Environment and ecology: ecology and biodiversity - One Line Questions
1.
What is an 'endemic' species? —
A species found only in a specific geographic area
2.
What are the living components of an ecosystem called? —
Biotic factors
3.
In a typical ecosystem, what percentage of energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next? —
Approximately 10%
4.
Which of the following is an example of an abiotic factor in an ecosystem? —
Sunlight
5.
Which of the following describes the variety of life on Earth at all its levels, from genes to ecosystems? —
Biodiversity
6.
What are the non-living components of an ecosystem called? —
Abiotic factors
7.
Which of the following is an example of an in-situ conservation strategy? —
National Parks
8.
The process by which nitrogen is converted into forms usable by plants is called: —
Nitrogen fixation
9.
What is the process by which water moves through the environment and changes states? —
Water cycle
10.
The term 'Ecosystem' was coined by whom? —
Arthur Tansley
11.
What is a group of individuals of the same species living in a particular area called? —
Population
12.
What is 'ex-situ conservation'? —
Conservation outside the natural habitat
13.
Organisms that produce their own food, usually through photosynthesis, are called: —
Producers
14.
Which of the following is an example of a terrestrial biome? —
Tundra
15.
What is the term for the gradual process of change in species composition and community structure over time? —
Ecological succession
16.
What is the largest and most complex biological community called? —
Biome
17.
A collection of interacting populations of different species in a given area is known as: —
Community
18.
What are the cyclic movements of chemical elements between the biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem called? —
Biogeochemical cycles
19.
Conservation efforts that protect species in their natural habitats are known as: —
In-situ conservation
20.
What is the term for a species that is likely to become endangered in the near future? —
Vulnerable
21.
A complex network of interconnected food chains in an ecosystem is known as a: —
Food web
22.
What are the pathways of energy transfer between organisms in an ecosystem called? —
Food chains
23.
Which aquatic biome is characterized by saltwater and is the largest habitat on Earth? —
Ocean
24.
Which type of biodiversity refers to the variety of different species within a habitat or region? —
Species diversity
25.
What is the primary source of energy for most ecosystems on Earth? —
Solar energy
26.
The specific role of an organism within its ecosystem, including its interactions with biotic and abiotic factors, is called its: —
Niche
27.
Primary succession begins in an area that: —
Is devoid of life and soil
28.
Secondary succession occurs in an area that: —
Has been previously occupied but is now disturbed
29.
The introduction of a non-native species into an ecosystem can lead to: —
Decreased native biodiversity
30.
What is the term for a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance? —
31.
What does the acronym IUCN stand for? —
International Union for Conservation of Nature
32.
Which type of species plays a crucial role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community? —
Keystone species
33.
Which convention aims to promote the conservation of biodiversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources? —
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
34.
A relationship where one organism benefits and the other is harmed is called: —
Parasitism
35.
The process of species becoming extinct due to human activities is known as: —
Anthropogenic extinction
36.
What is the natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism called? —
Habitat
37.
What is the process by which energy flows through an ecosystem? —
Energy flow
38.
Which type of ecosystem is characterized by a mixture of fresh and saltwater? —
Estuary
39.
Which gas is essential for photosynthesis and is a key component of the carbon cycle? —
Carbon dioxide
40.
What is the fundamental unit of ecology? —
Ecosystem
41.
The IUCN Red List categorizes species based on their: —
Risk of extinction
42.
Organisms that obtain energy by feeding on other organisms are known as: —
Consumers
43.
Which group of organisms breaks down dead organic matter? —
Decomposers
44.
What is the term for the variety of genes within a species? —
Genetic diversity
45.
Which level of biodiversity refers to the total genetic information contained within a species? —
Genetic diversity
46.
Which level of biodiversity encompasses the variety of habitats, communities, and ecological processes within a region? —
Ecosystem diversity
47.
Which of the following is a major threat to biodiversity? —
Habitat destruction
48.
What is the main function of decomposers in an ecosystem? —
To break down dead organic matter and recycle nutrients
49.
What is the primary goal of establishing Biosphere Reserves? —
To conserve biodiversity, test sustainable development models, and provide support for research and monitoring
50.
Which biome is characterized by low temperatures, little precipitation, and a short growing season? —
Tundra