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Biodiversity and the Planetary Boundaries

Description: Biodiversity and the Planetary Boundaries
Number of Questions: 15
Created by:
Tags: biodiversity planetary boundaries conservation ecology
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Which of the following is NOT considered a planetary boundary?

  1. Climate change

  2. Biodiversity loss

  3. Ocean acidification

  4. Economic growth


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The planetary boundaries are a set of nine environmental limits that, if crossed, could lead to irreversible and catastrophic damage to the Earth's ecosystems. Economic growth is not considered a planetary boundary because it is not a direct threat to the environment.

What is the estimated number of species on Earth?

  1. 1 million

  2. 10 million

  3. 100 million

  4. 1 billion


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Scientists estimate that there are between 5 and 10 million species on Earth, although the exact number is unknown.

Which of the following is the leading cause of biodiversity loss?

  1. Habitat loss and fragmentation

  2. Climate change

  3. Pollution

  4. Invasive species


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Habitat loss and fragmentation is the leading cause of biodiversity loss, as it destroys and degrades the natural habitats of species, making it difficult for them to survive and reproduce.

What is the term used to describe the process by which species become extinct?

  1. Extermination

  2. Annihilation

  3. Extinction

  4. Eradication


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Extinction is the term used to describe the process by which species become extinct, meaning that they no longer exist anywhere on Earth.

Which of the following is an example of a species that has gone extinct in recent years?

  1. Dodo

  2. Passenger pigeon

  3. Thylacine

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The dodo, passenger pigeon, and thylacine are all examples of species that have gone extinct in recent years. The dodo was a flightless bird native to Mauritius, the passenger pigeon was a migratory bird native to North America, and the thylacine was a carnivorous marsupial native to Australia.

What is the term used to describe the interconnectedness of all living things on Earth?

  1. Biodiversity

  2. Ecosystem

  3. Biosphere

  4. Ecology


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The biosphere is the term used to describe the interconnectedness of all living things on Earth, including their interactions with the non-living components of the environment.

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of biodiversity?

  1. Provides food and water

  2. Regulates climate

  3. Provides medicines

  4. Increases pollution


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Biodiversity provides many benefits to humans, including food, water, medicines, and climate regulation. It does not, however, increase pollution.

What is the term used to describe the process by which humans use and manage natural resources?

  1. Conservation

  2. Preservation

  3. Sustainability

  4. Exploitation


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Exploitation is the term used to describe the process by which humans use and manage natural resources, often without regard for the long-term consequences.

Which of the following is NOT a strategy for conserving biodiversity?

  1. Protecting and restoring habitats

  2. Reducing pollution

  3. Promoting sustainable agriculture

  4. Introducing invasive species


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Introducing invasive species is not a strategy for conserving biodiversity, as invasive species can compete with native species for resources and cause them to decline or even go extinct.

What is the term used to describe the process by which humans reduce their impact on the environment?

  1. Mitigation

  2. Adaptation

  3. Sustainability

  4. Conservation


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Mitigation is the term used to describe the process by which humans reduce their impact on the environment, such as by reducing greenhouse gas emissions or using renewable energy sources.

Which of the following is NOT a planetary boundary related to biodiversity?

  1. Climate change

  2. Nitrogen and phosphorus pollution

  3. Land-system change

  4. Ocean acidification


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Ocean acidification is not a planetary boundary related to biodiversity, as it is primarily caused by the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by the oceans.

What is the term used to describe the process by which species adapt to changes in their environment?

  1. Evolution

  2. Adaptation

  3. Natural selection

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Evolution, adaptation, and natural selection are all terms used to describe the process by which species adapt to changes in their environment.

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of biodiversity loss?

  1. Loss of ecosystem services

  2. Increased vulnerability to climate change

  3. Improved human health

  4. Reduced food security


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Biodiversity loss can have many negative consequences, including the loss of ecosystem services, increased vulnerability to climate change, and reduced food security. However, it does not lead to improved human health.

What is the term used to describe the process by which humans restore degraded ecosystems?

  1. Reforestation

  2. Rewilding

  3. Restoration ecology

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Reforestation, rewilding, and restoration ecology are all terms used to describe the process by which humans restore degraded ecosystems.

Which of the following is NOT a global biodiversity hotspot?

  1. Amazon rainforest

  2. Congo rainforest

  3. Great Barrier Reef

  4. Sahara Desert


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Amazon rainforest, Congo rainforest, and Great Barrier Reef are all considered global biodiversity hotspots, while the Sahara Desert is not.

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