Question 1: Define land use and explain its significance in ecology.

Answer: Land use refers to how humans utilize land for activities such as agriculture, urban development, and forestry; it affects ecosystems and biodiversity.

Question 2: Describe two ways in which urban development can impact local biodiversity.

Answer: Urban development can lead to habitat destruction and fragmentation, reducing species diversity and disrupting ecosystems.

Question 3: What is habitat fragmentation, and why is it a concern for biodiversity?

Answer: Habitat fragmentation occurs when large habitats are divided into smaller, isolated patches, which can threaten species survival and reduce biodiversity.

Question 1: If a forest area of 1500 hectares is cleared for agriculture, and the biodiversity index drops from 0.8 to 0.5, calculate the percentage decrease in biodiversity index.

Answer: Percentage decrease = [(Initial value - Final value) / Initial value] x 100 = [(0.8 - 0.5) / 0.8] x 100 = 37.5%

Question 2: A region has 200 square kilometers of land used for urban development. If 25% of this land is converted to parks, how many square kilometers are now designated as parks?

Answer: Parks area = 25% of 200 km² = 0.25 x 200 = 50 km²

Question 3: Calculate the rate of habitat loss per year if a habitat of 500 hectares decreases to 350 hectares over 5 years.

Answer: Habitat loss per year = (Initial - Final) / Number of years = (500 - 350) / 5 = 30 hectares/year

Question 1: Design a simple experiment to test how different land uses (e.g., urban, agricultural, forested) affect soil biodiversity. List the variables you would control and measure.

Answer: Control variables include soil type, moisture, and sunlight. Independent variable is land use type. Dependent variable is soil biodiversity, measured by species count or activity.

Question 2: Identify at least two safety precautions to consider when conducting field studies on land use and biodiversity.

Answer: Wear protective clothing and gloves; ensure proper handling and disposal of samples and chemicals.

Question 1: A report states that converting 100 hectares of forest into farmland results in a 15% decline in local bird species diversity. If the initial number of bird species was 40, how many species are likely to be present after land conversion?

Answer: Species remaining = Initial species - (Decline percentage x initial species) = 40 - (0.15 x 40) = 34 species

Question 2: Interpret what the decrease in biodiversity signifies for ecosystem health in the area.

Answer: A decrease in biodiversity indicates potential ecosystem imbalance, reduced resilience to environmental changes, and possible loss of ecosystem services.

Question 1: Explain how urban planners can use biodiversity data to make sustainable land use decisions.

Answer: Urban planners can incorporate biodiversity data to design green spaces, protect habitats, and minimize environmental impact, promoting sustainable development.

Question 2: Describe one technological advancement that helps monitor land use changes and their effects on biodiversity.

Answer: Remote sensing technology, such as satellite imaging, helps track land use changes and assess impacts on ecosystems over large areas efficiently.