Principles of conservation biology MCQs

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

1. What is the primary goal of conservation biology?
a) To maximize human economic benefits
b) To preserve biodiversity and maintain ecosystem health
c) To promote urban development
d) To increase agricultural productivity
Answer: b) To preserve biodiversity and maintain ecosystem health

2. Which principle focuses on preserving entire ecosystems rather than individual species?
a) Species-based conservation
b) Ecosystem-based conservation
c) Population management
d) Genetic conservation
Answer: b) Ecosystem-based conservation

3. What does the concept of “sustainable use” refer to in conservation biology?
a) Exploiting natural resources without any restrictions
b) Utilizing resources in a way that does not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs
c) Increasing the exploitation of resources to maximize profits
d) Restricting access to natural areas completely
Answer: b) Utilizing resources in a way that does not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs

4. What is a “biodiversity hotspot”?
a) A region with a high level of biodiversity and significant levels of threat
b) An area with high human activity but low biodiversity
c) A place with few species but high conservation priority
d) A site with abundant natural resources and minimal conservation needs
Answer: a) A region with a high level of biodiversity and significant levels of threat

5. What is the “precautionary principle” in conservation biology?
a) Taking action to conserve biodiversity only when there is full scientific certainty
b) Avoiding actions that could cause harm to the environment even if scientific evidence is not complete
c) Focusing solely on species that are economically important
d) Prioritizing conservation efforts in areas with no human impact
Answer: b) Avoiding actions that could cause harm to the environment even if scientific evidence is not complete

6. What is the purpose of creating protected areas such as national parks and wildlife reserves?
a) To restrict human access for recreational purposes
b) To conserve natural habitats and species by minimizing human interference
c) To develop infrastructure for tourism
d) To exploit natural resources for economic gain
Answer: b) To conserve natural habitats and species by minimizing human interference

7. Which concept involves maintaining genetic diversity within species to enhance their adaptability?
a) Ecosystem services
b) In situ conservation
c) Ex situ conservation
d) Genetic diversity
Answer: d) Genetic diversity

8. What is the role of “habitat fragmentation” in conservation biology?
a) It creates larger and more connected habitats
b) It leads to the separation of habitat into smaller, isolated patches, which can negatively impact species survival
c) It improves the quality of habitats by increasing their size
d) It facilitates the movement of species between different areas
Answer: b) It leads to the separation of habitat into smaller, isolated patches, which can negatively impact species survival

9. What does “restoration ecology” aim to achieve?
a) To prevent the spread of invasive species
b) To restore degraded ecosystems to their natural state
c) To increase the number of zoos and aquariums
d) To create new species through genetic engineering
Answer: b) To restore degraded ecosystems to their natural state

10. What is the significance of “keystone species” in conservation biology?
a) They are the most numerous species in an ecosystem
b) Their presence or absence has a disproportionately large effect on the structure and function of their ecosystem
c) They are species that are only found in zoos
d) They are the largest animals in an ecosystem
Answer: b) Their presence or absence has a disproportionately large effect on the structure and function of their ecosystem

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