AEP AEP Ecological Systems & Biodiversity

Question 1

Which federal law requires federal agencies to consult with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service before undertaking projects that may affect listed threatened or endangered species?

Accepted Answer

Endangered Species Act Section 7

Answer

ESA Section 7 requires federal agencies to consult with USFWS (or NMFS for marine species) to ensure their actions do not jeopardize listed species or adversely modify designated critical habitat.

Question 2

What is a 'Biological Assessment' (BA) under the Endangered Species Act?

Accepted Answer

A document prepared to determine whether a federal action may affect listed species

Answer

A Biological Assessment is a document prepared by or for a federal agency to determine whether a proposed federal action may affect listed threatened or endangered species or critical habitat.

Question 3

In ecology, which term describes a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its ecosystem relative to its abundance?

Accepted Answer

Keystone species

Answer

A keystone species has a disproportionately large influence on ecosystem structure and function relative to its biomass or abundance, and its removal can cause major ecological cascades.

Question 4

Which U.S. federal agency administers the Endangered Species Act for terrestrial and freshwater species?

Accepted Answer

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Answer

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) administers the Endangered Species Act for terrestrial and freshwater species, while NMFS covers marine and anadromous species.

Question 5

What is 'mitigation banking' in the context of wetland and species conservation?

Accepted Answer

Pre-approved restoration of wetlands or habitat to offset future project impacts

Answer

Mitigation banking involves the restoration, creation, enhancement, or preservation of wetlands or habitat at one location to offset anticipated impacts at another location through the sale of mitigation credits.

AEP - Associate Environmental Professional Certification Practice Test

AEP - Associate Environmental Professional Certification Practice Test

AEP AEP Ecological Systems & Biodiversity