Environmental Science Biodiversity and Conservation 2

Question 1

What is the species-area relationship in conservation biology?

Accepted Answer

Larger habitat areas support more species

Answer

The species-area relationship states that larger habitat areas typically contain more species than smaller areas of the same habitat type.

Question 2

What is a wildlife corridor and what is its purpose?

Accepted Answer

A strip of habitat connecting isolated patches; allows animal movement and gene flow

Answer

Wildlife corridors are strips of habitat connecting fragmented patches, allowing animals to move, find mates, and maintain genetic diversity.

Question 3

Which concept describes the minimum viable population (MVP) in conservation?

Accepted Answer

The smallest population size with a high probability of persisting long-term

Answer

MVP is the smallest population size estimated to have a reasonable chance of surviving genetic, demographic, and environmental stochasticity.

Question 4

Which treaty regulates international trade in endangered species?

Accepted Answer

CITES

Answer

CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) lists species and controls or bans international commercial trade in them.

Question 5

What is bioremediation?

Accepted Answer

Using microorganisms to break down pollutants in contaminated environments

Answer

Bioremediation uses naturally occurring or engineered microorganisms to metabolize and neutralize environmental pollutants.

Environmental Science Practice Test