Question 1

Egg pulling refers to

Accepted Answer

Egg pulling refers to collecting eggs from the wild and hatching them in zoos or research centers in order to increase the captive population of a species. This is often done to preserve endangered species or to build up populations for reintroduction into the wild. Techniques used to extend the breeding span of captured birds (A) and using fertility drugs to increase productivity (C) are not the same as egg pulling. Production of hybrids in captive breeding programs (D) may or may not involve egg pulling, but it is not directly related to the term. Collecting unfertilized eggs from ovaries of wild animals (E) would not be considered egg pulling, as the eggs would not be viable for hatching.

Question 2

Animals listed as endangered or threatened cannot be ____ in the United States.

Accepted Answer

Animals listed as endangered or threatened are protected by law which prohibits injuring, hunting, collecting, or killing them. Therefore, all of these answers are correct.

Question 3

The international illegal trade in wildlife brings in an average of

Accepted Answer

The international illegal trade in wildlife is a highly lucrative business, generating significant revenue, estimated at $1.1 million per hour.

Question 4

The decline in approximately 70% of the world's bird species is particularly alarming to scientists because

Accepted Answer

Birds are considered excellent indicators of the health of ecosystems and can provide important information about environmental changes, such as pollution or habitat loss. The decline in bird populations suggests that there may be wider issues affecting the health of the environment.

Question 5

A small orchid plant that is found only on a tiny island in the Atlantic Ocean, just off the coast of Florida, has been listed as an endangered species. a.Which agency was responsible for listing this plant as endangered?

Accepted Answer

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the agency responsible for listing and protecting endangered species under the Endangered Species Act.

Question 6

All of the following actions will help to control invasive species except

Accepted Answer

Brushing your dog after a hike can help remove seeds or plant material that could spread invasive species, so it is better to do it before leaving the area.

Question 7

The basic causes of depletion and premature extinction of wild species include

Accepted Answer

All of these factors contribute to the depletion and premature extinction of wild species. As human populations grow, there is an increasing demand for resources, leading to over-harvesting and habitat destruction. Undervaluing natural capital also contributes to the destruction of ecosystems, as they are often seen as expendable resources rather than valuable systems that provide essential services to humans and other species. Poverty can also drive people to rely on the exploitation of natural resources for survival, further exacerbating the problem.

Question 8

Recent genetic research indicates that ____ or more individuals are needed for an endangered species to maintain its capacity for biological evolution.

Accepted Answer

Recent genetic research suggests that a population of at least 10,000 individuals is needed for an endangered species to maintain its capacity for biological evolution. This is because larger populations have greater genetic diversity, which allows for a better chance of adaptation and survival in changing environments. Smaller populations are at greater risk of genetic drift, inbreeding, and loss of genetic diversity, which can reduce their ability to evolve and adapt to changing conditions.

Question 9

All of the following would strengthen the Endangered Species Act except

Accepted Answer

The option (C) would weaken the Endangered Species Act, as it would allow private landowners to avoid protective measures for endangered species. The other options (A, B, D, and E) all strengthen the Endangered Species Act by providing greater protection, resources, and emphasis on conservation efforts.

Question 10

The Convention on Biological Diversity

Accepted Answer

The Convention on Biological Diversity has not been ratified by the United States. It is a landmark in international law because it focuses on ecosystems rather than individuals. It has been ratified by 188 countries. Therefore, option D is the correct answer.

Question 11

All of the following statements about invasive species is true except

Accepted Answer

Most successful invader species are actually generalists, not specialists. They are able to adapt and thrive in a variety of environments and outcompete native species.

Question 12

Living just off the coast of California, a rare dolphin is listed as an endangered species. a.What agency or group was responsible for studying the status of this animal, and subsequently listing it as endangered?

Accepted Answer

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is responsible for studying and listing marine species, such as dolphins, as endangered under the Endangered Species Act.

Question 13

Poaching of exotic species for profit has depleted populations of

Accepted Answer

The poaching of exotic species for profit has affected all of these categories of species. Many species of birds, mammals, tropical fish, and plants such as orchids are targeted for illegal trade and have seen significant declines in their populations as a result.

Question 14

Japanese kudzu vine offers all of the following except

Accepted Answer

The Japanese kudzu vine may offer starch used in Asian beverages and herbal remedies, control of soil erosion, a source of tree-free paper, and herbal remedies for diseases, but it does not offer toxic berries that deplete bird populations. In fact, the vine can actually provide habitat for wildlife.

Question 15

Captive breeding programs in zoos

Accepted Answer

Captive breeding programs often require a certain number of individuals, typically between 100 and 500, to maintain genetic diversity and reduce the risk of inbreeding.

Question 16

A major factor in the population explosion of the zebra mussel in the Great Lakes region is

Accepted Answer

The combination of the zebra mussel's rapid reproductive rate and its lack of natural enemies that might control its population is the major factor that led to the population explosion of this species in the Great Lakes region.

Question 17

The Endangered Species Act of 1973

Accepted Answer

The statement mentions all of the options as true. Therefore, the correct choice is E.

Question 18

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) addresses all of the following except

Accepted Answer

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) aims to regulate and restrict international trade of endangered and threatened species of plants and animals. It does not focus on ecosystems, but rather on individual species. Therefore, option C is incorrect, while all others are correct.

Question 19

Argentina fire ants can be described by all of the following except:

Accepted Answer

The statement "Native ant species help to keep them in check" is false. In fact, Argentina fire ants are known to outcompete and displace native ant species, causing ecological imbalances.

Question 20

In addition to deforestation of tropical forests, which of the following are causes of species extinction?

Accepted Answer

All of the listed factors can lead to the extinction of species. Deforestation of tropical forests can lead to loss of habitat and fragmentation of ecosystems, which can cause species to go extinct. Destruction of coral reefs can lead to the loss of habitat for marine species and can have a ripple effect on entire marine ecosystems. Destruction of wetlands can cause loss of habitat for many aquatic and terrestrial species. Plowing of grasslands can lead to the loss of grassland habitats, which can be home to many species. Pollution of lakes and streams can have serious impacts on aquatic life, and can cause species to die or move out of the area. Therefore, all of these choices can contribute to species extinction.

Quiz 8: Sustaining Biodiversity: the Species Approach