Conservation Biology Practice Exam

Sample Questions and Answers

How do “protected areas” contribute to biodiversity conservation?

A) They increase the human population by creating more urbanized areas.

B) They restrict human activity in order to conserve ecosystems and protect species from exploitation.

C) They allow unrestricted access for agricultural development and mining.

D) They solely focus on recreational activities, without considering ecological impacts.

Answer: B) They restrict human activity in order to conserve ecosystems and protect species from exploitation.
Explanation: Protected areas are designated regions where human activities are limited or regulated to conserve biodiversity, prevent habitat destruction, and protect endangered species from exploitation.

What is “conservation biology”?

A) The study of human impact on ecosystems and the preservation of biodiversity.

B) The management of wildlife populations for economic gain.

C) The process of creating urban spaces that support species diversity.

D) The study of climate change and its impact on species.

Answer: A) The study of human impact on ecosystems and the preservation of biodiversity.
Explanation: Conservation biology focuses on understanding and addressing the causes of biodiversity loss, with the aim of preserving species, ecosystems, and genetic diversity.

 

Which of the following is a main cause of habitat fragmentation?

A) Reforestation efforts in urban areas.

B) Expansion of agriculture, roads, and urban development.

C) Natural disasters, such as earthquakes.

D) Protection of endangered species through national parks.

Answer: B) Expansion of agriculture, roads, and urban development.
Explanation: Habitat fragmentation occurs when large, continuous habitats are broken into smaller, isolated patches due to human activities like agriculture, road construction, and urbanization, which negatively affects species’ survival.

What is “ex situ conservation”?

A) The protection of species in their natural habitat.

B) The use of genetic engineering to enhance species’ resistance to disease.

C) The conservation of species outside their natural habitats, such as in zoos or botanical gardens.

D) The protection of habitats from human disturbance.

Answer: C) The conservation of species outside their natural habitats, such as in zoos or botanical gardens.
Explanation: Ex situ conservation involves protecting species in controlled environments away from their natural habitats, such as zoos, aquariums, or seed banks, to prevent extinction.

Which of the following is a characteristic of “endemic species”?

A) They are found only in one specific geographical area.

B) They are capable of adapting to a wide range of habitats.

C) They can migrate between multiple ecosystems.

D) They are widespread across continents.

Answer: A) They are found only in one specific geographical area.
Explanation: Endemic species are unique to a specific geographic location and are not naturally found anywhere else in the world, often leading to their vulnerability if that area faces environmental threats.

Which of the following is a major goal of the “Convention on Biological Diversity” (CBD)?

A) To regulate global trade of endangered species.

B) To ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources.

C) To prioritize economic development over biodiversity protection.

D) To eliminate invasive species in all ecosystems.

Answer: B) To ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources.
Explanation: The CBD aims to protect biodiversity and promote the sustainable use of biological resources, ensuring that benefits from genetic resources are shared fairly, particularly with developing nations.

What is the impact of “overexploitation” on biodiversity?

A) It increases the availability of natural resources for future generations.

B) It can lead to population declines and the extinction of species due to excessive harvesting.

C) It helps increase the genetic diversity of populations.

D) It protects ecosystems from degradation.

Answer: B) It can lead to population declines and the extinction of species due to excessive harvesting.
Explanation: Overexploitation refers to the unsustainable use of species, such as overfishing or hunting, which can deplete populations and contribute to species extinction.

Which of the following is the primary focus of “restoration ecology”?

A) To protect wildlife from poaching and illegal hunting.

B) To restore degraded ecosystems and habitats to their original state.

C) To create artificial habitats for endangered species.

D) To study the behavior of species in their natural environments.

Answer: B) To restore degraded ecosystems and habitats to their original state.
Explanation: Restoration ecology aims to return damaged ecosystems to their original condition through methods like replanting vegetation, restoring water flow, and removing invasive species.

What does “conservation genetics” focus on?

A) The genetic modification of species for commercial use.

B) The use of genetic engineering to increase agricultural yield.

C) The study of genetic diversity within species to improve conservation efforts.

D) The creation of genetically identical individuals for captive breeding.

Answer: C) The study of genetic diversity within species to improve conservation efforts.
Explanation: Conservation genetics focuses on maintaining or increasing genetic diversity within populations to enhance species’ survival and adaptability, reducing the risk of inbreeding and genetic drift.

What is the concept of “ecosystem-based management” in conservation?

A) A management approach focused on maximizing economic profit from ecosystem resources.

B) A method of managing ecosystems by focusing on individual species rather than entire ecosystems.

C) A holistic approach that considers the entire ecosystem, including species interactions, habitat, and ecosystem processes.

D) A focus on restoring only the most endangered species in an ecosystem.

Answer: C) A holistic approach that considers the entire ecosystem, including species interactions, habitat, and ecosystem processes.
Explanation: Ecosystem-based management considers ecological processes and interactions within ecosystems, promoting sustainability and addressing the entire ecosystem rather than focusing on isolated species.

What is the “SLOSS” debate in conservation biology?

A) The debate about whether to focus on species survival or ecosystem functioning.

B) The debate about whether to prioritize the conservation of single large or several small protected areas.

C) The debate about how to balance economic growth and biodiversity conservation.

D) The debate about the ethical treatment of endangered species in captivity.

Answer: B) The debate about whether to prioritize the conservation of single large or several small protected areas.
Explanation: The “SLOSS” (Single Large or Several Small) debate centers around whether it is better to conserve one large habitat or multiple smaller ones to maintain biodiversity.

What is “bioaccumulation”?

A) The process by which energy flows through an ecosystem.

B) The accumulation of pollutants in an organism over time.

C) The increase in species populations due to conservation efforts.

D) The movement of pollutants through food chains.

Answer: B) The accumulation of pollutants in an organism over time.
Explanation: Bioaccumulation refers to the build-up of toxic substances in an organism’s body over time, which can reach harmful levels, especially in top predators.

Which of the following is an example of “in situ” conservation?

A) Breeding endangered species in captivity to ensure their survival.

B) Planting new species in areas where they have been extinct.

C) Protecting natural habitats and ecosystems in their natural environment.

D) Building artificial reefs for marine species.

Answer: C) Protecting natural habitats and ecosystems in their natural environment.
Explanation: In situ conservation involves protecting species within their natural habitats, allowing them to continue their role in ecosystems while preserving biodiversity.

What is the effect of “overfishing” on marine ecosystems?

A) It increases the biodiversity of the marine ecosystem.

B) It helps maintain the balance between predator and prey populations.

C) It depletes fish populations, affecting the entire food web and ecosystem health.

D) It increases fish populations by reducing competition.

Answer: C) It depletes fish populations, affecting the entire food web and ecosystem health.
Explanation: Overfishing leads to the depletion of fish populations, which disrupts the food web, harms marine biodiversity, and affects the livelihoods of those who depend on fisheries.

What is the term “ecological footprint”?

A) The area of land required to maintain human infrastructure.

B) The impact of human activities on the environment, measured in terms of the resources used and waste produced.

C) The measure of genetic diversity in a population.

D) The amount of land designated for wildlife protection.

Answer: B) The impact of human activities on the environment, measured in terms of the resources used and waste produced.
Explanation: The ecological footprint quantifies the amount of land and resources needed to support human activities, including food, water, energy, and waste disposal.

Which of the following is a benefit of “agroforestry”?

A) It reduces biodiversity by focusing on monoculture farming.

B) It supports biodiversity by integrating trees into agricultural systems, benefiting wildlife and soil health.

C) It involves deforesting large areas for agricultural expansion.

D) It reduces soil erosion by increasing the use of chemical fertilizers.

Answer: B) It supports biodiversity by integrating trees into agricultural systems, benefiting wildlife and soil health.
Explanation: Agroforestry integrates trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes, providing habitat for wildlife, improving soil quality, and supporting sustainable land use.

What is the “green revolution” in the context of agriculture?

A) The movement toward organic farming and sustainable practices.

B) The large-scale adoption of high-yield crop varieties and advanced farming techniques to increase food production.

C) The shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy in agricultural systems.

D) The development of genetically modified crops to resist pests.

Answer: B) The large-scale adoption of high-yield crop varieties and advanced farming techniques to increase food production.
Explanation: The green revolution introduced high-yield crops, chemical fertilizers, and irrigation techniques to significantly increase food production, but it also led to environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity.

Which of the following is an example of “conservation through use”?

A) The creation of national parks to restrict human activity.

B) The sustainable harvesting of resources, such as timber or fish, to fund conservation efforts.

C) The establishment of breeding programs in captivity for endangered species.

D) The removal of invasive species from an ecosystem.

Answer: B) The sustainable harvesting of resources, such as timber or fish, to fund conservation efforts.
Explanation: Conservation through use involves sustainably using natural resources to generate income or support conservation projects, ensuring that the resource remains available for future generations.

What is the primary cause of coral reef degradation?

A) Overfishing and destructive fishing practices.

B) Increased plant growth from nutrient enrichment.

C) Global warming and ocean acidification.

D) Lack of human interest in coral reef ecosystems.

Answer: C) Global warming and ocean acidification.
Explanation: Global warming leads to rising ocean temperatures, which cause coral bleaching, while ocean acidification, due to increased CO2 levels, weakens corals’ ability to build their skeletons, both contributing to coral reef degradation.

What does the term “trophic cascade” refer to?

A) The gradual increase in biodiversity as species move up the food chain.

B) The ripple effect caused by the removal of top predators in an ecosystem.

C) The process of primary producers creating energy from sunlight.

D) The loss of genetic diversity in top predators.

Answer: B) The ripple effect caused by the removal of top predators in an ecosystem.
Explanation: A trophic cascade occurs when the removal or decline of top predators leads to significant changes in the abundance and behavior of species at lower trophic levels, affecting the entire ecosystem.

Which of the following is a conservation strategy for maintaining “genetic diversity” in endangered species?

A) The creation of large protected areas with minimal human interaction.

B) The use of captive breeding programs and genetic management to ensure diverse gene pools.

C) The relocation of species to new habitats with abundant resources.

D) The eradication of invasive species in all ecosystems.

Answer: B) The use of captive breeding programs and genetic management to ensure diverse gene pools.
Explanation: Captive breeding programs and genetic management techniques help maintain genetic diversity in endangered species, reducing the risks of inbreeding and genetic bottlenecks.

What is “conservation easement”?

A) A legal agreement that allows landowners to protect their property from future development.

B) The process of designing new national parks and protected areas.

C) The use of artificial intelligence to monitor wildlife populations.

D) A form of government compensation for landowners who convert their property into protected areas.

Answer: A) A legal agreement that allows landowners to protect their property from future development.
Explanation: Conservation easements are legal agreements that restrict development on private land to preserve its ecological or conservation value, while allowing the landowner to retain ownership.