APES exam review (Packet info)

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Symbiosis

Interaction between two different organisms living in a close physical association.

How does competition sometimes lead to resource partitioning?

When organisms use different parts of the same resource, competition decreases

Compare Interspecific to intraspecific competition

Inter: Different species

Inner: Same species

Tropic of Cancee

The imaginary line at approximately 23.5 degrees north latitude, marking the northernmost point of the Tropic regions.

Temperate Deciduous Forest (Location, climate, Adaptations)

A biome characterized by four distinct seasons, moderate climate, and trees that shed their leaves annually. Located between the tropics and polar regions, these forests support diverse plant and animal life adapted to seasonal changes, such as hibernation and migration.

Temperate Grasslands (Savanna) (Location, Climate, Adaptations)

A biome characterized by vast open spaces with few trees, primarily found in the interiors of continents. These grasslands experience moderate rainfall, support a variety of grasses, and host numerous herbivores and their predators, adapted to survive in dry and unpredictable conditions.

Estuary/Wetland (Location, climate, adaptations)

A unique ecosystem where freshwater from rivers meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean, typically located along coastlines. Estuaries and wetlands serve as crucial habitats for diverse wildlife, supporting various species with adaptations to fluctuating salinity and water levels.

Detailed Nitrogen Cycle

The nitrogen cycle is a biogeochemical process that involves the conversion of nitrogen between its various chemical forms, primarily through nitrogen fixation, nitrification, and denitrification. This cycle is essential for maintaining ecosystem health, as it enables the transformation of nitrogen into forms usable by plants and other organisms.

Detailed Phosphorus Cycle

The phosphorus cycle is a biogeochemical process involving the movement of phosphorus through the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Unlike nitrogen, phosphorus does not have a significant gas form and is primarily cycled through soil and aquatic systems, playing a vital role in biological processes such as energy transfer.

Nitrification

The process by which ammonia is converted into nitrites and then nitrates by bacteria in the soil, making nitrogen available for plant uptake.

Denitrification

The process in the nitrogen cycle where nitrates and nitrites are converted back into nitrogen gas, releasing it into the atmosphere. This process helps regulate nitrogen levels in the environment.

Assimilation

The process by which plants and microorganisms absorb nitrogen in the form of ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates from the soil and use it to produce organic molecules.

Nitrogen Fixation

The conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia or related compounds in soil and water, primarily by bacteria, allowing it to be used by plants.

Ammonification

The process by which organic nitrogen compounds are converted into ammonia in the soil during decomposition. This ammonia can then be utilized by plants or transformed into nitrates and nitrites by other bacteria.

Identify multiple terrestrial sinks, other than fossil fuels, that stores carbon for thousands to millions of years

Key terrestrial carbon sinks include forests, peatlands, and soils, each playing a vital role in sequestering carbon dioxide for extended periods.

Describe one major way in which the phosphorus Cycle differs from the carbon cycle

The phosphorus cycle does not have a gaseous phase, unlike the carbon cycle, which includes carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Phosphorus primarily cycles through soil, water, and living organisms.

Identify one reason that phosphorus is necessary for organisms

Phosphorus is essential for the formation of DNA, RNA, and ATP, which are crucial for energy transfer and genetic information.

Explain why it takes so many hectares of wetland to support an eagle

Wetlands provide essential habitat, food sources, and nesting sites for eagles, requiring large areas to sustain their feeding and breeding needs.

Describe two economic benefits other than those related to water quality that wetland provide

Wetlands provide economic benefits by supporting fisheries and improving tourism opportunities, as they serve as habitats for wildlife and recreational activities.

Describe one human activity that degrades wetlands

Urban development, agriculture, and pollution often lead to the destruction of wetland ecosystems.

Endemic Species

Species that are native to and restricted to a specific geographic area.

How is species richness calculated?

Species richness is calculated by counting the number of different species present in a given area or ecosystem, without considering the abundance of each species.

How is Relative abundance calculated?

Relative abundance is calculated by measuring the proportion of each species relative to the total number of individuals of all species present in a given area or ecosystem.

Provisioning Ecosystem Services

Benefits obtained from ecosystems that provide resources such as food, water, and materials.

Regulating Ecosystem Services

Benefits provided by ecosystems that help regulate environmental conditions, such as climate regulation, water purification, and disease control.

Cultural Ecosystem Services

Non-material benefits from ecosystems, including recreational, aesthetic, and spiritual enrichment.

Supporting Ecosystem Services

Necessary for the production of all other ecosystem services, these support processes such as nutrient cycling, soil formation, and habitat provision.

Island Biogeography theory

the study of the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of isolated natural communities.

How can one determine the range of tolerance?

The range of tolerance can be determined by identifying the limits within which a species can survive and reproduce, considering factors such as temperature, moisture, and resource availability.

Zone of Physiological Stress

refers to the range of conditions under which an organism experiences reduced growth or reproduction, but can survive.

Zone of Optimum

The range of conditions under which an organism can thrive or grow, including optimal conditions for maximum performance.

What are some examples of natural disruptors to the environment?

Includes events like earthquakes, floods, and wildfires that significantly alter ecosystems and habitats.

Compare resistance to resilience in terms of ecosystems

Resistance refers to an ecosystem's ability to remain unchanged when subjected to disturbances, while resilience is the capacity of an ecosystem to recover after a disturbance.

what biomes need fire for plant germination?

Some biomes that require fire for plant germination include grasslands, certain forests, and chaparral regions, where fire stimulates the growth of specific fire-adapted plant species.

Climax Community

The final stage of ecological succession, where a stable and mature ecosystem emerges, characterized by a diverse array of species and a well-established community structure.

Describe TWO ecological benefits that greater biodiversity provides

Greater biodiversity enhances ecosystem stability and resilience, provides a wider variety of ecosystem services, and promotes healthier and more productive ecosystems.

Rule of 70 Equation

A formula used to estimate the number of years it takes for a population to double by dividing 70 by the percentage growth rate.

What are the four factors used to determine population growth?

The Rule of 70 is used to estimate the time it will take for a population to double by dividing 70 by the percentage growth rate.

Population Momentum

The continuation of population growth that occurs after a fertility decline because of the relatively high concentration of people in the reproductive ages.

r-selected species

Species that reproduce quickly and produce many offspring, often with little parental care, adapted to unstable environments.

K-Selected species

Species that produce fewer offspring but invest more resources in their upbringing, leading to higher survival rates.

Density In/Dependent factors

Factors that affect population size regardless of density, such as natural disasters (independent) or resource availability (dependent).

How did china and India slow their population growth down? What are the advantages and disadvantages of these policies?

China implemented the one-child policy, while India focused on family planning and education programs. These policies effectively slowed population growth but led to demographic challenges and gender imbalances.

Urban Sprawl

The spreading of urban developments on undeveloped land near a city, often leading to increased traffic and environmental concerns.

What is zoning?

Zoning is the process of dividing land into designated areas for different uses, such as residential, commercial, or industrial purposes, to regulate development and land use.

Why do citizens leave rural areas to live in urban areas?

Citizens often leave rural areas for urban areas in search of better job opportunities, access to education and healthcare, and a higher quality of life.

Describe two human activities related to the rapidly growing world population that are having an impact on earth’s biodiversity

Two human activities related to the rapidly growing world population impacting Earth's biodiversity are urbanization, which leads to habitat loss and fragmentation, and agricultural expansion, which often results in deforestation and loss of natural habitats.

Describe two causes of Urban Sprawl

Urban sprawl is driven by factors such as population growth, which increases demand for housing, and the expansion of transportation infrastructure, making suburban living more accessible and attractive.

Discuss two human health effects related to urban sprawl

Two human health effects related to urban sprawl include increased rates of obesity and respiratory issues due to greater reliance on automobiles and limited access to recreational spaces and public transportation.

What are the four layers of the earth?

The four layers of the Earth are the crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core.

Compare and contrast continental and oceanic crust

Continental crust is thicker and less dense than oceanic crust, which is thinner and more dense. Continental crust is primarily composed of granitic rocks, while oceanic crust is mainly basaltic.

Why are plates moving?

Plates are moving due to the convection currents in the mantle caused by heat from the Earth's core. This movement leads to tectonic activity such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Why do oceanic plates dive underneath continental plates when they collide? What is this process called and what is created?

This process is called subduction, and it creates deep ocean trenches and volcanic arcs.

What is a mid-oceanic ridge? Where is it formed? give an example

A mid-oceanic ridge is an underwater mountain range formed by tectonic plates pulling apart at divergent boundaries. An example is the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

How are mountains made

Mountains are made through the processes of tectonic plate collisions and uplift, resulting infolding, faulting, and volcanic activity.

How are island arcs and trenches made?

Island arcs and trenches are formed through subduction at convergent plate boundaries, where an oceanic plate subducts beneath a continental or another oceanic plate, creating volcanic islands and deep ocean trenches.

Identify what can be found in each soil horizon (O,A,B,C,R)

The soil horizons consist of distinct layers: Horizon O is organic matter, like decomposing leaves; Horizon A is topsoil rich in nutrients; Horizon B is subsoil where minerals accumulate; Horizon C consists of weathered rock; and Horizon R is bedrock.

Describe four techniques that keep soil in place:

Four techniques that keep soil in place include contour plowing, terracing, cover cropping, and using mulch or ground cover plants to prevent erosion.

List the causes of an urban heat island:

Urban heat islands are caused by factors such as increased pavement and buildings, reduced vegetation, solar radiation absorption, and human activities that generate heat.

How is wind created?

Wind is created by the uneven heating of the Earth's surface, which causes differences in air pressure. As warm air rises, cooler air moves in to replace it, creating wind.

How does wind control ocean currents?

Wind influences ocean currents by creating friction against the surface of the water, which causes the water to move in the direction of the wind. This movement can affect temperature, salinity, and nutrient distribution in ocean waters.

What is the Coriolis effect? How does this effect wind and water movement on earth?

The Coriolis effect is the apparent deflection of moving objects, including wind and water, due to the Earth's rotation. It causes winds to curve to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere, influencing weather patterns and ocean currents.

Explain what a watershed is and why it is significant

A watershed is an area of land that drains rainwater and snowmelt into a common waterbody, such as a river, lake, or ocean. It is significant because it affects water quality, ecosystem health, and water supply for various regions.

The Acronym ENSO refers to

the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, a climate pattern that describes periodic variations in ocean temperatures and atmospheric conditions in the Pacific Ocean.

Explain what El Niño is and why it is significant. What are the effects of the El niño event?

El Niño is a climate phenomenon characterized by the unusual warming of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. It significantly impacts global weather patterns, causing changes such as increased rainfall in some areas and drought in others.

explain one advantage and one disadvantage to using inorganic commercial fertilizers

One advantage is that they provide a concentrated source of essential nutrients for plants, promoting rapid growth. A disadvantage is that they can lead to soil degradation and water pollution due to runoff.

Describe two conservation practices that are designed to decrease soil erosion

such as contour plowing and terracing, which help retain soil and prevent runoff.

Identify one biome that is characterized by soil that is rich in humus. Describe how humus originated in the soils of this biome and TWO ways that humus improves soil conditions for plant growth.

The temperate forest biome is characterized by soil rich in humus, originating from the decomposition of leaf litter and organic matter. Humus improves soil conditions by enhancing nutrient availability and increasing water retention.

Identify examples of organic compounds (agricultural practices and impacts)

They are derived from living organisms, including plant and animal materials, and contribute to soil fertility. Examples include cover crops and composting.

Identify examples of inorganic compounds (agricultural practices and impacts)

They are derived from non-living sources, often mined or chemically synthesized, and can impact soil and water quality. Examples include synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

Goiter (what is it caused by)

It is caused by an iodine deficiency, leading to an enlarged thyroid gland as the body attempts to produce enough thyroid hormones.

Rickets (what is It caused by)

It is caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate, leading to weakened bones and skeletal deformities.

What is tilling? What are some environmental impacts of tilling?

Tilling is the agricultural practice of preparing soil for planting by turning it over and breaking it up. This process can lead to soil erosion, degradation of soil structure, and a reduction in organic matter.

Why do people do slash and burn? How does this impact the environment?

Slash and burn is an agricultural practice used to clear land for cultivation by cutting and burning vegetation. This method can lead to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and increased greenhouse gas emissions.

Compare inorganic to organic fertilizers. Which kind are more likely to runoff?

Inorganic fertilizers are synthetic and contain concentrated nutrients, while organic fertilizers are derived from natural sources and typically release nutrients more slowly. Inorganic fertilizers are more likely to runoff into water systems, causing pollution.

Furrow Irrigation

Furrow irrigation is a method of watering crops by making small channels or furrows between rows of plants. This technique can lead to better water management but may also result in soil erosion and runoff.

Which irrigation system is the most/least efficient? Why?

The most efficient irrigation system is drip irrigation, as it delivers water directly to the plant roots, minimizing evaporation and runoff. The least efficient is surface irrigation, which can lead to significant water loss through evaporation and uneven distribution.

What is salinization and how does it occur?

Salinization is the accumulation of salts in soil, which can occur due to excessive irrigation, poor drainage, or evaporation. This process negatively impacts soil health and crop productivity.

Whee is the Ogallala aquifer located. What is this aquifer primarily used for?

The Ogallala aquifer is located beneath the Great Plains of the United States. It is primarily used for irrigation and supplying drinking water.

How do impervious surfaces impact aquifers?

Impervious surfaces hinder water infiltration into the ground, leading to reduced groundwater recharge in aquifers. They promote runoff, which can carry pollutants into water bodies, affecting water quality.

Silent Spring (Book)

A groundbreaking environmental book by Rachel Carson published in 1962, which highlighted the dangers of pesticide use and its impact on wildlife and ecosystems.

Why is DDT considered a broad-spectrum pesticide? Why was it banned?

DDT is considered a broad-spectrum pesticide because it effectively kills a wide range of pests, including insects and other arthropods. It was banned due to its harmful effects on wildlife, particularly birds, and potential health risks to humans, as highlighted in Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring."

Advantages of chemical pesticides

Chemical pesticides effectively control a wide range of pests, enhance crop yields, and reduce labor costs in agriculture, but they also pose environmental and health risks.

How does IPM differ from solely using chemical pesticides?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) combines biological, cultural, and mechanical practices with chemical methods to control pests while minimizing risks to human health and the environment. It promotes sustainable agriculture by reducing reliance on chemicals.

Give examples of IPM Methods

Integrated Pest Management methods include crop rotation, biological control agents, and the use of pest-resistant crop varieties.

List advantages and disadvantages of GMOs

The advantages of GMOs include increased crop yield, enhanced nutritional content, and resistance to pests and diseases. Disadvantages may involve environmental concerns, potential health risks, and ethical issues surrounding food production.

Why is meat production inefficient?

Meat production is inefficient due to the high resource input required for raising livestock, including land, water, and feed, along with the greenhouse gas emissions associated with these processes. This inefficiency can impact food sustainability and contribute to environmental degradation.

Who eats more meat, developed or developing countries? Why?

Meat production is inefficient due to high resource input, including grain and water, required to raise livestock compared to plant-based foods. Additionally, energy loss occurs at each trophic level, making it less sustainable.

Subsurface mining

A method of mining in which minerals or resources are extracted from beneath the Earth's surface without removing large amounts of soil and rock from above. This technique minimizes surface disruption and is often employed for minerals located deep underground.

Drilling (mining technique)

is a method used in subsurface mining to extract minerals located beneath the earth's surface through a series of drilled holes and shafts.

Ecological footprint

The ecological footprint measures the environmental impact of an individual or population, expressed as the amount of land and water area required to produce the resources consumed and absorb the waste generated, typically compared to the Earth's biological capacity.

How does an ecological footprint of a developed country compare to a developing country? Why?

The ecological footprint of a developed country is generally larger than that of a developing country due to higher levels of consumption and resource use, leading to greater environmental degradation and waste production. In contrast, developing countries tend to have smaller footprints as they often rely on fewer resources, although their populations may have less access to essential services.

Compare a purse seine to a drift net

A purse seine is a large net used to encircle schools of fish, while a drift net is a type of fishing net that drifts in the water, capturing fish as they swim into it. The former is typically used for targeting specific species, whereas the latter can entangle a wide variety of marine life.

Using drift nets/gill nets/ pursue seines (fishery techniques)

are methods used for catching fish, each with distinct features and operational methods.

What type of country (developed or developing) uses more fossil fuels?

Developed countries typically use more fossil fuels due to higher industrial activity, energy demands, and greater reliance on car travel.

What are some environmental concerns with using wood as an energy source?

Environmental concerns include deforestation, habitat destruction, and air pollution from emissions.

List three air pollutants that are emitted during the burning of coal

such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.

What is released when natural gas is burned?

Carbon dioxide, water vapor, and trace amounts of nitrogen oxides.

Oil Spill of the Exxon Valdez

A major environmental disaster that occurred in 1989 when the Exxon Valdez oil tanker spilled millions of gallons of crude oil into Prince William Sound, causing extensive ecological damage.

Leak of Methyl Isocyanate in Bhopal

A catastrophic industrial accident that occurred in 1984 in Bhopal, India, where a leak of methyl isocyanate gas from a pesticide plant resulted in thousands of deaths and serious health issues for the local population.