Multiple Choice Questions
Biology: Advanced Ecology and Conservation
Topic: Advanced Ecology and Conservation
Grade: 12
Question 1:
Which of the following is an example of an abiotic factor in an ecosystem?
a) Plants
b) Animals
c) Sunlight
d) Bacteria
Answer: c) Sunlight
Explanation: Abiotic factors are non-living components of an ecosystem. Sunlight is an example of an abiotic factor as it provides energy for photosynthesis in plants. This energy is then transferred to other organisms through the food chain. Without sunlight, the ecosystem would not be able to sustain life. For example, in a forest ecosystem, sunlight is necessary for the growth of trees and plants, which in turn provide habitats and food for animals.
Question 2:
Which of the following is an example of a density-dependent limiting factor?
a) Drought
b) Volcanic eruption
c) Predator-prey relationship
d) Forest fire
Answer: c) Predator-prey relationship
Explanation: Density-dependent limiting factors are factors that become more influential as the population size increases. The predator-prey relationship is an example of a density-dependent limiting factor because as the prey population increases, there is more food available for predators, leading to an increase in predator population. This, in turn, leads to a decrease in prey population as more individuals are consumed. This relationship helps maintain a balance in the ecosystem. For example, in a grassland ecosystem, an increase in the population of herbivores can lead to an increase in the population of predators such as lions or cheetahs.
Question 3:
Which of the following is an example of a keystone species?
a) Oak tree
b) Bee
c) Deer
d) Wolf
Answer: d) Wolf
Explanation: A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large impact on its environment relative to its abundance. Wolves are considered a keystone species because they regulate the population of herbivores, such as deer, by preying on them. This prevents overgrazing and allows vegetation to thrive, which in turn provides habitat and food for other species. For example, in Yellowstone National Park, the reintroduction of wolves led to a cascade of ecological changes, including a decrease in elk population and an increase in plant diversity.
Question 4:
Which of the following is an example of primary succession?
a) Forest fire
b) Volcanic eruption
c) Glacier retreat
d) Agricultural clearing
Answer: c) Glacier retreat
Explanation: Primary succession refers to the colonization and establishment of plant and animal life in an area that was previously devoid of life, such as bare rock or newly formed land. Glacier retreat is an example of primary succession because as the glacier melts, it exposes bare rock, which is then colonized by pioneer species such as lichens and mosses. Over time, these pioneer species break down the rock and create soil, allowing for the establishment of more complex plant and animal communities. For example, in Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska, the retreat of glaciers has allowed for the development of a diverse forest ecosystem.
Question 5:
Which of the following is an example of a biotic factor in an ecosystem?
a) Temperature
b) Rainfall
c) Soil pH
d) Competition for resources
Answer: d) Competition for resources
Explanation: Biotic factors are living components of an ecosystem. Competition for resources is an example of a biotic factor as it involves interactions between organisms for limited resources such as food, water, or territory. This competition can occur within or between species and can have a significant impact on population dynamics and community structure. For example, in a coral reef ecosystem, competition between different species of coral for space and sunlight can influence their growth and survival.
Question 6:
Which of the following is an example of a mutualistic relationship?
a) Parasitism between a tick and a dog
b) Predation between a lion and a zebra
c) Commensalism between a barnacle and a whale
d) Mutualism between a bee and a flower
Answer: d) Mutualism between a bee and a flower
Explanation: Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship in which both species benefit. Bees and flowers have a mutualistic relationship as bees obtain nectar from flowers as a food source, while simultaneously pollinating the flowers by transferring pollen from one flower to another. This benefits both the bees, as they get food, and the flowers, as they are able to reproduce. For example, in the case of honeybees and apple trees, bees help pollinate apple flowers, resulting in the production of apples.
Question 7:
Which of the following is an example of intraspecific competition?
a) Lion hunting a zebra
b) Squirrel gathering acorns
c) Two male deer fighting for a mate
d) Bird building a nest
Answer: c) Two male deer fighting for a mate
Explanation: Intraspecific competition refers to competition between individuals of the same species. Two male deer fighting for a mate is an example of intraspecific competition as they are competing for limited resources (i.e., access to females) within their own species. This competition can involve aggressive behaviors such as antler wrestling. The outcome of such competition can determine which male deer successfully mates and passes on its genes to the next generation. For example, in the case of male elephants, they compete for access to females by engaging in physical battles, with the dominant male gaining mating rights.
Question 8:
Which of the following is an example of an ecosystem service provided by wetlands?
a) Carbon sequestration
b) Timber production
c) Water purification
d) Oil extraction
Answer: c) Water purification
Explanation: Ecosystem services are the benefits that ecosystems provide to humans. Wetlands provide the ecosystem service of water purification as they act as natural filters, removing pollutants and excess nutrients from water. This helps improve water quality and reduce the risk of waterborne diseases. For example, the Everglades in Florida is a wetland ecosystem that acts as a natural filtration system, providing clean water for human consumption and supporting diverse wildlife.
Question 9:
Which of the following is an example of an indicator species?
a) Bald eagle
b) Gray wolf
c) Grizzly bear
d) American bison
Answer: a) Bald eagle
Explanation: Indicator species are species that provide information about the health and condition of an ecosystem. Bald eagles are considered indicator species as they are sensitive to changes in their environment, particularly water quality. They require healthy fish populations as their primary food source, and the presence or absence of bald eagles can indicate the overall health of aquatic ecosystems. For example, a decline in bald eagle populations in an area may indicate pollution or habitat degradation.
Question 10:
Which of the following is an example of a trophic cascade?
a) Overfishing of sharks leading to an increase in jellyfish populations
b) Introduction of rabbits to Australia leading to habitat destruction
c) Deforestation leading to a decrease in bird populations
d) Pollution of rivers leading to a decline in fish populations
Answer: a) Overfishing of sharks leading to an increase in jellyfish populations
Explanation: A trophic cascade is a phenomenon in which changes in the population size of one species have cascading effects on other trophic levels. Overfishing of sharks can lead to a trophic cascade as their absence allows for an increase in the population of their prey, such as smaller fish, which in turn leads to a decrease in the population of their prey, such as jellyfish. This can disrupt the balance of the ecosystem as jellyfish can become dominant and negatively impact other species. For example, in the Mediterranean Sea, overfishing of sharks has led to an increase in jellyfish populations, resulting in a decline in fish populations.
Question 11:
Which of the following is an example of a conservation strategy aimed at protecting biodiversity?
a) Habitat fragmentation
b) Ex-situ conservation
c) Deforestation
d) Invasive species introduction
Answer: b) Ex-situ conservation
Explanation: Ex-situ conservation refers to the conservation of species outside their natural habitats, often in zoos, botanical gardens, or seed banks. This strategy is aimed at protecting biodiversity by maintaining viable populations of endangered species and preserving genetic diversity. It can involve captive breeding programs, reintroduction efforts, and the preservation of genetic material. For example, the Frozen Ark project is an ex-situ conservation initiative that aims to collect and store DNA samples from endangered species to safeguard their genetic diversity.
Question 12:
Which of the following is an example of a renewable resource?
a) Fossil fuels
b) Natural gas
c) Solar energy
d) Nuclear energy
Answer: c) Solar energy
Explanation: Renewable resources are resources that can be replenished or regenerated naturally over time. Solar energy is an example of a renewable resource as it is derived from the sun and is constantly available. It can be harnessed through solar panels to generate electricity or used for heating purposes. Unlike fossil fuels or nuclear energy, solar energy does not deplete natural resources or produce harmful emissions. For example, solar energy is increasingly being used in residential and commercial buildings as a clean and sustainable alternative to traditional energy sources.
Question 13:
Which of the following is an example of habitat loss?
a) Pollution of a river
b) Introduction of a non-native species
c) Conversion of a forest into agricultural land
d) Overhunting of a species
Answer: c) Conversion of a forest into agricultural land
Explanation: Habitat loss refers to the destruction or degradation of a natural habitat, resulting in the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. The conversion of a forest into agricultural land is an example of habitat loss as it involves clearing trees and altering the landscape to make way for crops or livestock. This can lead to the displacement or extinction of native species that depend on the forest for food and shelter. For example, the Amazon rainforest is being rapidly cleared for agriculture, resulting in the loss of countless species and the destruction of a vital carbon sink.
Question 14:
Which of the following is an example of a non-renewable resource?
a) Wind energy
b) Geothermal energy
c) Coal
d) Biomass
Answer: c) Coal
Explanation: Non-renewable resources are resources that are finite and cannot be replaced within a human lifetime. Coal is an example of a non-renewable resource as it is formed from the remains of ancient plants and takes millions of years to form. Once coal reserves are depleted, they cannot be replenished. The extraction and burning of coal also contribute to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. For example, the use of coal for electricity generation has been a major source of carbon dioxide emissions, contributing to climate change.
Question 15:
Which of the following is an example of a sustainable fishing practice?
a) Overfishing of a fish species
b) Use of dynamite or cyanide in fishing
c) Implementation of fishing quotas
d) Discarding unwanted bycatch
Answer: c) Implementation of fishing quotas
Explanation: Sustainable fishing practices aim to maintain fish populations and the long-term health of marine ecosystems. The implementation of fishing quotas is an example of a sustainable fishing practice as it involves setting limits on the amount of fish that can be caught to prevent overfishing. Quotas can be based on scientific assessments of fish stocks and can help ensure that fishing is carried out at a level that allows populations to replenish and maintain their reproductive capacity. For example, the European Union has implemented fishing quotas for various fish species in its waters to promote sustainable fisheries management.