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What epoch are we currently in due to human activity?
The Anthropocene epoch.
What key site in Ontario demonstrates human impact on climate change?
Crawford Lake.
How long would it take nature to cause extinctions without human influence?
11,000 years.
What are the primary threats to the environment and biodiversity?
Habitat loss, overexploitation, invasive species, pollution, and climate change.
Define overexploitation.
Unsustainable harvesting of species leading to population decline or extinction.
What does the term 'exploitation' refer to?
The destructive use of animals and plants for consumptive and non-consumptive purposes.
What happens to species due to overharvesting?
They are harvested faster than they can recover.
How does hunting affect elephant tusk size?
It imposes selection pressure favoring smaller tusks.
What environmental impact does overfishing have?
Depleted fish stocks and threatened biodiversity.
What percentage of Earth's land surface have humans modified?
Approximately 60%.
What is habitat degradation?
Changes that reduce the quality of a habitat.
What is habitat loss?
When a natural habitat can no longer support its native species.
Define habitat fragmentation.
The process where continuous habitat is divided into smaller pieces.
What leads to increased disease spillover according to habitat fragmentation?
Increased contact between humans and wildlife.
What is an invasive species?
A non-native species that spreads and causes negative impacts.
What ecological role do ecosystem engineers play?
They significantly modify, create, or maintain habitats.
How do invasive species affect ecosystem productivity?
They can reduce species diversity and lead to homogenization of ecosystems.
What strategies are used to control invasive species?
Chemical, biological, and physical means.
What principle maximizes chances of invasive species eradication?
Controlling them early.
What are the expected global temperature increases by the end of the century?
An additional 1.0-3.7°C.
What is the maximum permissible carbon budget to limit warming to 1.5°C?
We will have used it up by around 2030.
How do temperature changes impact ectotherms?
Directly impact physiology and performance.
What are phenological changes?
Shifts in the timing of recurring biological events.
What can occur due to phenological mismatches?
Interacting species may experience disrupted timing of events.
How is climate change affecting species distribution?
It may lead to local population declines or extinctions.
What is the dilution effect in ecology?
Higher biodiversity leads to reduced disease rates.
What does conservation biology focus on?
Protecting and restoring biodiversity.
What is One Health?
Collaborative efforts for optimal health of people, animals, and the environment.
Name a success story in ecology regarding species recovery.
The repopulation of sea otters.
What approach is better than catching invasive species early?
A precautionary approach to prevent invasions altogether.
What are the consequences of range shifts in species?
New species interactions and potential community changes.
How does climate change affect population dynamics?
It alters feeding conditions and resource dynamics.
What is a key characteristic of non-native species?
They are present due to human action.
How do invasive species impact biodiversity?
They can lead to declines in native species' populations.
What is the primary cause of the homogenization of ecosystems?
Invasive species dominating due to lack of predators.
What does climate change threaten particularly for long-lived species?
Their ability to adapt to rapid environmental changes.
Give an example of a successful conservation effort.
Protected national parks established in 2013.
How does habitat fragmentation influence biodiversity?
It increases vulnerability to disease and reduces species diversity.
What is the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem resilience?
Diversity increases productivity and resilience.
Which species are often more adaptable to climate change?
Species with short generation times.
What human activities contribute to land use change?
Modifying land for agriculture, urban development, and infrastructure.
What can invasive species potentially lead to in terms of economic impact?
Negative effects on economic systems.
What do ecologists devise to address environmental threats?
Mitigation strategies.
What is an example of a negative consequence of hunting regarding animal traits?
Declines in desirable traits such as tusk size.
What is the primary driver of current climate change?
Human activities, particularly greenhouse gas emissions.
What could be a consequence of altered interactions between species due to climate change?
Unpredictable changes in community compositions.
What defines a species' geographic range shift?
A species moving its habitat due to climate shifts.
What is the apparent goal after invasive species establishment?
Usually mitigation, as eradication becomes difficult.
How do abiotic variables influence ecological processes?
They drive interactions from organismal to ecosystem levels.
What is an example of a non-native but beneficial species?
Rice, introduced to various regions by humans.
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