Biodiversity Quiz

Biodiversity, aka biological diversity, usually refers to

• the same species in a general location

• the number of different species in a given area

• the number of animal species in a given area

• the number of plant species in a given area

Why is biodiversity so important?

• Because all species depend on each other to survive, so if one becomes extinct another species that relies on it could go extinct as well
• Because it’s better to have only one variation of each species.
• Because it better to only have a few species on Earth.
• Honestly, I have no idea what biodiversity is!

A native species is

• a species that lives in the region where it evolved.

• a species that came from ancient ecosystems

• a species that can out produce other species

• a species that was brought to a region by people

What is an invasive species?

• an organism that IS native to an area and causes harm to the environment/humans

• an organism that is NOT native to an area and causes harm to the environment/humans

• an organism that is NOT native to an area and helps the environment/humans

• an organism that IS native to an area and helps the environment/humans

Why do the populations of invasive species grow so quickly? 

• Invasive Species are native to an area. 
• Invasive species are prey to many animals.
• Invasive species have no predators.
• Invasive species keep the ecosystems in equilibrium.

What is a keystone species?

• A species that helps to hold an ecosystem together

• A species that lives in or around rocks

• Keys and stones have nothing to do with ecology

• A keystone isn't a living thing, it's just a stone

Otters prey on sea urchins. Sea urchins eat kelp. Kelp is home to many animals. What would happen if there were no more otters?

• The sea urchin population would die out

• The kelp population would become larger

• The homes of many animals would be destroyed by sea urchins

Would removing wolves from Yellowstone National Park affect the balance of the ecosystem?

• No, they are a threat to wild animals and livestock

• Yes, the population of animals they prey on would increase causing too much competition for food

The largest number of individuals that an environment can support long term is...

• carrying capacity

• emigration

• immigration

• population density

What happens if a population grows past its carrying capacity?

• The population keeps growing

• The population starts to die off

• The entire species will go extinct

• The carrying capacity just increases