Biodiversity means the

1. Taxonomy is:A. the science of classifyingorganismsB. the method used to figureout your taxesC. the study of ecologyD. the techniques usedby taxidermists2. How many specimens arecontained in the CanadianNational Collection of Insects,Arachnids and Nematodesin Ottawa, Ontario?A. 1 millionB. 10 millionC. 16 millionD. 160 million3. Which of the followingare fungi:A. mushroomsB. yeastsC. mouldsD. all of the above4. In Canada’s genebanks, geneticplant material is stored as:A. seedsB. live plantsC. tissue cultureD. all of the above5. Who can use a genebank?A. anyone who iswearing jeansB. anyone in the worldwith a valid useC. only scientists orplant breedersD. only farmersBiodiversity means thevariety of life on Earth.Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada maintains the largestcollections of fungi, insects and plants in Canada.Staff identify, collect, preserve and share seeds andplant parts with scientists all over the world.The identification of pests and weeds, along with theirnatural enemies, is an essential step in protectingour agricultural resources and the environment.Biodiversity is a record of thedifferences among all livingthings and how they interact withthe environment and each other.Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has vast plant andseed collections. These are similar to librariesbecause every plant and seed has been named,catalogued and cross-referenced.Because Canadian agriculture is relatively new, most of ourcrops originated from areas outside of Canada.Canadian crop breeders adapt plant varieties so they cangrow in our cold climate. Over the years, scientists haveboosted biodiversity greatly by developing new crops fordomestic use and export markets.Take the quiz and test your knowledge ofCanada’s agricultural biodiversity!(answers on reverse)6. Canada is responsible forthe world collection of:A. barley and oatsB. wheat and ryeC. tomato and cucumberD. apple and pear7. Crops that are nativeto Canada are:A. strawberry, blueberryand cranberryB. tomato, potatoand cornC. wheat, rye and oatsD. apple, pear and peach8. How many years does itusually take to develop anew tree fruit variety suchas apple, pear or peach?A. 5 yearsB. 10 yearsC. 25 yearsD. 50 years9. Since 1901 our ShelterbeltCentre in Saskatchewanhas distributed how manytrees to Canadian farmerson the Prairies?A. 60 thousandB. 600 thousandC. 6 millionD. 600 million10. Which crop is grown inevery province in Canada?A. applesB. strawberriesC. potatoesD. all of the above

What’s YourBiodiversity IQ?Give yourself one point for every correct answer andsee how you measure up.10Biodiversity genius. Way to go!7 to 9Bio-brainiac. You have a great understanding ofthe variety of life on earth, and Canada’s role inpreserving it.4 to 6Bio-aware. You have some idea of the scope ofCanada’s biodiversity. On your next visit to thegrocery store or park, stay alert: there’s a LOTto discover!0 to 3Bio-hazard! You may want to spend more timedigging around in your backyard…where you willdiscover hundreds of examples of biodiversityat work!Quiz Answers:1. Taxonomy is…A. The science of classifying organisms.Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada scientistsare world-class experts on indentifyingplants, insects, mites, nematodes, fungi,bacteria and plant viruses.2. How many specimens arecontained in the Canadian NationalCollection of Insects, Arachnidsand Nematodes in Ottawa, Ontario?C. 16 million. Although there are largerinsect collections, ours is considered oneof the best collections in the world in termsof size, different species and expertise of ourstaff. Our entomologists share informationwith scientists around the world.3. Which of the following are fungi:D. All of the above….and much more,including mildew, puffballs, morels andtruffles. The grocery store offers a variety ofedible mushrooms to eat. Yeast is neededto make bread, wine and beer. Good mouldsare used to make delicious blue cheeses.4. In Canada’s genebanks, geneticplant material is stored as:D. All of the above. Tissue culture meanswe can grow a whole plant from a smallpiece of plant material. This is done in a labin a controlled, disease-free environment.5. Who can use a genebank?B. Anyone in the world with a valid use.Scientists from all over the world ask toborrow and trade packets of seeds andplants. The biggest users are plant breedersand researchers, but medical researchersand educators are also welcome.6. Canada is responsible for theworld collection of:A. Barley and oats. Barley and oats areextremely valuable crops both in Canadaand around the world. Consumers aroundthe world make oats into nutritious granolabars and use barley to make tasty beer.7. Crops that are native toCanada are:A. Strawberry, blueberry and cranberry.Our Aboriginal Peoples found these sweettreats and they are still popular today as ahealthy food source.8. How many years does it usuallytake to develop a new tree fruit varietysuch as apple, pear or peach?C. 25 years. New orchards are developed sothey can resist pests, diseases and environmentalstresses such as drought. Many treesare bred to be short so that fruit pickers don’thurt themselves climbing on high ladders.9. Since 1901 our ShelterbeltCentre in Saskatchewan hasdistributed how many trees toCanadian farmers on the Prairies?D. 600 million trees. Trees are an excellentresource for farmers. Shelterbelts protectthe land from wind and soil erosion. Treesalso provide shade for livestock in thesummer as well as create a habitat forbirds and smaller critters.10. Which crop is grown in everyprovince in Canada?D. All of the above. The Government ofCanada has invested in crop researchfor farmers over the last 125 years. Ourscientists need to develop crops thatsprout, grow, mature and produce abountiful crop in about 100 days.What Is Agricultural Biodiversity?Test Your Knowledge! Take The Quiz!Want to learn MORE aboutagriculture and biodiversity?Check out www.agr.gc.ca/biodiversityfor more resources and to discover how Canadianscientists and the Government of Canada areworking to preserve and promote our biodiversity.For additional copies of this publicationor to request an alternate format,please contact:Publications SectionAgriculture and Agri-Food CanadaPhone: (613) 773-1444Fax: (613) 773-1498Email: publications@agr.gc.caElectronic version available at:www.agr.gc.ca/students© Her Majesty the Queen in Rightof Canada, 2010Catalogue No. A22-517/2010EISBN 978-1-100-16384-0AAFC No. 11246EAussi offert en français sous le titre :Jeu-questionnaire papier sur la biodiversité50% post-consumer content