Loss of biodiversity

What factor are not causing the sixth mass extinction of species?

• Climate change

• Habitat destruction

• Overhunting

• Genetic mutations

Answer explanation

Genetic mutations are not causing the sixth mass extinction of species.

How does variation contribute to the stability of ecological communities?

• Promotes resilience

• Decreases competition

• Increases vulnerability

• Reduces biodiversity

Answer explanation

Variation promotes resilience in ecological communities by providing a diverse range of traits that can help species adapt to changing conditions and disturbances.

Compare the number of species on earth today with past levels of biodiversity.

• Same number of species

• Fewer species today

• Cannot be determined

• More species today

Answer explanation

There are more species on earth today compared to past levels of biodiversity.

Define anthropogenic.

• Related to ants

• Caused by humans

• A new species

• A type of rock

Answer explanation

Anthropogenic means caused by humans, so the correct definition is 'Caused by humans'. It is not related to ants, a new species, or a type of rock.

List direct and indirect anthropogenic causes of ecosystem loss.

• Earthquakes and hurricanes

• Deforestation and pollution

• Wildfires and droughts

• Climate change and volcanic eruptions

Answer explanation

Deforestation and pollution are direct and indirect anthropogenic causes of ecosystem loss.

List the types of evidence that can be monitored to assess the status of a biodiversity crisis.

• Temperature and humidity

• Species richness and evenness

• Cloud cover and wind speed

• Soil pH and salinity

Answer explanation

Species richness and evenness are types of evidence that can be monitored to assess the status of a biodiversity crisis.

Discuss the impact of human population growth on the causes of the current biodiversity crisis.

• Promotes species conservation

• Increases habitat destruction

• Decreases biodiversity

• Has no impact

Answer explanation

Human population growth leads to increased habitat destruction, which is a major cause of the current biodiversity crisis.

Outline the rationale used for conservation by the EDGE of Existence programme.

• Protecting charismatic species

• Prioritizing evolutionarily distinct species

• Ignoring endangered species

• Focusing on common species

Answer explanation

The rationale used by the EDGE of Existence programme is to prioritize evolutionarily distinct species for conservation efforts.

State the number of mass extinction events that have occurred on Earth.

• 1

• 5

• 10

• 20

Answer explanation

There have been 5 mass extinction events that have occurred on Earth, making the correct answer choice 5.

Explain the use of species richness and evenness measures in the tracking of biodiversity over time.

• Assess ecosystem stability

• Measure genetic diversity

• Quantify species abundance

• Analyze habitat size

Answer explanation

Quantify species abundance