Exploring Biodiversity and Ecosystems

What is biodiversity and why is it important?

• Biodiversity is only important for aesthetic purposes.

• Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth, and it is important for ecosystem health, resilience, and services.

• Biodiversity refers to the number of species in a single habitat.

• Biodiversity is the study of animal behavior in captivity.

Name three types of ecosystems and provide an example of each.

• Wetland - Example: Mississippi River Delta

• Tundra - Example: Arctic Tundra

• 1. Forest - Example: Amazon Rainforest, 2. Coral Reef - Example: Great Barrier Reef, 3. Desert - Example: Sahara Desert

• Grassland - Example: Serengeti Plain

How do invasive species affect local ecosystems?

• Invasive species enhance biodiversity by supporting native species.

• Invasive species have no effect on local ecosystems.

• Invasive species negatively impact local ecosystems by outcompeting native species and disrupting ecological balance.

• Invasive species only affect the economy, not the environment.

What role do keystone species play in an ecosystem?

• Keystone species have no significant impact on ecosystem dynamics.

• Keystone species are only found in marine environments.

• Keystone species play a critical role in maintaining the structure and diversity of an ecosystem.

• Keystone species are always the most abundant species in an ecosystem.

Explain the concept of ecological succession.

• Ecological succession is the gradual process of change and replacement in the species composition of an ecosystem over time.

• Ecological succession is the immediate change in an ecosystem after a natural disaster.

• Ecological succession is the process of introducing non-native species to an ecosystem.

• Ecological succession refers to the sudden extinction of species in an ecosystem.

What are the main threats to biodiversity today?

• Species adaptation

• Ecosystem stability

• Natural selection

• Habitat loss, climate change, pollution, overexploitation, and invasive species.

How does deforestation impact biodiversity?

• Deforestation has no effect on biodiversity.

• Deforestation increases biodiversity by creating new habitats.

• Deforestation improves species populations by reducing competition.

• Deforestation negatively impacts biodiversity by causing habitat loss, population declines, and species extinctions.

What is the difference between a food chain and a food web?

• A food chain shows only herbivores, while a food web shows only carnivores.

• A food chain includes multiple species, while a food web includes only one species.

• A food chain is a linear sequence of energy flow, while a food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains.

• A food chain is a complex network, while a food web is a simple sequence.

Describe the significance of pollinators in ecosystems.

• Pollinators have no role in food chains.

• Pollinators are vital for plant reproduction, biodiversity, and food production in ecosystems.

• Pollinators only affect animal reproduction.

• Pollinators are harmful to plant growth.

What is habitat fragmentation and how does it affect wildlife?

• Habitat fragmentation has no impact on wildlife populations.

• Habitat fragmentation is the process of creating wildlife reserves.

• Habitat fragmentation increases the size of habitats, benefiting wildlife.

• Habitat fragmentation is the process of dividing large habitats into smaller, isolated patches, negatively impacting wildlife by reducing biodiversity and increasing vulnerability to predators.