Biodiversity I: Patterning

Which is the best definition of biodiversity?

• a.A tally of all existing species on Earth
• b.The measure of genetic diversity on Earth
• c.An accounting of the full variety of life on Earth
• d.An estimation of the diversity of ecosystems on Earth

The majority of species on Earth have been discovered, named, and classified.

• a.true
• b.false

Why do we measure species relative abundance or "evenness"?

• a.To better understand a species' risk of extinction.
• b.To gauge how the species fits into its ecosystem.
• c.To figure out the best way to conserve a species.
• d.To estimate number of individuals a species contains.

Scientists worry about losing genetic diversity because of _______-level vulnerability.

• a.gene
• b.individual
• c.population
• d.ecosystem

What does a genetic barcode provide information about?

• a.Individual health and species identity
• b.Species identity and relatedness
• c.Relatedness and extinction risk
• d.Extinction risk and individual health

Alexander von Humboldt's work advanced the field by showing that ______.

• a.biodiversity changes with latitude.
• b.biodiversity correlates with longitude.
• c.biodiversity scales with productivity.
• d.biodiversity tracks with heterogeneity.

What does it mean to call the tropics an "engine of global biodiversity"?

• a.Many species inhabit the tropics.
• b.Most species originate in the tropics.
• c.The tropics are a magnet for species.
• d.Tropical climate powers species with energy.

Scientists continue to gather evidence about the causes for biodiversity patterns.

• a.true
• b.false

What does Island Biogeography Theory predict about Mahé Island, the largest island in the Seychelles?

• a.It will have more biodiversity than its neighbor islands.
• b.It will have less biodiversity than its neighbor islands.
• c.It will have equal biodiversity to its neighbor islands.
• d.Its biodiversity cannot be predicted based on size.

Which statement best describes why scientists continue to conduct research on biodiversity patterns?

• a.Mapping where species are distributed allows us to more efficiently exploit natural resources.
• b.Analyzing how biodiversity is patterned is valuable research, even if it doesn't have relevance for humans.
• c.Knowing the current patterns of biodiversity across the globe allows us to better keep it exactly the same.
• d.Understanding the factors that shape biodiversity patterns provides information for managing biodiversity as it changes.