FREE Ecology Conservation and Restoration Ecology Questions and Answers

Question 1

A conservation agency is debating whether to protect a single large, contiguous forest or several smaller forest patches of the same total area.
To maximize the long-term persistence of large, wide-ranging carnivore species, which ecological principle provides the strongest guidance?

Accepted Answer

The theory of island biogeography, which suggests a single large reserve will have lower extinction rates.

Answer

The concept of beta diversity, as several small reserves may capture more unique habitats.

Answer

The principle of succession, as several smaller patches will recover from disturbance faster.

Answer

The process of bioremediation, as smaller, isolated patches are easier to decontaminate.

Question 2

Which of the following statements best defines the primary goal of ecological restoration according to the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER)?

Accepted Answer

To assist the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded, damaged, or destroyed.

Answer

To remove all non-native species from an area and reintroduce historically present species.

Answer

To return a damaged landscape to a state of maximum economic productivity, such as for agriculture or forestry.

Answer

To perfectly recreate a pristine, historical ecosystem exactly as it existed before any human disturbance.

Question 3

A team of biologists is conducting a population viability analysis (PVA) for a small, isolated population of grizzly bears. They aim to determine the smallest population size that will ensure a 95% probability of persistence for the next 100 years. What is this critical threshold value called?

Accepted Answer

Minimum Viable Population (MVP)

Answer

Carrying Capacity (K)

Answer

Effective Population Size (Ne)

Answer

Metapopulation Threshold

Question 4

A former industrial site has soil heavily contaminated with lead and cadmium. A restoration plan proposes planting specific species, such as Indian mustard (Brassica juncea), that are known to absorb and accumulate these heavy metals in their tissues. The plants will then be harvested and safely disposed of. This restoration technique is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Phytoremediation

Answer

Bioaugmentation

Answer

In-situ oxidation

Answer

Bioventing

Question 5

A conservation organization launches a major fundraising campaign centered on saving the Bengal tiger. By securing legal protection for the vast forest habitats required by tigers, the campaign also effectively protects thousands of other species, including deer, boar, birds, and insects, that share the same ecosystem. In this context, the tiger is being used primarily as a(n):

Accepted Answer

Flagship species

Answer

Keystone species

Answer

Indicator species

Answer

Foundation species

Question 6

The 'extinction vortex' describes a process where small populations are drawn into a downward spiral toward extinction. What is the primary feedback mechanism that drives this vortex?

Accepted Answer

Loss of genetic diversity, leading to inbreeding depression and reduced ability to adapt to environmental changes.

Answer

An increase in resource competition as the habitat shrinks, leading to starvation and reduced birth rates.

Answer

A rapid increase in predation pressure because individuals in small populations are easier to find.

Answer

The Allee effect, where population growth rate increases with population size due to social benefits.

A conservation agency is debating whether to protect a single large, contiguous forest or several smaller forest patches of the same total area.To maximize the long-term persistence of large, wide-ranging carnivore species, which ecological principle provides the strongest guidance?

A conservation agency is debating whether to protect a single large, contiguous forest or several smaller forest patches of the same total area.
To maximize the long-term persistence of large, wide-ranging carnivore species, which ecological principle provides the strongest guidance?