Investigating the Effects of Disease on Wildlife Populations

Description: Investigating the Effects of Disease on Wildlife Populations
Number of Questions: 15
Created by:
Tags: wildlife diseases population dynamics conservation biology
Attempted 0/15 Correct 0 Score 0

Which disease caused a significant decline in the population of Asian elephants in the 1990s?

  1. Tuberculosis

  2. Anthrax

  3. Hemorrhagic septicemia

  4. Foot-and-mouth disease


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Hemorrhagic septicemia, caused by the bacterium Pasteurella multocida, led to the death of thousands of Asian elephants in the 1990s, particularly in southern India.

What is the primary mode of transmission of avian influenza among wild birds?

  1. Direct contact

  2. Fecal-oral route

  3. Respiratory droplets

  4. Contaminated water


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Avian influenza is primarily transmitted among wild birds through respiratory droplets, which can occur during close contact, such as when birds share the same airspace or engage in aggressive behaviors.

Which disease is responsible for the decline of amphibian populations worldwide?

  1. Chytridiomycosis

  2. Ranavirus

  3. Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis

  4. Salmonella


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Chytridiomycosis, caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, has been identified as a major factor in the decline of amphibian populations worldwide, leading to the extinction of numerous species.

How does rabies affect wildlife populations?

  1. It causes neurological damage and aggression.

  2. It leads to respiratory failure.

  3. It causes severe diarrhea and dehydration.

  4. It results in blindness and loss of coordination.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Rabies, caused by the rabies virus, primarily affects the central nervous system of infected animals, leading to neurological damage and aggressive behavior, which can pose a threat to both wildlife and humans.

What is the primary vector for the transmission of Lyme disease to humans?

  1. Mosquitoes

  2. Ticks

  3. Fleas

  4. Sandflies


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Lyme disease is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks, particularly Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes pacificus in North America.

Which disease is caused by a prion and affects the central nervous system of deer and elk?

  1. Chronic wasting disease

  2. Mad cow disease

  3. Scrapie

  4. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Chronic wasting disease is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) caused by a prion and affects the central nervous system of deer, elk, and other cervids, leading to progressive neurological deterioration and eventually death.

What is the primary route of transmission of tuberculosis in wildlife populations?

  1. Inhalation of aerosolized bacteria

  2. Ingestion of contaminated food or water

  3. Direct contact with infected animals

  4. Transplacental transmission


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Tuberculosis, caused by bacteria in the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, is primarily transmitted among wildlife populations through the inhalation of aerosolized bacteria expelled by infected animals during coughing, sneezing, or vocalizations.

Which disease is caused by a fungus and affects bats, leading to a condition known as white-nose syndrome?

  1. Histoplasmosis

  2. Aspergillosis

  3. Candidiasis

  4. Pseudogymnoascus destructans


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

White-nose syndrome in bats is caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans, which infects the skin of bats during hibernation, leading to tissue damage, dehydration, and ultimately death.

How does distemper virus affect wildlife populations?

  1. It causes respiratory and neurological symptoms.

  2. It leads to gastrointestinal issues and diarrhea.

  3. It results in skin lesions and hair loss.

  4. It causes reproductive problems and infertility.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Distemper virus, a highly contagious virus, primarily affects carnivores and can cause a range of symptoms, including respiratory problems, neurological disorders, and gastrointestinal issues, leading to significant mortality in wildlife populations.

Which disease is caused by a protozoan parasite and affects the blood of birds, leading to avian malaria?

  1. Plasmodium falciparum

  2. Plasmodium vivax

  3. Plasmodium malariae

  4. Plasmodium gallinaceum


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Avian malaria is caused by a protozoan parasite Plasmodium gallinaceum and is transmitted by mosquitoes. It affects the blood of birds, leading to anemia, weakness, and potentially death.

How does Ebola virus affect wildlife populations?

  1. It causes hemorrhagic fever and organ failure.

  2. It leads to respiratory distress and pneumonia.

  3. It results in neurological symptoms and seizures.

  4. It causes skin lesions and rashes.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Ebola virus, a highly virulent virus, causes hemorrhagic fever in wildlife populations, leading to severe bleeding, organ failure, and high mortality rates.

Which disease is caused by a bacterium and affects the respiratory system of birds, leading to avian cholera?

  1. Pasteurella multocida

  2. Salmonella enterica

  3. Escherichia coli

  4. Mycoplasma gallisepticum


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Avian cholera is caused by the bacterium Pasteurella multocida and primarily affects waterfowl and other aquatic birds. It leads to respiratory distress, septicemia, and high mortality rates.

How does canine distemper virus affect wildlife populations?

  1. It causes respiratory and neurological symptoms.

  2. It leads to gastrointestinal issues and diarrhea.

  3. It results in skin lesions and hair loss.

  4. It causes reproductive problems and infertility.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Canine distemper virus, a highly contagious virus, primarily affects carnivores and can cause a range of symptoms, including respiratory problems, neurological disorders, and gastrointestinal issues, leading to significant mortality in wildlife populations.

Which disease is caused by a fungus and affects amphibians, leading to chytridiomycosis?

  1. Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis

  2. Candida albicans

  3. Aspergillus fumigatus

  4. Cryptococcus neoformans


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Chytridiomycosis is caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and primarily affects amphibians. It leads to skin lesions, electrolyte imbalance, and ultimately death, contributing to amphibian declines worldwide.

How does West Nile virus affect wildlife populations?

  1. It causes encephalitis and neurological symptoms.

  2. It leads to respiratory distress and pneumonia.

  3. It results in skin lesions and rashes.

  4. It causes reproductive problems and infertility.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

West Nile virus, a mosquito-borne virus, primarily affects birds and can cause encephalitis and neurological symptoms, including tremors, seizures, and paralysis, leading to significant mortality in bird populations.

- Hide questions