Conservation Biology Concepts Assessment

The video explores the impact of humans on ecosystems and the fields of conservation biology and restoration ecology. It uses the Milltown Dam as a case study to illustrate the challenges and strategies involved in ecological restoration. The video discusses the importance of biodiversity and various conservation strategies, such as small-population and declining-population conservation. It also covers restoration techniques like bioremediation and biological augmentation. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of protecting ecosystems to avoid the need for restoration.

What is the primary focus of conservation biology?

• Developing new species

• Measuring and protecting biodiversity

• Creating artificial ecosystems

• Studying the expansion of the universe

What was the main environmental issue caused by the Milltown Dam?

• Air pollution

• Deforestation

• Overfishing

• Toxic sediment accumulation

Why is genetic diversity important in ecosystems?

• It reduces the number of species

• It allows species to adapt to changes

• It prevents species from evolving

• It increases pollution levels

What is the 'extinction vortex'?

• A process where species numbers increase rapidly

• A dynamic where low population and genetic diversity lead to extinction

• A method to boost species numbers

• A type of ecosystem restoration

What is the goal of small-population conservation?

• To eliminate invasive species

• To reduce the number of species in an ecosystem

• To create new ecosystems

• To increase the size and genetic diversity of small populations

What is bioremediation?

• A method to introduce new species

• A way to measure ecosystem health

• A strategy to remove toxins using organisms

• A process to increase genetic diversity

What is biological augmentation?

• Removing harmful substances from an ecosystem

• Adding organisms to restore lost materials

• Introducing invasive species

• Measuring biodiversity

What was the unintended consequence of introducing cane toads in Australia?

• They became an invasive species themselves

• They reduced pollution levels

• They improved the ecosystem

• They eradicated all beetles

What is a key challenge in ecological restoration?

• Increasing pollution

• Reducing biodiversity

• Restoring ecosystems to their exact original state

• Creating new species

What is the suggested approach to dealing with ecological problems?

• Fixing ecosystems after they are damaged

• Preventing damage to ecosystems in the first place

• Ignoring ecological issues

• Introducing new species to ecosystems