Sustainability And Biodiversity Multiple Choice Quiz

Urban sprawl refers to the uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into surrounding rural lands. This process often leads to the destruction of natural habitats and the loss of biodiversity. As urban areas expand, they consume more resources and generate more waste, putting a strain on the ecosystem's carrying capacity. This can lead to a decline in the availability of resources such as water and food, as well as an increase in pollution and habitat fragmentation. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that urban sprawl affects the carrying capacity of an ecosystem.

Exponential growth refers to a pattern where a quantity increases rapidly over time. When the population is graphed against time, a J-shaped curve is observed, indicating exponential growth. This curve starts slowly, then accelerates as the population grows at an increasing rate. Therefore, the statement that a J-shaped curve is produced by exponential growth is true.

Maintaining sustainable forest ecosystems provides numerous benefits such as habitat for species, reduction of erosion in watersheds, and regulation of weather patterns. However, the idea of empty space on which to build homes is not a benefit of maintaining sustainable forest ecosystems. Instead, it implies deforestation and the destruction of these ecosystems, which can have negative consequences for the environment and wildlife.

Corals and algae display mutualism, a type of symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit. Corals provide a protected environment and nutrients for the algae, while the algae provide food through photosynthesis. This mutually beneficial interaction is essential for the survival and growth of coral reefs, as the algae contribute to the vibrant colors and energy production of the corals.

Colony collapse disorder refers to the phenomenon where a beehive suddenly loses a significant number of worker bees, leading to the decline or collapse of the entire colony. This can occur due to various factors such as pesticides, parasites, diseases, habitat loss, and climate change. The disappearance or reduced ability of the beehive to sustain itself is a serious concern as bees play a crucial role in pollination, which is essential for the reproduction of many plants and the overall biodiversity of ecosystems.

Overexploitation refers to the excessive harvesting or extraction of a resource beyond its sustainable level, resulting in a decline in its availability. In the context of the question, the decline in the number of tons of fish caught can be attributed to overexploitation, meaning that the fish population is being excessively fished, leading to a decrease in their numbers. This explanation aligns with the concept of overexploitation as a process that can explain the decline in fish catch.

Bioaugmentation is the process of introducing beneficial microorganisms into an environment to enhance its natural processes. This practice is a form of stewardship because it involves actively managing and improving the health and sustainability of an ecosystem. By introducing these microorganisms, bioaugmentation can help restore soil fertility, enhance wastewater treatment, and promote the breakdown of pollutants. It is a proactive approach to environmental conservation and demonstrates responsible stewardship of natural resources.

The example "Future generations should get to enjoy the biosphere" is an ethical reason for the practice of stewardship because it emphasizes the responsibility of current generations to protect and preserve the environment for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations. This example highlights the importance of considering the long-term impact of our actions on the sustainability of the biosphere.

When a population is maintained at its carrying capacity, it means that the available resources in the environment are enough to support the population without any increase or decrease in numbers. This state is known as equilibrium, where the population remains stable over time. In this state, the birth rate and death rate are balanced, resulting in a sustainable population that can be maintained over the long term. Therefore, the correct answer is "In equilibrium."

This example demonstrates bottom-up population regulation because it starts with a decrease in the grass population due to a drought. This reduction in grass leads to a decrease in the grasshopper population as they rely on grass for food. Consequently, the decline in grasshoppers results in a decrease in the shrew population as they rely on grasshoppers as their main food source. This sequence of events shows how changes in the lower trophic levels (grasses and grasshoppers) can impact the higher trophic levels (shrews).

The explanation for the given correct answer is that limiting factors do control carrying capacity. The example provided about flying squirrels depending on holes in dead trees demonstrates how the availability of suitable habitat (in this case, dead trees with holes) can limit the population size of a species. If the removal of dead timber reduces the number of holes, it will directly impact the local populations of flying squirrels, indicating that limiting factors do play a role in determining carrying capacity.

Food, space, disease, natural disasters, climate, competition, and predation are examples of limiting factors. Limiting factors are environmental factors that restrict the growth, abundance, or distribution of a population within an ecosystem. These factors can limit the availability of resources, such as food and space, or increase the risk of mortality, as in the case of disease, natural disasters, and predation. They play a crucial role in regulating population sizes and maintaining the balance of ecosystems.

The increase in the carrying capacity of the biosphere for the population best explains the rapid growth of the human population over the last 1000 years. Carrying capacity refers to the maximum number of individuals that an environment can sustainably support. Humans have been able to increase the carrying capacity by developing technologies and practices that have allowed them to produce more food, access clean water, and create shelter. This has led to a decrease in mortality rates and an increase in life expectancy, resulting in population growth.

Otters are considered a keystone species in a kelp forest ecosystem because they play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Otters feed on sea urchins, which are herbivores that graze on kelp. By preying on sea urchins, otters help control their population, preventing them from overgrazing on kelp. This allows the kelp to thrive and provides habitat for a diverse range of species. Thus, otters have a significant impact on the overall health and stability of the kelp forest ecosystem.

The given answer correctly identifies two examples of population growth. When an organism comes to a new habitat that has a lot of resources, it can lead to population growth as the organism can thrive and reproduce in the abundance of resources. Similarly, when pressures on a population are removed, such as reduced predation or competition, it can also result in population growth as individuals have a higher chance of survival and reproduction. These two scenarios demonstrate how population growth can occur under favorable conditions and when constraints are lifted.