Biodiversity and Citizen Science Challenges

Aaron Hines discusses biodiversity, its importance, and the story of the American chestnut tree. The video highlights the role of biodiversity in ecosystem resilience and species survival. It introduces citizen science as a solution to combat extinction, focusing on the City Nature Challenge and how individuals can participate in biodiversity conservation efforts.

What is biodiversity often compared to in terms of its function in the natural world?

• The circulatory system

• The respiratory system

• The immune system

• The digestive system

Which tree was once prevalent in the Appalachian Mountains and Piedmont region?

• Pine

• American Chestnut

• Maple

• Oak

What caused the decline of the American chestnut tree?

• Chestnut blight

• Deforestation

• Insect infestation

• Climate change

Which tree species expanded its range after the decline of the American chestnut?

• Birch

• Oak

• Spruce

• Cedar

What is the goal of crossing Chinese chestnut trees with American chestnut saplings?

• To create a new species

• To produce more nuts

• To develop a blight-resistant American chestnut

• To increase tree height

What is one of the major threats to global species today?

• Rapid extinction rates

• Urbanization

• Overpopulation

• Pollution

What is citizen science primarily about?

• Teaching science in schools

• Conducting experiments in labs

• Collecting data with scientists

• Writing scientific papers

What is the City Nature Challenge?

• A race to clean up cities

• A challenge to reduce carbon footprint

• A competition to plant trees

• An event to identify species

Which app is used during the City Nature Challenge to identify species?

• BioFinder

• iNaturalist

• NatureSnap

• EcoExplorer

What can participants earn by joining EcoExplorer during the City Nature Challenge?

• Gift cards

• Cash prizes

• BioBlitz bonus badge

• Free trips