Science Behind the Stories

What is an ecosystem?

• A type of computer software

• A mathematical equation

• A type of musical instrument

• A community of living organisms in conjunction with the nonliving components of their environment.

Why is biodiversity important for ecosystems?

• Biodiversity actually harms ecosystems

• Biodiversity is important for ecosystems because it ensures the stability and resilience of the ecosystem, enhances ecosystem productivity, provides essential ecosystem services, and supports the overall health of the planet.

• Biodiversity only benefits certain species in ecosystems

• Biodiversity has no impact on ecosystems

Define sustainability.

• Ability to meet present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs.

• Ability to meet present needs without considering future generations' ability to meet their own needs.

• Ability to meet present needs while compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs.

• Ability to meet future needs without considering present needs.

What are the different types of ecosystems?

• Terrestrial, aquatic, and artificial ecosystems.

• Urban, suburban, and rural ecosystems.

• Freshwater, saltwater, and brackish ecosystems.

• Forest, desert, and tundra ecosystems.

How does human activity impact biodiversity?

• Human activity has no impact on biodiversity.

• Human activity only impacts biodiversity positively.

• Human activity impacts biodiversity through deforestation, pollution, overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change.

• Human activity impacts biodiversity through increased conservation efforts.

Explain the concept of carrying capacity in an ecosystem.

• The carrying capacity in an ecosystem is the maximum number of individuals of a species that the ecosystem can support sustainably.

• The carrying capacity in an ecosystem is the maximum number of individuals of a species that the ecosystem can support unsustainably.

• The carrying capacity in an ecosystem is the average number of individuals of a species that the ecosystem can support sustainably.

• The carrying capacity in an ecosystem is the minimum number of individuals of a species that the ecosystem can support sustainably.

What are the major threats to biodiversity?

• Deforestation, urbanization, and deforestation.

• Climate change, pollution, and overpopulation.

• Invasive species, habitat preservation, and overexploitation.

• Habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, invasive species, overexploitation, and disease.

Discuss the role of conservation in maintaining biodiversity.

What are the principles of sustainable development?

• Intergenerational equity, conservation, social progress, economic growth, and environmental protection.

• Intergenerational inequality, exploitation, social regression, economic decline, and environmental destruction.

• Short-term gains, resource depletion, social stagnation, economic recession, and environmental degradation.

• Individualism, disregard for nature, social inequality, economic stagnation, and environmental exploitation.

Explain the concept of ecological footprint.

• The concept of ecological footprint refers to the measure of animal demand on the Earth's ecosystems.

• The concept of ecological footprint refers to the measure of carbon emissions on the Earth's ecosystems.

• The concept of ecological footprint refers to the measure of human demand on the Earth's ecosystems.

• The concept of ecological footprint refers to the measure of water consumption on the Earth's ecosystems.