Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Online Learning Quizzes for Sustainability and Environmental Management

Question 1

Which characteristic is NOT indicative of a healthy ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Presence of invasive species

Answer

High species diversity

Answer

Stable food webs

Answer

Low levels of pollution

Question 2

Biodiversity refers to the:

Accepted Answer

Variety and variability of life forms within a specific ecosystem

Answer

Geographic distribution of species

Answer

Number of species in an ecosystem

Answer

Relative abundance of species in an ecosystem

Question 3

Which of the following is a keystone species?

Accepted Answer

A species whose removal causes a disproportionate impact on its ecosystem

Answer

A species that is abundant in its ecosystem

Answer

A species that is endangered

Question 4

What is the role of primary producers in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Convert inorganic matter into organic matter through photosynthesis

Answer

Regulate the climate

Answer

Break down organic matter

Answer

Consume other organisms

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of a symbiotic relationship where both species benefit?

Accepted Answer

Mutualism

Answer

Predation

Answer

Parasitism

Answer

Competition

Question 6

What is the process by which an ecosystem reaches a state of relative stability and equilibrium?

Accepted Answer

Succession

Answer

Climax community

Answer

Adaptation

Answer

Evolution

Question 7

Which of the following is a measure of biodiversity that represents the number of different species in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Species richness

Answer

Productivity

Answer

Biomass

Answer

Population size

Question 8

What is the term for the irreversible loss of a species from an ecosystem and the Earth?

Accepted Answer

Extinction

Answer

Endangerment

Answer

Resilience

Answer

Conservation

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental component of an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Fossil fuels

Answer

Biotic factors (living organisms)

Answer

Abiotic factors (non-living factors)

Answer

Nutrient cycling

Question 10

Biodiversity plays a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem stability primarily because it:

Accepted Answer

Provides functional redundancy and enhances ecosystem resilience

Answer

Limits the spread of disease

Answer

Reduces competition for resources

Answer

Increases the likelihood of extinction

Question 11

Among the following human activities, which poses the most significant threat to terrestrial biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Habitat destruction

Answer

Overexploitation

Answer

Pollution

Question 12

The process by which isolated populations develop distinct genetic characteristics over time due to random changes in gene frequency is known as:

Accepted Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Gene flow

Answer

Natural selection

Question 13

Which of the following is considered a key strategy for promoting sustainable environmental management?

Accepted Answer

Ecosystem restoration

Answer

Fossil fuel exploitation

Answer

Urban sprawl

Answer

Intensive agriculture

Question 14

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) primarily aims to promote:

Accepted Answer

Conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity

Answer

Pollution control

Answer

Climate change mitigation

Answer

Exploitation of natural resources

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of a mutually beneficial relationship between species?

Accepted Answer

Mutualism

Answer

Predation

Answer

Parasitism

Answer

Competition

Question 16

The biome characterized by vast open grasslands and grazing animals is known as:

Accepted Answer

Savanna

Answer

Forest

Answer

Desert

Answer

Tundra

Question 17

Which of the following measures the variety of species within an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Species richness

Answer

Trophic level

Answer

Population size

Answer

Biomass

Question 18

The fundamental process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy is known as:

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis

Answer

Respiration

Answer

Fermentation

Answer

Chemosynthesis

Question 19

Which of the following is not a characteristic of a food chain?

Accepted Answer

It is a closed loop within which nutrients and energy are continuously recycled.

Answer

It demonstrates the interdependence of organisms within an ecosystem.

Answer

It represents the transfer of energy and nutrients through multiple trophic levels.

Answer

It can be depicted as a linear diagram.

Question 20

Which of the following organisms is considered a primary consumer?

Accepted Answer

A rabbit, which feeds directly on plants.

Answer

Grass, which is a producer and not a consumer.

Answer

A snake, which consumes other animals.

Answer

A hawk, which is a top predator.

Question 21

What is the primary role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

To break down dead organisms and return nutrients to the environment.

Answer

To produce food for other organisms.

Answer

To regulate the temperature of the planet.

Answer

To provide shelter for animals.

Question 22

What is the underlying principle of sustainable environmental management?

Accepted Answer

To utilize natural resources responsibly, ensuring their availability for future generations.

Answer

To disregard the environmental consequences of human activities.

Answer

To exploit resources rapidly for maximum financial gain.

Question 23

Which of the following is an indicator of a healthy and balanced ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

High levels of biodiversity, represented by a wide variety of plant and animal species.

Answer

Poor water quality, suggesting pollution or contamination.

Answer

Abundance of invasive species, which can disrupt natural ecosystems.

Answer

Low species richness, indicating a lack of diversity.

Question 24

What is the distinction between a habitat and a niche?

Accepted Answer

A habitat is the physical environment in which an organism lives, while a niche is its functional role and interactions within that environment.

Answer

They are synonymous terms, referring to the same concept.

Question 25

Which of the following species is an example of a keystone species?

Accepted Answer

The sea otter, which plays a crucial role in maintaining kelp forest ecosystems.

Answer

The earthworm, which contributes to soil aeration.

Answer

The dandelion, a common plant with limited ecological impact.

Question 26

What is the significance of biodiversity for human well-being?

Accepted Answer

It provides essential ecosystem services, such as clean water, food, and medicinal resources.

Answer

It poses threats to human health, particularly through the spread of diseases.

Answer

It makes ecosystems more vulnerable to disturbance and environmental change.

Question 27

Which of the following is a recommended practice for sustainable land management?

Accepted Answer

Implementing crop rotation, which improves soil health and reduces erosion.

Answer

Applying excessive amounts of pesticides, which can harm beneficial organisms and pollute the environment.

Answer

Allowing soil erosion, which degrades soil quality and reduces agricultural productivity.

Answer

Clear-cutting forests, which leads to habitat loss and biodiversity decline.

Question 28

Which statement best defines a keystone species?

Accepted Answer

A species with a disproportionately large impact on its ecosystem, even if not the most abundant.

Answer

The most common species in an ecosystem.

Answer

A newly introduced species to an ecosystem.

Answer

A species at the top of the food chain.

Question 29

A large-scale wildfire significantly altering a forest ecosystem is an example of:

Accepted Answer

A disturbance.

Answer

Biodiversity.

Answer

Succession.

Answer

A climax community.

Question 30

Which of the following does NOT directly threaten biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Increased genetic diversity within populations.

Answer

Habitat loss and fragmentation.

Answer

Climate change.

Answer

Pollution.

Question 31

What type of ecological succession occurs after a volcanic eruption?

Accepted Answer

Primary succession.

Answer

Climax community development.

Answer

Ecological stability.

Answer

Secondary succession.

Question 32

Which strategy conserves biodiversity by protecting large areas of undisturbed habitat?

Accepted Answer

Protected area establishment.

Answer

Captive breeding programs.

Answer

Habitat restoration.

Answer

Pollution control.

Question 33

What do 'ecosystem services' refer to?

Accepted Answer

Benefits humans gain from healthy ecosystems, like clean air and water.

Answer

The total number of species found within an ecosystem.

Answer

Energy flow and nutrient cycling within an ecosystem.

Answer

Interactions between different species within an ecosystem.

Question 34

Which of the following represents a trophic level in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Primary consumers.

Answer

Biomagnification.

Answer

Ecosystem stability.

Answer

Habitat.

Question 35

What defines a 'biodiversity hotspot'?

Accepted Answer

Region with many unique species and significant habitat loss.

Answer

Area with the highest overall biodiversity on Earth.

Answer

Area where biodiversity is most vulnerable to climate change.

Answer

Region with the largest number of protected areas.

Question 36

What do the arrows in a food web represent?

Accepted Answer

The flow of energy.

Answer

Nutrient movement through the ecosystem.

Answer

Competition between species for resources.

Answer

Relationships between predators and prey.

Question 37

What is the process called where toxins increase in concentration at higher food chain levels?

Accepted Answer

Biomagnification.

Answer

Bioaccumulation.

Answer

Pollution.

Answer

Eutrophication.

Question 38

Which of the following best describes the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem resilience?

Accepted Answer

Ecosystems with higher biodiversity are generally more resilient to disturbances.

Answer

Biodiversity has no significant impact on ecosystem resilience.

Answer

Ecosystems with lower biodiversity are more resilient because there is less competition.

Question 39

What is the primary threat to biodiversity caused by habitat fragmentation?

Accepted Answer

Reduces the availability and connectivity of suitable habitats.

Answer

Leads to climate change, impacting species survival.

Answer

Increases the spread of invasive species.

Question 40

Which of these is an example of an ecosystem service provided by healthy forests?

Accepted Answer

Carbon sequestration and climate regulation

Answer

Habitat destruction for urban development

Answer

Over-exploitation of natural resources

Answer

Increased reliance on fossil fuels

Question 41

A company wants to implement sustainable practices. Which action would be the LEAST effective in promoting biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Introducing a non-native species for pest control.

Answer

Implementing a reforestation program with native tree species.

Answer

Reducing pesticide use and adopting organic farming practices.

Answer

Creating wildlife corridors to connect fragmented habitats.

Question 42

What is the main difference between an ecosystem and a biome?

Accepted Answer

An ecosystem describes all interacting organisms and their environment in a given area, while a biome covers a larger geographical region with similar climates and ecosystems.

Answer

An ecosystem is a human-made environment, while a biome is a naturally occurring one.

Question 43

Which of these is NOT a keystone species in its respective ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Zebra Mussel in the Great Lakes

Answer

Grey Wolf in Yellowstone National Park

Answer

Sea Otter in kelp forests

Answer

African Elephant in savannas

Question 44

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an international treaty with three main goals. Which of the following is NOT one of the goals of the CBD?

Accepted Answer

To promote the commercial trade of endangered species.

Answer

To promote the sustainable use of its components.

Answer

To conserve biological diversity.

Question 45

What is the most significant consequence of the introduction of invasive species into an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

They can outcompete native species for resources, leading to their decline or extinction.

Answer

They always increase the biodiversity of an ecosystem.

Answer

They have no significant impact on established ecosystems.

Question 46

Which of the following is an example of an in-situ conservation effort?

Accepted Answer

Establishing a national park to protect a natural habitat.

Answer

Breeding endangered animals in captivity and then reintroducing them to the wild.

Answer

Creating a seed bank to preserve plant genetic diversity.

Question 47

How can individuals contribute to the conservation of biodiversity in their daily lives?

Accepted Answer

All of the above.

Answer

Choose sustainably sourced products and support eco-friendly businesses.

Answer

Educate themselves about local environmental issues and advocate for conservation.

Answer

Reduce, reuse, and recycle to minimize resource consumption.

Question 48

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a healthy ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Low species diversity

Answer

Stable food webs

Answer

Resilience to disturbances

Answer

Balanced nutrient cycles

Question 49

The loss of a keystone species can have a cascading effect on an ecosystem because it:

Accepted Answer

Controls populations of multiple other species

Answer

Provides food for a limited number of species

Answer

Is the most abundant species in the ecosystem

Question 50

Which of the following human activities is a major threat to biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Habitat destruction

Answer

Sustainable agriculture

Answer

Ecotourism

Answer

Climate change

Question 51

The concept of ecosystem services refers to the:

Accepted Answer

Benefits that humans derive from ecosystems

Answer

Economic value of ecosystem components

Answer

Costs incurred by humans due to ecosystem degradation

Answer

Legal protections provided to ecosystems

Question 52

Which of the following is a key principle of sustainable environmental management?

Accepted Answer

Precautionary approach

Answer

Ignoring long-term environmental consequences

Answer

Rapid resource exploitation

Answer

Free market economics

Question 53

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) categorizes species based on their:

Accepted Answer

Conservation status

Answer

Economic value

Answer

Ecological role

Answer

Geographic range

Question 54

The process by which organisms adapt to their environment over time is known as:

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Gene flow

Answer

Genetic drift

Question 55

Which of the following is a benefit of protected areas?

Accepted Answer

Conservation of vulnerable species

Answer

Increased resource extraction

Answer

Reduced land use restrictions

Question 56

The concept of ecological footprint measures:

Accepted Answer

Human impact on ecosystem services

Answer

Water quality

Answer

Biodiversity within a specific area

Answer

Greenhouse gas emissions