Civil Services Examination - Environment and ecology: ecology and biodiversity Online Test (MCQ Quiz)

1. What is the fundamental unit of ecology?

A) Population B) Community C) Ecosystem D) Biosphere

2. Which of the following describes the variety of life on Earth at all its levels, from genes to ecosystems?

A) Biodiversity B) Ecosystem C) Habitat D) Niche

3. The term 'Ecosystem' was coined by whom?

A) Charles Darwin B) Arthur Tansley C) Robert Hooke D) Ernst Haeckel

4. Which level of biodiversity refers to the total genetic information contained within a species?

A) Species diversity B) Genetic diversity C) Ecosystem diversity D) Functional diversity

5. What is a group of individuals of the same species living in a particular area called?

A) Community B) Population C) Biome D) Habitat

6. Which type of biodiversity refers to the variety of different species within a habitat or region?

A) Genetic diversity B) Species diversity C) Ecosystem diversity D) Habitat diversity

7. A collection of interacting populations of different species in a given area is known as:

A) Ecosystem B) Population C) Community D) Biome

8. Which level of biodiversity encompasses the variety of habitats, communities, and ecological processes within a region?

A) Species diversity B) Genetic diversity C) Ecosystem diversity D) Landscape diversity

9. What are the non-living components of an ecosystem called?

A) Biotic factors B) Abiotic factors C) Producers D) Consumers

10. Which of the following is an example of an abiotic factor in an ecosystem?

A) Bacteria B) Sunlight C) Fungi D) Plants

11. What are the living components of an ecosystem called?

A) Abiotic factors B) Biotic factors C) Nutrients D) Minerals

12. Organisms that produce their own food, usually through photosynthesis, are called:

A) Consumers B) Decomposers C) Producers D) Omnivores

13. Organisms that obtain energy by feeding on other organisms are known as:

A) Producers B) Autotrophs C) Consumers D) Chemoautotrophs

14. Which group of organisms breaks down dead organic matter?

A) Producers B) Herbivores C) Carnivores D) Decomposers

15. A relationship where one organism benefits and the other is harmed is called:

A) Mutualism B) Commensalism C) Parasitism D) Predation

16. What is the term for a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance?

A) Indicator species B) Keystone species C) Endemic species D) Foundation species

17. Which type of species plays a crucial role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community?

A) Keystone species B) Niche species C) Generalist species D) Rare species

18. The specific role of an organism within its ecosystem, including its interactions with biotic and abiotic factors, is called its:

A) Habitat B) Niche C) Community D) Population

19. What is the natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism called?

A) Niche B) Biome C) Habitat D) Ecosystem

20. Which of the following is an example of a terrestrial biome?

A) Coral reef B) Estuary C) Tundra D) Mangrove swamp

21. Which biome is characterized by low temperatures, little precipitation, and a short growing season?

A) Tropical rainforest B) Desert C) Tundra D) Savanna

22. What is the largest and most complex biological community called?

A) Ecosystem B) Biome C) Habitat D) Niche

23. Which aquatic biome is characterized by saltwater and is the largest habitat on Earth?

A) Freshwater lake B) River C) Ocean D) Estuary

24. What is the process by which energy flows through an ecosystem?

A) Nutrient cycling B) Energy flow C) Ecological succession D) Biogeochemical cycling

25. In a typical ecosystem, what percentage of energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next?

A) Approximately 10% B) Approximately 50% C) Approximately 75% D) Approximately 90%

26. What are the pathways of energy transfer between organisms in an ecosystem called?

A) Food webs B) Food chains C) Ecological pyramids D) Biogeochemical cycles

27. A complex network of interconnected food chains in an ecosystem is known as a:

A) Food chain B) Food web C) Energy pyramid D) Nutrient cycle

28. What is the term for the gradual process of change in species composition and community structure over time?

A) Ecological succession B) Biogeochemical cycling C) Energy flow D) Habitat fragmentation

29. Primary succession begins in an area that:

A) Has been disturbed by fire B) Has existing soil and life C) Is devoid of life and soil D) Has undergone deforestation

30. Secondary succession occurs in an area that:

A) Has never been colonized by life B) Has been previously occupied but is now disturbed C) Is a bare rock surface D) Is a newly formed volcanic island

31. What are the cyclic movements of chemical elements between the biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem called?

A) Energy flow B) Ecological succession C) Biogeochemical cycles D) Food webs

32. The process by which nitrogen is converted into forms usable by plants is called:

A) Carbon cycle B) Water cycle C) Nitrogen fixation D) Phosphorus cycle

33. What is the primary source of energy for most ecosystems on Earth?

A) Geothermal energy B) Chemical energy C) Solar energy D) Wind energy

34. Which gas is essential for photosynthesis and is a key component of the carbon cycle?

A) Oxygen B) Nitrogen C) Carbon dioxide D) Methane

35. What is the process by which water moves through the environment and changes states?

A) Carbon cycle B) Nitrogen cycle C) Water cycle D) Phosphorus cycle

36. Which of the following is a major threat to biodiversity?

A) Sustainable agriculture B) Habitat destruction C) Conservation efforts D) Pollution control

37. The introduction of a non-native species into an ecosystem can lead to:

A) Increased native biodiversity B) Decreased native biodiversity C) Enhanced ecosystem stability D) No significant ecological impact

38. What is the term for the variety of genes within a species?

A) Species diversity B) Ecosystem diversity C) Genetic diversity D) Habitat diversity

39. 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?

A) Kyoto Protocol B) Paris Agreement C) Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) D) CITES

40. What does the acronym IUCN stand for?

A) International Union for Nature Conservation B) International Union for Conservation of Nature C) Indian Union for Coastal Navigation D) International Union for Climate Negotiation

41. The IUCN Red List categorizes species based on their:

A) Population size B) Geographic range C) Risk of extinction D) Reproductive rate

42. What is an 'endemic' species?

A) A species found worldwide B) A species found only in a specific geographic area C) A species that is extinct D) A species that is endangered

43. Which of the following is an example of an in-situ conservation strategy?

A) Botanical garden B) Zoos C) National Parks D) Seed banks

44. Conservation efforts that protect species in their natural habitats are known as:

A) Ex-situ conservation B) In-situ conservation C) Habitat restoration D) Species reintroduction

45. What is 'ex-situ conservation'?

A) Conservation within the natural habitat B) Conservation outside the natural habitat C) Conservation of entire ecosystems D) Conservation of genetic resources in the wild

46. Which of the following is an example of an ex-situ conservation method?

A) Wildlife Sanctuary B) Biosphere Reserve C) Gene bank D) National Park

47. What is the primary goal of establishing Biosphere Reserves?

A) To protect only endangered species B) To conserve biodiversity, test sustainable development models, and provide support for research and monitoring C) To promote tourism and recreation D) To exclusively manage forest resources

48. Which type of ecosystem is characterized by a mixture of fresh and saltwater?

A) Ocean B) Lake C) Estuary D) River

49. What is the term for a species that is likely to become endangered in the near future?

A) Extinct B) Vulnerable C) Critically endangered D) Near threatened

50. The process of species becoming extinct due to human activities is known as:

A) Natural extinction B) Mass extinction C) Anthropogenic extinction D) Background extinction

Environment and ecology: ecology and biodiversity - Online Test

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