Criteria for species endangerment MCQs

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman Shamil | Last updated: September 12, 2024

Criteria for Species Endangerment MCQs

What is a primary criterion used to determine species endangerment?
Population size decline.

Which factor is considered when assessing a species’ risk of extinction?
Habitat loss and degradation.

What does the term “critically endangered” signify in species classification?
A species facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

How is a species’ geographic range important in determining endangerment?
Smaller ranges increase vulnerability to extinction.

Which organization is responsible for maintaining the Red List of Threatened Species?
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

What role does reproductive rate play in species endangerment?
Species with low reproductive rates are more vulnerable to extinction.

How is genetic diversity related to species endangerment?
Lower genetic diversity reduces adaptability and increases extinction risk.

Which of the following is a direct cause of species endangerment?
Overexploitation, such as poaching and overfishing.

How does climate change contribute to species endangerment?
It alters habitats, making them unsuitable for survival.

What is the significance of the IUCN Red List in species conservation?
It provides a global status assessment of species’ extinction risks.

Which human activity is a major contributor to habitat destruction for endangered species?
Deforestation.

What does the “Endangered” category in the IUCN Red List indicate?
A species facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild.

Why is a species’ population trend important in assessing its endangerment status?
Declining trends indicate increasing vulnerability to extinction.

What role does habitat fragmentation play in species endangerment?
It isolates populations, reducing genetic flow and increasing extinction risk.

Which criterion is used by the IUCN to assess species endangerment?
A species’ rate of population decline over time.

How does pollution contribute to species endangerment?
It degrades ecosystems, harming species’ health and survival.

What is the primary focus of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)?
To regulate the international trade of endangered species.

How does overharvesting contribute to species endangerment?
It reduces population sizes and disrupts ecosystems.

Which factor is commonly considered when determining a species’ risk of extinction?
The species’ current population size and habitat range.

How does invasive species introduction contribute to native species endangerment?
Invasive species compete for resources, often outcompeting native species.

Why is habitat connectivity important for species survival?
It allows gene flow and migration, reducing the risk of extinction.

What is a key characteristic of a species classified as “vulnerable” by the IUCN?
It faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future.

How does human-wildlife conflict contribute to species endangerment?
It leads to direct harm or death of species involved.

What role does international cooperation play in preventing species endangerment?
It facilitates cross-border conservation efforts and policies.

Why is the rate of habitat destruction important in assessing species endangerment?
Rapid destruction increases the urgency of conservation efforts.

What is a common cause of marine species endangerment?
Overfishing and habitat destruction, such as coral reef degradation.

How does poaching impact species endangerment?
It reduces population numbers and disrupts breeding cycles.

Which of the following is a key indicator of species endangerment?
A species’ restricted geographic range.

How does disease contribute to species endangerment?
Outbreaks can rapidly decimate already small populations.

Why is population density considered in determining a species’ extinction risk?
Low densities make it harder for individuals to find mates and reproduce.

Which of the following is an indicator that a species might be endangered?
A rapid and ongoing decline in population numbers.

How does illegal wildlife trade affect endangered species?
It depletes populations and disrupts ecosystems.

What role do conservation laws play in preventing species endangerment?
They provide legal protection and regulate harmful activities.

Why is it important to monitor the age structure of populations in endangered species?
An unbalanced age structure can indicate reproduction problems.

How does human-induced habitat alteration lead to species endangerment?
It alters ecosystems in ways that species cannot adapt to quickly.

What is a primary threat to freshwater species that leads to endangerment?
Pollution and water extraction, affecting habitat quality.

Which of the following is a factor used by the IUCN to assess species vulnerability?
The size and quality of the species’ habitat.

Why are species with specialized habitat requirements more prone to endangerment?
They are less adaptable to changes in their environment.

How does the loss of prey species contribute to predator endangerment?
It reduces food availability, leading to population declines.

What is a significant driver of species endangerment in tropical rainforests?
Clear-cutting for agriculture and logging.

How does reduced reproductive success affect a species’ endangerment status?
It slows population recovery and increases extinction risk.

Why is it important to consider both short-term and long-term threats in species endangerment assessments?
Long-term threats can cause gradual declines, while short-term threats may have immediate impacts.

How does habitat degradation differ from habitat destruction in terms of species endangerment?
Degradation reduces habitat quality, while destruction removes it entirely.

Which of the following is a key consequence of overpopulation in species endangerment?
Increased competition for limited resources, leading to population declines.

How does climate change exacerbate existing threats to endangered species?
It magnifies habitat loss, disease, and competition challenges.

Why are island species particularly vulnerable to endangerment?
Their limited ranges and isolation make them less resilient to environmental changes.

What is the primary purpose of endangered species recovery plans?
To outline actions needed to restore populations and prevent extinction.

How does the loss of keystone species impact ecosystem stability?
It disrupts the balance of the ecosystem, affecting many other species.

Which of the following human activities accelerates species endangerment?
Urbanization and expansion of infrastructure.

How does the concept of “extinction debt” relate to species endangerment?
It refers to future extinctions caused by past habitat destruction.

MCQs on wildlife