Conservation Of Biodiversity

Question 1

What is global biodiversity?

Answer 1

The variety and abundance of life on Earth

Question 2

Why is it important to conserve biodiversity?

Answer 2

To maintain access to ecological services and resources. And to insure species survival.

Question 3

What are ecosystem services?

Answer 3

Benefits provided by ecosystems to humans, such as clean air, water, and pollination

Question 4

List some resources provided by biodiversity.

Answer 4

• Wood
• Fibres
• Oils
• Fuels
• New Foods
• medicine

Question 5

What are indigenous species?

Answer 5

Species native to an area, better adapted to local conditions

Question 6

What is biomimetics?

Answer 6

The study of living organisms to apply knowledge to engineering or technological developments.
Nature’s design used in human design.

Question 7

How has the design of aircraft wings been improved through biomimetics?

Answer 7

By copying the splayed wingtip feathers of soaring birds

Question 8

True or False: Shark skin has been used in hospital operating theatres to reduce bacterial infections.

Answer 8

True

Question 9

What natural feature of termites has inspired architectural designs?

Answer 9

The convection current created in their mounds for natural ventilation

Question 10

What is the active ingredient in poppies and what does it treat?

Answer 10

Morphine/codeine; it is a painkiller

Question 11

What is physiology?

Answer 11

The study of physical and chemical processes in organisms

Question 12

Which plant is known for its anticancer compounds and only grows in Madagascar?

Answer 12

Rosy Periwinkle

Question 13

What is biological control in pest management?

Answer 13

Using natural predators or parasites to control agricultural pests

Question 14

What is a gene pool?

Answer 14

The total variety of different genes in all members of a population

Question 15

What are Crop Wild Relative species (CWR)?

Answer 15

Wild plants closely related to cultivated crops, often used in breeding programs

Question 16

What is the role of Vavilov centres?

Answer 16

Areas with large numbers of plant species of economic importance and great genetic diversity

Question 17

Fill in the blank: Many CWR species are naturally found in areas where environmental degradation threatens their _______.

Answer 17

survival

Question 18

What is the significance of studying marsupials in physiological research?

Answer 18

They provide easier study of early developmental stages due to their unique reproductive process

Question 19

Name a characteristic that has been introduced from wild species to cultivated crops.

Answer 19

• Disease resistance
• Salt-tolerance
• Drought resistance
• High yield

Question 20

True or False: Inbreeding in domesticated species increases genetic diversity.

Answer 20

False

Question 21

What is the potential use of the proteins produced by marine sponges?

Answer 21

To prevent the rejection of human organs after transplant surgery

Question 22

What is the impact of selective breeding on crop characteristics?

Answer 22

It may result in the loss of desirable qualities such as taste or appearance

Question 23

What type of chemical compounds do some plants produce to protect themselves from herbivores?

Answer 23

Alkaloids

Question 24

Fill in the blank: Shark skin’s ridges have been copied in new designs for _______ and ship surface coatings.

Answer 24

aircraft

Question 25

What is the significance of the high salt tolerance of some spinach family species?

Answer 25

They may be used in crop breeding programs to increase salt tolerance

Question 26

What is a region likely to have regarding a particular species?

Answer 26

Some genes that are unique to that area ## Footnote These genes exist due to adaptation to specific local conditions.

Question 27

Why should each species be protected over its entire range?

Answer 27

To protect all the genes in the gene pool ## Footnote Protecting only a few convenient areas is insufficient.

Question 28

What are ecosystem services?

Answer 28

Benefits provided by other species that influence conditions on Earth favorable to humans ## Footnote Their importance is often underappreciated.

Question 29

How do photosynthesis and respiration affect atmospheric composition?

Answer 29

They regulate concentrations of CO2 and O2 ## Footnote This creates a dynamic equilibrium in the atmosphere.

Question 30

What role does evapotranspiration from vegetation play in the hydrological cycle?

Answer 30

Produces water vapor that forms clouds, controls surface temperatures, and increases precipitation ## Footnote It is a significant part of the water cycle.

Question 31

Which organisms carry out processes in biogeochemical cycles?

Answer 31

Living organisms including microbes such as bacteria and fungi ## Footnote They are essential for recycling nutrients.

Question 32

What does soil provide to plants?

Answer 32

Water, nutrients, and support for survival ## Footnote Soil also helps regulate the water cycle.

Question 33

What are interspecies relationships?

Answer 33

No species can live in isolation; they rely on others for resources and ecological services ## Footnote These relationships are crucial for survival.

Question 34

What is pollination?

Answer 34

The transfer of pollen from one flower to another for sexual reproduction ## Footnote It can occur via wind or animals.

Question 35

How do brightly colored fruits benefit seed dispersal?

Answer 35

They attract animals that help disperse seeds ## Footnote Animal feces act as fertilizer for the seeds.

Question 36

What human activities threaten biodiversity?

Answer 36

Direct exploitation, habitat changes, pollution, and introduction of invasive species ## Footnote These actions can lead to population declines.

Question 37

What is direct exploitation?

Answer 37

The deliberate use of species for food, fashion, pets, and entertainment ## Footnote This can lead to over-harvesting and extinction.

Question 38

What are some examples of deliberate exploitation for food?

Answer 38

Overfishing of cod, swordfish, and tuna ## Footnote These practices can deplete wild populations.

Question 39

What are some consequences of over-exploitation?

Answer 39

Extinction of species such as the Dodo and overharvesting of wild plants like ginseng ## Footnote Over-exploitation can have long-lasting effects.

Question 40

How do changes in abiotic factors threaten biodiversity?

Answer 40

They can make habitats unsuitable for species not adapted to the new conditions ## Footnote This primarily affects species with specialized habitat requirements.

Question 41

What can cause a decline in dissolved oxygen levels in water?

Answer 41

Discharging hot water and organic wastes ## Footnote This can harm aerobic organisms like fish.

Question 42

How does temperature change affect wildlife?

Answer 42

It can increase growth for some species while others may not survive ## Footnote Global climate change is a major factor.

Question 43

What is the impact of introduced species on biodiversity?

Answer 43

They may outcompete endemic species, leading to declines or extinctions ## Footnote Introduced species can disrupt local ecosystems.

Question 44

What is a competitive advantage of introduced species?

Answer 44

They may have adaptations that allow them to survive better than indigenous species ## Footnote This can lead to the decline of local species.

Question 45

What are some examples of introduced predators affecting native species?

Answer 45

American Mink reducing the range of European Water Vole and cats threatening ground-nesting birds ## Footnote These introductions can lead to significant ecological changes.

Question 46

What role do species like African Forest Elephants play in their ecosystems?

Answer 46

They create clearings and water-holes essential for other species' survival ## Footnote Such species modify habitats beneficially.

Question 47

What activities lead to habitat destruction?

Answer 47

Deforestation, urbanization, mineral extraction, and flooding by reservoirs ## Footnote These actions remove natural communities of species.