If individuals in the last remaining population of a particular bird species were all highly related, which type of diversity would be of greatest concern when planning to keep the species from going extinct?
species diversity
genetic diversity
ecosystem diversity
taxonomic diversity
Why is the extinction of the Yangtze River dolphin considered particularly significant?
it was a keystone species
it was from a species-poor lineage
there was high genetic diversity within the species
it was a keystone prey species
You discover a new species at University of Waterloo, and it is only found on campus. This new species is best described as:
endangered
vulnerable
endemic
sensitive
Which of the following is likely NOT a major threat to the unique species pairs of stickleback in British Columbia? (Select all that apply)
land development and habitat degradation
introduction of alien species
overexploitation
deterioration of water quality
Why are smaller, fragmented habitats often of lesser quality than contiguous habitats?
fragmentation often leads to detrimental edge effects
fragmentation reduces species' ability to move between habitat patches
smaller habitats often do not contain the necessary resources for large animals
all of the above
Why are smaller, isolated populations more likely to be extirpated?
they are more likely to be exterminated by severe stochastic events
they are subject to inbreeding depression and genetic drift
they are more likely to be subject to fitness trade-offs
both A and B
What is the leading cause of endangerment for marine species?
pollution
invasive species
habitat loss
Habitat loss is the leading cause of endangerment for terrestrial species.
Most endangered species are currently found on islands.
Experimental evidence from Brazil indicates that fragmenting tropical wet forests results in:
an eventual recovery of biodiversity and biomass
a decrease in biodiversity, and a decrease in biomass
an increase in biodiversity, and a decrease in biomass
a decrease in biodiversity, and an increase in biomass