Reasons for conserving biodiversity — practice questions

Question 1 · difficulty L1 · recall

The view that every species has an intrinsic right to exist reflects:

• A. narrowly utilitarian value
• B. ethical value
• C. artificial selection
• D. competitive exclusion

Question 2 · difficulty L1 · recall

Which conservation argument values species because they may provide food, medicines, fibres, or other direct products?

• A. Narrowly utilitarian value
• B. Ethical value only
• C. Competitive exclusion between species using the same limiting ecological resource
• D. Genetic drift

Question 3 · difficulty L2 · understanding

Direct products such as food, fuel, fibre and medicines illustrate:

• A. genetic drift
• B. ethical value only
• C. co-extinction
• D. narrowly utilitarian value

Question 4 · difficulty L2 · understanding

Ecosystem functions that support human well-being illustrate:

• A. founder effect
• B. biopiracy
• C. narrowly utilitarian value only
• D. broadly utilitarian value

Question 5 · difficulty L2 · understanding

Pollination, oxygen production, and climate regulation support which reason for conserving biodiversity?

• A. Only aesthetic preference
• B. Broadly utilitarian value
• C. Random genetic change
• D. Taxonomic convenience

Question 6 · difficulty L4 · analysis

Why does the ethical argument for biodiversity conservation differ from a purely economic argument?

• A. It rejects every human use of nature
• B. Only species with a measurable current market value deserve long-term conservation
• C. Species have value beyond immediate human use
• D. It measures biodiversity only by market price