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Ch. 56 - Conservation Biology and Global Change
Campbell - Campbell Biology 11th Edition
Urry11th EditionCampbell BiologyISBN: 9789357423311Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksUrry 11th EditionCh. 56 - Conservation Biology and Global ChangeProblem 3
Chapter 56, Problem 3

What is the single greatest threat to biodiversity?
a. Overharvesting of commercially important species
b. Habitat alteration, fragmentation, and destruction
c. Introduced species that compete with native species
d. Novel pathogens

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of biodiversity: Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of life forms within a given ecosystem, biome, or the entire Earth. It includes the diversity of species, genetic variation, and ecosystems.
Identify the factors that threaten biodiversity: These include habitat destruction, overharvesting, introduction of invasive species, pollution, climate change, and disease.
Analyze the impact of habitat alteration, fragmentation, and destruction: This involves the conversion of natural habitats into urban, agricultural, or industrial areas, leading to loss of species and ecosystems.
Consider the effects of introduced species: Introduced species can outcompete native species for resources, leading to declines or extinctions of native species.
Evaluate the role of novel pathogens: Pathogens can cause diseases that affect wildlife populations, potentially leading to declines in biodiversity.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Biodiversity

Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of life on Earth, encompassing the diversity of species, genetic variations within species, and the variety of ecosystems. It is crucial for ecosystem resilience, providing essential services such as pollination, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation. High biodiversity increases ecosystem productivity and stability, making it vital for human survival and well-being.
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Habitat Alteration, Fragmentation, and Destruction

Habitat alteration, fragmentation, and destruction involve changes to natural environments that reduce their ability to support native species. This can occur through urban development, agriculture, deforestation, and other human activities. Fragmentation divides ecosystems into smaller, isolated patches, disrupting species interactions and migration, leading to population declines and loss of biodiversity.
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Introduced Species

Introduced species, also known as invasive species, are non-native organisms that are brought into new environments, often by human activity. These species can outcompete, prey on, or bring diseases to native species, leading to significant ecological imbalances. They can cause native species extinctions and alter ecosystem functions, posing a major threat to biodiversity.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

One characteristic that distinguishes a population in an extinction vortex from most other populations is that

a. It is a rare, top-level predator

b. Its effective population size is lower than its total population size

c. Its genetic diversity is very low

d. It is not well adapted to edge conditions

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Textbook Question

The main cause of the increase in the amount of CO₂ in Earth's atmosphere over the past 150 years is

a. Increased worldwide primary production

b. Increased worldwide standing crop

c. An increase in the amount of infrared radiation absorbed by the atmosphere

d. The burning of larger amounts of wood and fossil fuels

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Textbook Question

Which of these is a consequence of biological magnification?

a. Toxic chemicals in the environment pose greater risk to top-level predators than to primary consumers.

b. Populations of top-level predators are generally smaller than populations of primary consumers.

c. The biomass of producers in an ecosystem is generally higher than the biomass of primary consumers.

d. Only a small portion of the energy captured by producers is transferred to consumers.

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Textbook Question

Which of the following strategies would most rapidly increase the genetic diversity of a population in an extinction vortex?

a. Establish a reserve that protects the population's habitat

b. Introduce new individuals transported from other populations of the same species

c. Sterilize the least fit individuals in the population

d. Control populations of the endangered population's predators and competitors

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Textbook Question

Of the following statements about protected areas that have been established to preserve biodiversity, which one is not correct?

a. About 25% of Earth's land area is now protected.

b. National parks are one of many types of protected areas.

c. Management of a protected area should be coordinated with management of the land surrounding the area.

d. It is especially important to protect biodiversity hot spots.

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