Biodiversity Quiz Questions And Answers

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Stephen Reinbold, PhD (Biological Sciences) |
Biology
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Stephen Reinbold has a PhD in Biological Sciences with a particular interest in teaching. He taught General Biology, Environmental Science, Zoology, Genetics, and Anatomy & Physiology for almost thirty years at Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City, Missouri. He particularly enjoyed emphasizing scientific methodology and student research projects. Now, enjoying retirement, he works part-time as an editor while also engaging in online activities.
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Biodiversity Quiz Questions And Answers - Quiz

Do you really know about biodiversity, and why is it essential for us? If so, give answers to the questions asked here in the following Biodiversity quiz and test your knowledge regarding the same. Biodiversity refers to the variety of life that exists on Earth, from very small to giants. It can positively affect ecological productivity and maintain a balance among all living beings. This quiz will test you on biodiversity with twenty basic to intermediate level questions. Let's see if you can get them right or not.


Biodiversity Questions and Answers

  • 1. 

    What is biodiversity?

    • A.

      A type of coconut

    • B.

      A brand of oil

    • C.

      The complete variety of all living things

    • D.

      A plant species

    Correct Answer
    C. The complete variety of all living things
    Explanation
    Biodiversity refers to the variety and abundance of different species of plants, animals, and microorganisms in a particular ecosystem or on the entire planet. It encompasses all living organisms and their interactions with each other and their environment. Biodiversity is not limited to a specific species or plant, but rather it encompasses the entire range of living things present on Earth.

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  • 2. 

    How many of all the life forms that have ever existed are now extinct?

    • A.

      21.2%

    • B.

      74%

    • C.

      58.88%

    • D.

      99.9%

    Correct Answer
    D. 99.9%
    Explanation
    The answer 99.9% suggests that almost all life forms that have ever existed are now extinct. This high percentage indicates that the vast majority of species that have ever lived on Earth are no longer present. Extinction is a natural process that has occurred throughout the history of life on our planet, with new species constantly evolving and old ones dying out. The answer highlights the significant turnover and loss of biodiversity that has taken place over millions of years.

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  • 3. 

    In which country can one find 99% of marsupials?

    • A.

      China

    • B.

      Brasil

    • C.

      India

    • D.

      Australia

    Correct Answer
    D. Australia
    Explanation
    Australia is the correct answer because it is the country where 99% of marsupials can be found. Marsupials are a unique group of mammals that includes kangaroos, koalas, and wombats, among others. Australia is known for its diverse range of marsupial species, many of which are endemic to the country. The unique geography and isolation of Australia have allowed marsupials to thrive and evolve in this region. Therefore, Australia is the country where one can find the majority of marsupials.

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  • 4. 

    What is the total number of megadiverse countries recognized by Conservation International?

    • A.

      17

    • B.

      65

    • C.

      25

    • D.

      5

    Correct Answer
    A. 17
    Explanation
    Conservation International recognizes 17 megadiverse countries in the world. It includes countries with a vast and rich expanse like Australia, India, China and Brazil. These countries are known for their exceptional biodiversity and are considered to be of significant global importance for their rich variety of plant and animal species.

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  • 5. 

    If there are estimated to be 100 million species on Earth, how many have been identified?

    • A.

      100 million

    • B.

      1.7 million

    • C.

      500,000

    • D.

      30 million

    Correct Answer
    B. 1.7 million
    Explanation
    Based on the given information, there have been 1.7 million species identified on Earth out of an estimated 100 million species. This suggests that scientists have discovered and classified a small portion of the total species present on our planet.

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  • 6. 

    Which branch of biodiversity provides 60% of all the world's medicine?

    • A.

      Animals

    • B.

      Bacteria

    • C.

      Plants

    • D.

      All of the above

    Correct Answer
    C. Plants
    Explanation
    Plants are the correct answer because they are a rich source of medicinal compounds. Many of the world's medicines, including aspirin and morphine, are derived from plants. Plants produce a wide variety of chemical compounds that have medicinal properties, which are used to treat various diseases and conditions. Therefore, it can be inferred that plants contribute significantly to the branch of biodiversity that provides 60% of all the world's medicine.

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  • 7. 

    Which factor is causing the most extinction?

    • A.

      Pollution

    • B.

      Loss of habitat

    • C.

      Global warming

    • D.

      They are dying of old age.

    Correct Answer
    B. Loss of habitat
    Explanation
    Loss of habitat is causing the most extinction because when habitats are destroyed or altered, it disrupts the balance of ecosystems and leads to the loss of various species. As habitats are essential for the survival and reproduction of organisms, the destruction of their natural environment directly threatens their existence. Pollution and farts may contribute to environmental degradation, but loss of habitat is the primary driver of extinction as it directly affects the availability of resources and disrupts the interconnected web of life. The statement "They are dying of old age" is unrelated to the causes of extinction.

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  • 8. 

    Which of the following environments has the most biodiversity?

    • A.

      Sahara Desert

    • B.

      Amazon Rainforest

    • C.

      North Pole

    • D.

      Mt Everest

    Correct Answer
    B. Amazon Rainforest
    Explanation
    The Amazon Rainforest has the most biodiversity compared to the other environments listed. This is because the rainforest has a warm and humid climate, which provides a favorable habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species. The rainforest is home to numerous species of trees, plants, insects, birds, mammals, and reptiles, many of which are unique and found nowhere else in the world. The diverse range of habitats within the rainforest, including rivers, wetlands, and dense vegetation, further contribute to its high biodiversity.

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  • 9. 

    Which of the following does biodiversity not contribute to?

    • A.

      Food

    • B.

      Clothes

    • C.

      Wireless Internet

    • D.

      Petrol

    Correct Answer
    C. Wireless Internet
    Explanation
    Biodiversity does not contribute to wireless internet. Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, and their interactions within ecosystems. It plays a crucial role in providing essential ecosystem services such as pollination, nutrient cycling, and water purification. However, it does not directly contribute to the development or functioning of wireless internet technologies. Wireless internet relies on telecommunications infrastructure and technology, which are not directly influenced by biodiversity.

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  • 10. 

    What is the second most leading cause of global warming?

    • A.

      Pollution

    • B.

      Deforestation

    • C.

      Greenhouse gases

    • D.

      All of the above

    Correct Answer
    B. Deforestation
    Explanation
    While greenhouse gases are the primary cause of global warming, deforestation is a significant contributing factor. It leads to increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere because trees, which absorb carbon dioxide, are removed. Deforestation exacerbates the greenhouse effect, contributing to global warming. Pollution also plays a role, but deforestation is directly linked to the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.

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  • 11. 

    What would be a good way to preserve biodiversity?

    • A.

      Reducing the waste stream

    • B.

      Reduce Reuse Recycle

    • C.

      Not driving as often.

    • D.

      All of the above

    Correct Answer
    D. All of the above
    Explanation
    Preserving biodiversity requires a combination of actions, and all of the options listed - not littering, reducing, reusing, and recycling, and not driving as often - contribute to this goal. Not littering helps prevent pollution and protects habitats. Reducing, reusing, and recycling minimize waste and the consumption of natural resources. Not driving as often reduces carbon emissions and habitat destruction caused by roads. By implementing all of these practices, we can collectively make a positive impact on preserving biodiversity.

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  • 12. 

    How many species of plants, animals, and insects are being lost every day?

    • A.

      1

    • B.

      388

    • C.

      137

    • D.

      12

    Correct Answer
    C. 137
    Explanation
    Every day, approximately 137 species of plants, animals, and insects are being lost. This indicates a significant rate of biodiversity loss, which can have detrimental effects on ecosystems and the overall health of the planet. The loss of these species can disrupt food chains, reduce genetic diversity, and impact various ecological processes. Conservation efforts and sustainable practices are crucial to mitigate this ongoing loss and preserve the Earth's rich biodiversity for future generations.

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  • 13. 

    The Cretaceous-Tertiary extinction event refers to the extinction of which group of organisms?

    • A.

      Wooly Mammoths

    • B.

      Saber Tooth Tigers

    • C.

      Tasmanian Tigers

    • D.

      Dinosaurs

    Correct Answer
    D. Dinosaurs
    Explanation
    The Cretaceous-Tertiary extinction event, also known as the K-T extinction event, is a term used to describe the mass extinction that occurred at the end of the Cretaceous period and marked the end of the dinosaurs. This event was caused by a combination of factors, including a large asteroid impact and volcanic activity, which led to drastic environmental changes and the extinction of many species, including the dinosaurs.

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  • 14. 

    The biodiversity found on the earth today is the result of how many years of evolution?

    • A.

      3.5 billion

    • B.

      120, 000

    • C.

      40 million

    • D.

      38

    Correct Answer
    A. 3.5 billion
    Explanation
    The biodiversity found on the earth today is the result of 3.5 billion years of evolution. This means that over the course of billions of years, various species have evolved and adapted to their environments, resulting in the wide range of plants, animals, and microorganisms that exist today. Evolution is a slow and gradual process that occurs over long periods of time, allowing for the development of diverse and complex life forms.

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  • 15. 

    All life on the earth consisted of Archaea, Bacteria, Protozoans, and a few more complex organisms, until how many years ago?

    • A.

      50

    • B.

      2 billion

    • C.

      600 million

    • D.

      40 billion

    Correct Answer
    C. 600 million
    Explanation
    Until 600 million years ago, all life on Earth consisted of Archaea, Bacteria, Protozoans, etc. This means that before this time period, there were no complex organisms such as plants, animals, or fungi. The emergence of more complex life forms occurred after this period, marking a significant milestone in the history of life on Earth.

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  • 16. 

    Which country supports almost 10% of biodiversity on the earth?

    • A.

      Austria

    • B.

      Australia

    • C.

      New Zealand

    • D.

      Afghanistan

    Correct Answer
    B. Australia
    Explanation
    Australia is the correct answer because it is home to a vast variety of unique plant and animal species. It is known for its diverse ecosystems, including the Great Barrier Reef and the Outback, which support a wide range of biodiversity. Australia's isolation from other continents has allowed for the evolution of many endemic species found nowhere else on Earth. This makes Australia a significant contributor to global biodiversity, supporting almost 10% of the world's total species.

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  • 17. 

    How many of Australian mammals, reptiles, and plants are endemic (found only in Australia)?

    • A.

      56%

    • B.

      80%

    • C.

      32%

    • D.

      12%

    Correct Answer
    B. 80%
    Explanation
    The correct answer is 80%. This means that 80% of Australia's mammals, reptiles, and plants are found only in Australia and are not found anywhere else in the world. This high percentage indicates that Australia has a unique and diverse range of endemic species, which is likely due to its isolation as an island continent.

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  • 18. 

    Which country has the worst rate of mammal extinction in the world?

    • A.

      Bahamas

    • B.

      China

    • C.

      Australia

    • D.

      Scotland

    Correct Answer
    C. Australia
    Explanation
    Australia has the worst rate of mammal extinction in the world. This is due to various factors such as habitat loss, invasive species, climate change, and human activities. Australia has a unique and diverse range of mammal species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. However, these species are facing significant threats, leading to their decline and extinction. The introduction of invasive species like cats and foxes, as well as land clearing for agriculture and urbanization, have greatly impacted the native mammal populations in Australia. Climate change further exacerbates these threats, making Australia the country with the highest rate of mammal extinction.

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  • 19. 

    Which is the most biodiverse country in the world?

    • A.

      Mexico

    • B.

      Brazil

    • C.

      Japan

    • D.

      China

    Correct Answer
    B. Brazil
    Explanation
    Brazil is considered the most biodiverse country in the world because it is home to the largest rainforest, the Amazon, which contains an incredibly rich and diverse array of plant and animal species. Brazil also has other diverse ecosystems such as the Pantanal wetlands and the Atlantic Forest. These habitats support a vast number of species, many of which are endemic to Brazil. The country's large size and varied climate further contribute to its high biodiversity, making Brazil a hotspot for conservation efforts and scientific research.

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  • 20. 

    What percentage of species are estimated to be extinct by the year 2050?

    • A.

      74%

    • B.

      99%

    • C.

      34%

    • D.

      12%

    Correct Answer
    C. 34%
    Explanation
    According to the given answer, it is estimated that 34% of species will be extinct by the year 2050. This suggests that a significant number of species are at risk of extinction in the near future. This could be due to various factors such as habitat loss, climate change, pollution, and human activities. The alarming rate of species extinction highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts and sustainable practices to protect biodiversity.

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Stephen Reinbold |PhD (Biological Sciences) |
Biology
Stephen Reinbold has a PhD in Biological Sciences with a particular interest in teaching. He taught General Biology, Environmental Science, Zoology, Genetics, and Anatomy & Physiology for almost thirty years at Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City, Missouri. He particularly enjoyed emphasizing scientific methodology and student research projects. Now, enjoying retirement, he works part-time as an editor while also engaging in online activities.

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  • Jun 04, 2010
    Quiz Created by
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