chapter 23

Question 1

What factors can be used to identify biodiversity hotspots instead of species richness?

Answer 1

number of endemic plant species and amount of vegetation lost

Question 2

The intrinsic value of an ecosystem

Answer 2

considers the value of an ecosystem apart from any economic benefit.

Question 3

Economic benefits of preserving biodiversity include

Answer 3

I. nutrient cycling

II. recreation

III. providing products

Question 4

What rate of extinction will determine if the current rate of extinction is equivalent to a mass extinction?

Answer 4

75%

Question 5

Why is it important to preserve genetic diversity as well as species diversity?

Answer 5

High genetic diversity increases survival in changing environmental conditions.

Question 6

Which is NOT evidence that humans have historically contributed to extinctions through overharvesting?

Answer 6

changes in species composition of forests after logging

Question 7

What is NOT a way introduced species contribute to the extinction of native species?

Answer 7

increasing the fitness of a competing native species

Question 8

Why do we need to consider the process of biomagnification when assessing the risk of a pesticide to wildlife?

Answer 8

It increases risk in species at the top of the food chain.

Question 9

Which is NOT an effect of global climate change that is already being observed?

Answer 9

changing precipitation patterns

Question 10

What challenges can arise when considering a species reintroduction?

Answer 10

I. high monetary cost

II. local opposition to the species

III. changes in land use