1. Which organization is responsible for establishing criteria for determining the conservation status of species?
a) World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
b) International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
c) United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
d) Greenpeace
Answer: b) International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
2. What is one of the primary criteria used to assess if a species is endangered?
a) Geographic distribution
b) Economic value
c) Cultural significance
d) Historical population data
Answer: a) Geographic distribution
3. Which of the following is a criterion for a species to be classified as critically endangered according to IUCN?
a) A very large and stable population
b) A population size of fewer than 250 mature individuals
c) A species with a stable habitat
d) A species with no known threats
Answer: b) A population size of fewer than 250 mature individuals
4. How does habitat loss affect the endangerment status of a species?
a) It increases the species’ population size
b) It has no effect on the species’ status
c) It can lead to a decrease in population size and increase the risk of endangerment
d) It provides new opportunities for species expansion
Answer: c) It can lead to a decrease in population size and increase the risk of endangerment
5. What role does the rate of population decline play in determining a species’ risk of endangerment?
a) A rapid increase in population size
b) A slow and steady decline in population
c) A significant, rapid decline in population
d) No effect on the species’ endangerment status
Answer: c) A significant, rapid decline in population
6. Which of the following factors is NOT typically considered when assessing a species’ risk of extinction?
a) Number of individuals
b) Degree of habitat fragmentation
c) Recent successful conservation efforts
d) Average lifespan of individuals
Answer: d) Average lifespan of individuals
7. What is the significance of the “area of occupancy” criterion in species endangerment assessment?
a) It measures the total area where a species is found
b) It measures the area occupied by a species within its range
c) It estimates the species’ annual migration distance
d) It evaluates the species’ breeding success
Answer: b) It measures the area occupied by a species within its range
8. Which criterion is used to assess the impact of human activities on species endangerment?
a) Genetic diversity
b) Degree of ecological overlap
c) Direct and indirect human threats
d) Climatic conditions
Answer: c) Direct and indirect human threats
9. Why is the assessment of genetic diversity important in determining a species’ endangerment status?
a) It indicates the species’ ability to adapt to environmental changes
b) It shows the species’ migration patterns
c) It determines the species’ breeding rate
d) It measures the species’ diet variety
Answer: a) It indicates the species’ ability to adapt to environmental changes
10. What does the “vulnerable” status indicate about a species according to IUCN criteria?
a) The species is not currently at risk of extinction
b) The species is likely to become endangered unless conservation efforts are made
c) The species is extinct in the wild
d) The species is thriving and has no known threats
Answer: b) The species is likely to become endangered unless conservation efforts are made