Chapter 9: Global Change (copy)

What percentage of the atmosphere's ozone is in the stratosphere?

Approximately 97%.

What is the altitude range of the stratospheric ozone?

Between 9 and 25 miles (15–40 km) above Earth’s surface.

How is stratospheric ozone formed?

Ultraviolet radiation strikes oxygen molecules, creating atomic oxygen, which combines with oxygen molecules to form ozone.

What are the three forms of ultraviolet radiation?

UVA, UVB, and UVC.

What does UVA radiation do?

It usually causes skin tanning.

What impact does UVB radiation have?

It causes blistering sunburns and is associated with skin cancer.

What is the main responsibility of UVC radiation?

It is largely responsible for the formation of ozone.

What does the ozone layer protect against?

Harmful ultraviolet B radiation emitted by the sun.

What chemical substances have a stable structure allowing them to reach the stratosphere?

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halocarbons (halons).

What are chlorofluorocarbons?

Nonflammable chemicals that contain atoms of carbon, chlorine, and fluorine.

What are halocarbons (halons)?

Organic chemical molecules that contain at least one carbon atom and one or more halogen atoms.

What are some effects of ozone depletion?

Reduction in crop production, immune system effectiveness, phytoplankton growth, and increases in cataracts and skin cancer.

What legislation can help reduce ozone-depleting chemicals?

Support legislation that reduces the use of ozone-destroying chemicals.

What can be implemented to encourage the elimination of CFCs?

Introduce tariffs on products from countries allowing CFC use.

What is the Montreal Protocol?

An international treaty aimed at reducing or phasing out CFCs.

What is the role of HFCs in relation to ozone depletion?

They replace CFCs and do not contain chlorine.

What gases contribute to the greenhouse effect?

Carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, water vapor, tropospheric ozone, CFCs, and HFCs.

Which of the greenhouse gases has the lowest global warming potential?

Carbon dioxide (GWP of 1).

How is energy supply related to greenhouse gas emissions?

Burning coal, natural gas, and oil for electricity and heat is the largest source of emissions.

What is the impact of agricultural activities on greenhouse gases?

They primarily contribute to methane emissions.

What are the major impacts of climate change?

Rising temperatures, rising sea levels, and displacement of coastal populations.

What does ocean warming impact?

Marine habitat, metabolic changes, and reproductive harm in marine species.

What is ocean acidification caused by?

The absorption of excess atmospheric CO2 into the ocean.

What negative effects does lower pH have on marine organisms?

It makes it harder for organisms like corals and shellfish to build their structures.

What is HIPPCO?

An acronym summarizing major factors causing decreases in biodiversity.

What does 'H' in HIPPCO stand for?

Habitat destruction.

What does 'I' in HIPPCO refer to?

Invasive species.

What is an example of an invasive species?

Burmese python in Florida.

What does the term 'overexploitation' mean?

The overuse of natural resources, leading to population declines.

What are the consequences of habitat destruction?

Difficulty for species to survive, leading to extinction.

What strategies can help protect endangered species?

Creating wildlife sanctuaries and establishing breeding programs.

What is a significant challenge posed by invasive species?

They often out-compete native species for resources.

Why is genetic diversity important?

It helps maintain healthy ecosystems and populations.

What contributes to the increased levels of greenhouse gases globally?

Human activities, including deforestation and burning fossil fuels.

What is the Kyoto Protocol?

A plan created by the UN to address climate change and reduce emissions.

How can ocean warming affect coral reefs?

Warmer temperatures can lead to coral bleaching and death.

What percentage of the world's ice is contained in Antarctica?

About 90%.

What happens to ocean habitats as sea levels rise?

They may become inundated, threatening species that cannot move inland.

How does urbanization relate to biodiversity loss?

It leads to habitat destruction and fragmentation.

What role do glaciers play in climate regulation?

They help regulate global temperatures and weather patterns.

What impact does CO2 absorption have on ocean chemistry?

It lowers pH and increases acidity in ocean waters.

What is the main cause of increased methane concentration in the atmosphere?

Agricultural activities and waste management.

What is a major effect of climate change on weather patterns?

Changes in precipitation and temperature.

Why are polar bears threatened by climate change?

Loss of ice floes they depend on for hunting.

What changes occur in fish behavior due to ocean acidification?

Disrupted ability to detect odors for finding food and avoiding predators.

How do human activities impact the atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases?

Through fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, and other emissions.

What happens to populations of species that cannot adapt to changing conditions?

They face increased extinction risks.

How does melting permafrost contribute to climate change?

It releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

What is one major change resulting from the melting of sea ice?

Increased absorption of heat by darker ocean waters.

What is the ecological role of coral reefs?

They provide habitat and food for a diverse range of marine life.

What does ecosystem fragmentation lead to?

Isolation of species and decreased genetic diversity.

What are the personal responsibilities individuals have in combating climate change?

Reducing carbon footprints through lifestyle choices.

How can legislation effectively protect endangered species?

By legally safeguarding their habitats and managing resources.

What strategies help in mitigating climate change?

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to renewable energy.

What do greenhouse gases trap in the Earth's atmosphere?

Solar radiation, which contributes to warming.

What example illustrates the impact of overfishing?

The decline in cod populations in the North Atlantic.

What can result from increased urban development?

Habitat loss and increased pollution.

How does climate change affect agricultural productivity?

By altering growing conditions and increasing pest pressures.

What is a significant indicator of climate change?

Rising average global temperatures.

How is biodiversity measured in ecosystems?

By assessing species richness and genetic variability.

What often exacerbates the effects of invasive species?

Human activities that facilitate their introduction.

What is the purpose of conservation programs?

To protect at-risk species and restore ecological balance.

Why are fish sensitive to changes in water chemistry?

Due to their reliance on chemical cues for survival behaviors.

What does climate change threaten regarding polar habitats?

The integrity of species reliant on ice-dependent ecosystems.

How can public awareness contribute to biodiversity conservation?

By fostering support for protective measures and sustainability initiatives.

How does deforestation influence climate change?

It releases stored carbon and reduces carbon capture.

What action can mitigate the impact of ocean acidification on shell-building organisms?

Reducing CO2 emissions globally.

What is a common consequence of invasive species introduction?

Disturbance of the ecological balance.

What does 'extinction risk' assess?

The likelihood that a species will become extinct in the wild.

What can human-nature conflict lead to regarding wildlife?

Increased endangerment of species owing to habitat encroachment.

What is one example of an aquatic invasive species?

Water hyacinth.

How do corals contribute to marine ecosystems?

By providing structure and habitat for marine life.

What effect do rising temperatures have on sea turtles?

Altered hatchling sex ratios and increased mortality rates.

What are the challenges facing marine life due to rising ocean temperatures?

Metabolic stress and loss of reproductive success.

How does the concept of 'keystone species' apply to ecosystem health?

Their removal can disproportionately affect other species and ecosystem stability.

How can coastal habitats adapt to climate change impacts?

Through natural and human-assisted migration to new areas.

What fundamental role do trees play in regulating climate?

They absorb CO2 and provide oxygen.

Why is climate resilience important for biodiversity?

It helps species withstand changing environmental conditions.

What strategy is crucial for the recovery of marine ecosystems?

Implementing marine protected areas and sustainable fishing practices.

How can non-native plant species disrupt local ecosystems?

By overgrowing and blocking sunlight for native plants.

What is a long-term goal of the Paris Agreement?

To limit global temperature rise to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.