REVIEW & REHEARSE: 16 CONSERVATION and BIODIVERSITY

!ques1! <i>Check Your Knowledge</i>

Question 16.14

1. Biodiversity is considered important because of:

  • a) the direct economic benefits to humans, such as medicines and food.
  • b) the symbolic value that elements of the natural world can provide.
  • c) the aesthetic value it holds.
  • d) its potential for helping humans understand the processes that gave rise to the diversity we see.
  • e) All of the above are correct.

Question 16.15

Biodiversity hotspots are defined by which two criteria?

  • a) species richness and ecosystem integrity
  • b) size and distance from nearest alternative hotspot
  • c) species endemism and degree of threat
  • d) species richness and size
  • e) ecological diversity and species diversity

Question 16.16

Madagascar is unusually important to conservation because it:

  • a) has more species per unit area than any other place on earth.
  • b) is the fourth largest island in the world.
  • c) is home to more endangered species than any other country.
  • d) has a higher percentage of endemic plants and animals than any comparably sized area on earth.
  • e) is the native habitat of the rosy periwinkle, a rain forest plant that helps cure childhood lymphocytic leukemia.