The Decline in Approximately 70% of the World's Bird Species

question 100

Multiple Choice

The decline in approximately 70% of the world's bird species is particularly alarming to scientists because

• A) This is the first time any bird species have been threatened with declining numbers.
• B) It is not caused by any human activities that scientists can determine.
• C) Only land birds are affected, while water birds seem to be maintaining normal population numbers.
• D) Birds are excellent environmental indicators.
• E) Birdwatching now generates a significant portion of tourist dollars in some countries.

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Definitions:

N-formyl-methionine

A modified amino acid that serves as the starting amino acid in protein synthesis in prokaryotic cells.

Amino Terminal

The end of a protein or polypeptide chain where the amino group is not involved in a peptide bond; often symbolized as the 'N-terminus'.

Bacteria

Single-celled microorganisms that can exist either as independent organisms or as parasites, often playing a vital role in recycling nutrients in ecosystems.

Ribosomal Subunit

A structural component of ribosomes, which comes in two sizes (large and small), necessary for protein synthesis in cells.