fcmtp07 3/20/2025 7:51:23 AM

[I]In the intricate web of life on Earth, every species plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. [II] When one species disappears, it can trigger a cascade of effects that disrupt entire ecosystems, leading to what scientists call "ecological ripple effects." [III]With many species hanging by a thread, this delicate balance developed over millions of years of evolution demonstrates why protecting every species is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems. [IV]

The interconnectedness of species is particularly evident in food webs and pollination networks. For instance, bees and other pollinators are essential for the reproduction of flowering plants, which in turn provide food and shelter for countless other organisms. Similarly, predators help control prey populations, preventing overgrazing and maintaining plant diversity. These relationships extend beyond direct interactions, as many species also modify their environment in ways that benefit others, such as beavers creating wetlands that support diverse aquatic communities.

Climate change and human activities pose significant threats to biodiversity, with potentially devastating consequences for ecosystem stability. When key species are lost, the services they provide—from seed dispersal to nutrient cycling—are disrupted, potentially leading to ecosystem collapse. This phenomenon is particularly concerning in areas with high biodiversity, such as tropical rainforests and coral reefs, where the loss of even a single species can have far-reaching implications for the entire community. Recent studies have shown that species extinction rates are accelerating at unprecedented levels.

Conservation efforts must therefore focus on protecting not just individual species but entire ecosystems. This holistic approach recognizes that every species, whether charismatic or obscure, contributes to the resilience and functionality of natural systems. By understanding and preserving these complex ecological relationships, we can help ensure the long-term survival of Earth's biodiversity and the ecosystem services upon which human society depends. Moreover, educating future generations about the importance of biodiversity conservation is crucial for creating lasting change and fostering a deeper appreciation for nature's delicate balance.

Question 31: Where in paragraph 1 does the following sentence best fit?

From the smallest insects to the largest mammals, each organism contributes to the complex interactions that sustain our planet's biodiversity.

A. [I]                                                B. [II]                                        C. [III]                                        D. [IV]

Question 32: The phrase “hanging by a thread” in paragraph 1 could be best replaced by_________.

A. hold up                                        B. carry on                                C. die out                                D. fade away

Question 33: Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a role of species in ecosystems?

A. Pollination                                

B. Nutrient cycling

C. Soil erosion prevention

D. Population control

Question 34: The word “their” in paragraph 2 refers to_________.

A. food webs                                B. pollinators                        C. interactions                        D. species

Question 35: Which of the following best summarises paragraph 3?

A. Human-induced environmental changes are causing rapid species extinction, particularly affecting biodiversity hotspots and ecosystem functions worldwide.

B. Climate change impacts are primarily affecting tropical rainforests and coral reefs, leading to unprecedented changes in species distribution patterns.

C. Species extinction in diverse ecosystems causes disruption of natural processes, though mainly affecting local environmental conditions.

D. Recent research indicates environmental threats are temporary, with ecosystems showing resilience to biodiversity loss over time.

Question 36: The word “dispersal” in paragraph 3 is OPPOSITE in meaning to_________.

A. distribution                                B. concentration                         C. scattering                         D. spreading

Question 37: Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

A. Conservation efforts should focus solely on protecting endangered species while maintaining current ecosystem structures.

B. Human activities affect biodiversity only in specific regions, particularly in tropical rainforests and coral reef areas.

C. Every species in an ecosystem contributes to its stability, from the most prominent to the least noticeable organisms.

D. Educational programs about conservation are optional supplements to current environmental protection measures.

Question 38: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 4?

A. All species, regardless of their prominence or visibility, play essential roles in maintaining ecosystem stability and operations.

B. Popular and well-known species contribute more significantly to the overall functioning of environmental processes.

C. Natural systems depend primarily on the interactions between major species that maintain ecological balance over time.

D. Ecosystem resilience is determined by the combined effects of dominant species in various biological communities.

Question 39: Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

A. Educational programs about conservation will automatically solve all current environmental challenges within one generation.

B. The survival of human society is fundamentally dependent on maintaining healthy and diverse ecological systems.

C. Species extinction in specific regions has minimal impact on global ecosystems due to natural adaptation processes.

D. Traditional conservation methods focusing on individual species are more effective than ecosystem-wide approaches.

Question 40: Which of the following best summarises the passage?

A. Climate change and human activities are the primary factors causing unprecedented rates of species loss in modern times.

B. Educational programs and scientific research are the most effective tools for addressing current environmental challenges.

C. Specific species like bees and beavers play more crucial roles than others in maintaining ecological balance worldwide.

D. The interconnected nature of ecosystems requires comprehensive conservation efforts to protect biodiversity and ensure human survival.

 

Second Semester Midterm Exam GRADE 12 Test 2