Human Impact on Ecosystems Quiz
Studying this course? Keep your progress in one place.
Pick an answer for each. Quizzes never use energy.
5 questions, one answer each
Each answer is checked as you go, with why.
See all 5 questions
1. Which of the following is a direct negative impact of deforestation on atmospheric composition?
- A. Increased carbon dioxide levels due to reduced photosynthesis and decomposition of organic matter
- B. Decreased oxygen levels leading to respiratory problems in humans
- C. Increased nitrogen oxides from burning fossil fuels used in logging
- D. Decreased ozone levels in the stratosphere
2. Lichens are used as biological indicators of air pollution. What does their absence in an area suggest?
- A. The area has excellent air quality with low pollution levels
- B. The area has high air pollution, particularly from sulfur dioxide
- C. The area receives insufficient rainfall
- D. The area has recently experienced forest fires
3. Intensive farming practices can lead to eutrophication in nearby water bodies. Which sequence of events correctly describes this process?
- A. Fertiliser runoff → increased nitrates → algal bloom → decomposition → oxygen depletion → fish death
- B. Pesticide use → herbicide resistance → plant mutations → ecosystem collapse
- C. Soil compaction → reduced water infiltration → flooding → nutrient loss
- D. Monoculture crops → reduced biodiversity → increased pest populations → pesticide use
4. Global warming is causing changes to species distribution and breeding seasons. Which statement best explains why this happens?
- A. Species migrate to find suitable temperatures and food sources that are shifting towards higher latitudes and altitudes
- B. Species deliberately breed earlier because they sense increased daylight hours
- C. Higher temperatures cause immediate genetic mutations in all species
- D. Ocean currents are changing, forcing all aquatic species to relocate simultaneously
5. An invasive species of plant is introduced to an ecosystem and rapidly outcompetes native species for light and nutrients. Explain why this demonstrates the negative impact of invasive species introduction and predict one consequence for biodiversity.
- A. Native species are adapted to local conditions and cannot compete; this reduces biodiversity and disrupts food chains that depend on native species
- B. Invasive species always increase total biodiversity because there are now more species present in the ecosystem
- C. Native species will rapidly evolve to compete with the invasive species, leading to new species formation
- D. Invasive species have no effect on biodiversity because organisms always adapt to environmental changes within a few generations