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What do you know about
Biodiversity?
Test your knowledge on Biodiversity by taking this quiz!
What is biodiversity?
the animals that live only in rain forests
the animal and plant species that live only in your backyard
the rich variety of life in every ecosystem on Earth
ANSWER: the rich variety of life in every ecosystem on Earth
"Bio" means life and "diversity" means variety. This variety of life on Earth—and its interdependence—is called biodiversity .
What is interdependence between species?
when two species need each other to survive
when two species don't want to live near each other
when young animals want to be more independent and live on their own
ANSWER: when two species need each other to survive
Plants and animals depend on many things to survive including each other. All living things are connected to each other in a web of life.
Why do we need biodiversity?
it gives us food to eat, water to drink, air to breathe, and much more
it makes our world unique, and it makes us happy
all of the above
ANSWER: all of the above
Biodiversity does much more than just make the world a beautiful place; it also provides the resources that life needs to survive like food to eat, water to drink, air to breathe. Without biodiversity, our world would be an empty place.
Where can you find biodiversity?
in a puddle
in the desert
all of the above
ANSWER: all of the above
You can find biodiversity in the strangest places—in a puddle, in the desert, in your house, even on your skin. Biodiversity exists everywhere on Earth or above it—inside rocks, ice, and clouds.
What is an invasive species?
a species that protects its turf from others
a species that migrates from one place to another
a species that lands in a new place and upsets the natural balance
ANSWER: a species that lands in a new place and upsets the natural balance
Invasive species are animals and plants that are moved to new environments. Invasive species compete for resources, making it difficult for native plants and animals to survive.
Which group has the largest number of species?
mammals
arthropods
plants
ANSWER: arthropods
There is an arthropod invasion on Earth! Scientists have identified more than one million species of arthropods on Earth, with millions more yet to be discovered. Almost 830,000 of those are insects!
A whale is
a fish
a mammal
an amphibian
ANSWER: a mammal
Whales are marine mammals that live in oceans throughout the world. They are social animals that swim in groups called pods and communicate with underwater songs that can be heard by other whales miles away.
What is the Endangered Species Act?
a law that keeps small animals from getting eaten by bigger animals
a law that protects animals or plants that are in danger of going extinct
a law that protects plants from getting crushed by animals
ANSWER: a law that protects animals or plants that are in danger of going extinct
The Endangered Species Act is a law written to help save animals and plants that are threatened in the wild. This law helps protect animals and plants from habitat destruction and hunting.
Why is Madagascar a great place to study biodiversity?
many of the plants and animals that live there can't be found anywhere else in the world
it's so close to many other places with a lot of biodiversity, so you can get to them easily
many unusual birds fly to Madagascar from other places all year long
ANSWER: many of the plants and animals that live there can't be found anywhere else in the world
Madagascar is a very special place to study biodiversity because all of the diverse plant and animal life on the island evolved in isolation—making life unique or "endemic" to the island.
What can you do to help save biodiversity?
reduce, reuse, recycle
plant trees, clean local rivers and parks, and protect habitats
all of the above
ANSWER: all of the above
Everyone can help biodiversity. Even you! Try to reduce, reuse, recycle . Also try to plant trees, clean local rivers and parks, and protect habitats. You can even organize a biodiversity survival group in your community to help the local environment. How many things can you do to help the biodiversity in your community?
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Image Credits:
Photos: photos in animal montage: AMNH, spectrum of life in Hall of Biodiversity; European starling: courtesy of Dr. W. Dan Sudia, FLMNH Photo Gallery of Southeastern U.S. Birds; African land snail: courtesy of Duane Meier, Honolulu Zoo, Wicked Willy photo gallery; cat: AMNH; humpback whale: courtesy of NOAA