Week 3

Question 1

Biodiversity, Levels of Diversity, Threats to Biodiversity

Answer 1

Biodiversity = variety of life at 3 levels: genetic, species, ecosystem. Major threats: habitat loss, overexploitation, invasive species, pollution, and climate change.

Question 2

Where is Biodiversity? Why Do We Need Biodiversity?

Answer 2

Highest in tropical regions (e.g., Amazon, Coral Triangle). It’s vital for ecosystem services, food, medicine, climate regulation, and cultural values.

Question 3

Overexploitation

Answer 3

Harvesting natural resources (e.g., fishing, logging) faster than they can replenish, leading to population declines and ecosystem disruption.

Question 4

Climate Change (Biodiversity Impact)

Answer 4

Alters habitats, shifts species’ ranges, disrupts life cycles; some species can’t adapt fast enough, leading to extinction risks.

Question 5

Habitat Loss

Answer 5

Destruction or degradation of ecosystems (e.g., deforestation, urban sprawl); primary driver of species decline and extinction.

Question 6

Pollution (Impact on Biodiversity)

Answer 6

Air, water, and soil pollution harm species directly or disrupt ecosystems (e.g., plastic in oceans, pesticides affecting pollinators).

Question 7

Invasive Species

Answer 7

Non-native species introduced intentionally or accidentally; may outcompete natives, alter habitats, and cause environmental, economic, and health problems.

Question 8

Native vs Introduced vs Invasive Species

Answer 8

Native: Evolved in and adapted to a region.

Introduced: Brought by humans to new regions.

Invasive: Introduced species that spread rapidly and harm ecosystems.

Question 9

IUCN and IUCN Red List

Answer 9

IUCN = International Union for Conservation of Nature; Red List assesses global extinction risk of species, from Least Concern to Critically Endangered.

Question 10

Protected Areas, Categories, Are They Working?

Answer 10

Designated areas (e.g., national parks, reserves) for conservation. Categories I–VI (strict to sustainable use). Effective if well-managed, but many lack enforcement.

Question 11

Biodiversity Hotspots

Answer 11

Areas with exceptionally high species richness and high threat levels (e.g., Madagascar, Indo-Pacific reefs); priority regions for conservation.

Question 12

Culturally Protected Areas in Fiji

Answer 12

Sacred sites or taboo zones protected by local communities for cultural/spiritual reasons; often highly effective for conserving biodiversity.