

What is egg pulling?

A)Producing hybrids in captive breeding programs.
B)Using fertility drugs to increase productivity.
C)Collecting eggs from the wild and hatching them in zoos or research centres.
D)It involves techniques used to extend the breeding span of captured birds.

Question 71

International treaties help protect wild species, and thus help maintain biological diversity.

Question 72

What is reconciliation ecology?

A)It is a last attempt to restore a deforested area.
B)It is a science of reclaiming contaminated nuclear waste sites only.
C)It is an older form of conservation biology that has been revisited.
D)It involves finding ways to share places with other species.

Question 73

Which statement applies to captive breeding programs in zoos?

A)They require the captive population to number between 100 and 500.
B)They eliminate the need to preserve critical habitats.
C)They increase the genetic variability of species.
D)They can be used for most species except mammals.

Question 74

Speciation or extinction could be the result of habitat fragmentation.

Question 75

Alien species thrive in new ecosystems because they have long generation times.

Question 76

Gene banks, zoos, and aquariums are sanctuaries that are being used to protect wild species.

Question 77

One of the causes of depletion of the environment is human population growth.

Question 78

Which species is classified as threatened by COSEWIC?

A)the polar bear
B)the black-footed ferret
C)the woodland caribou
D)the swift fox

Question 79

What is an extirpated species?

A)It is a species that is in serious jeopardy and facing imminent extinction.
B)It is a species that is likely to become endangered if present trends continue.
C)It is a species that no longer exists in Canada but is found in other parts of the world.
D)It is a species with biological characteristics that, when combined with other factors, could cause it to become threatened.

Question 80

By what method are seed gene banks controlled?

A)They are kept in warm environments with low humidity.
B)They are kept in warm environments with high humidity.
C)They are kept in refrigerated environments with low humidity.
D)They are kept in refrigerated environments with high humidity.