Exam 57: Biological Diversity and Conservation Biology

Estimates vary, but reasonable numbers for extinction rates suggest that extinction is occurring at a rate approximately ____ times above the normal background rate.

Perhaps the biggest problem associated with the Endangered Species Act as it currently stands is that it:

Which of the following will prevent the further buildup of greenhouse gases?

An example of ex situ conservation is a national park.

The problems associated with slash-and-burn agriculture are most closely related to:

Differentiate between the problems and effects of global warming and ozone depletion.

Deforestation in the boreal forests is due primarily to:

Ozone molecules in the stratosphere shield the Earth from damaging UV radiation.

A species' numbers are so severely reduced that it is in imminent danger of extinction throughout all or a significant part of its range. This species would be considered:

An unprotected area of naturally occurring plant and animal assemblages that is surrounded by unsuitable territory due to development or habitat destruction is referred to by biologists as:

The term species richness refers to the number of species in a specific location.

An example of in situ conservation is a zoo.

An example of an animal already extinct as a result of overhunting is the:

An example of a(n) ecosystem service is the boreal forest contributing to the proper functioning of the global nitrogen cycle.

Today, the major danger to species is:

The use of the principles of ecology to return a degraded environment to as close as possible of a functional state is called:

The introduction of a foreign species into an area where it is not native is called:

An example of ex situ conservation is a:

Give examples of at least two species that are either extinct or facing extinction due to each of the following: 1) destruction of habitat, 2) biotic pollution, 3) unregulated hunting and poaching, 4) deliberate pest or predator control, and 5) commercial harvesting.