Biodiversity at Risk

In what part of the world are the greatest number of extinctions occurring?

• in tropical rain forests

• in deserts

• in the Arctic

• in Europe and the United States

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

An endangered species is

• a species in danger of extinction.

• a species growing on public land.

• an organism brought to a place where it has not lived before.

• a species that has disappeared entirely.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

The current rate of species extinction is

• slower than at any other time in this century.

• due primarily to the actions of humans.

• the result of natural environmental processes.

• of little consequence to Earth’s long-term survival.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

The fact that organisms are adapted to survive in particular environments helps to explain why

• captive-breeding programs are often ineffective.

• non-native plant species never flourish in new areas.

• habitat destruction accounts for most extinctions.

• compromise is impossible on environmental issues.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

NGSS.MS-LS1-4

Which of the following is a consequence of losing biodiversity?

• Increased uniformity in genetic traits.

• Enhanced ecosystem resilience against environmental changes.

• Decreased ecosystem productivity and stability.

• More rapid evolution of new species.

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

What is the biggest threat to biodiversity?

• Urban Development

• Oil spills

• Chemical runoff

• Deforestation

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

The factor that likely poses the greatest threat of extinction of species worldwide is

• black market trade in endangered species

• aggressive collecting of specimens by museums and zoos

• increasing loss of habitat

• weakening of environmental legislation

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-7

NGSS.HS-LS4-5

As many as 30 to 50 percent of all species are possibly heading toward extinction by mid-century.

• True

• False

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

What groups of organisms are most in danger of extinction?

• those with small populations

• those that migrate or need special habitats

• those with large populations that breed quickly

• Both (a) and (b)

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

The major human causes of extinction today are

• hunting and destroying habitats.

• polluting and introducing non-native species.

• Both (a) and (b)

• Neither (a) nor (b)

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4