APES Unit 9

Troposphere

The layer of the atmosphere where ozone is produced from photochemical smogs and contributes to the greenhouse gas effect.

Stratosphere

The layer of the atmosphere where naturally occurring ozone provides protection from UVB-UVC rays and is transformed into atmospheric oxygen.

Antarctic Spring

Period when stratospheric clouds full of ice crystals melt, leading to chemical reactions that degrade ozone due to reactive chlorine.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Chemical compounds used as refrigerants, propellants, and in plastics, which degrade ozone in the stratosphere.

Montreal Protocol

An international treaty from 1987 that phased out the use of CFCs to reduce ozone depletion and environmental harm.

Greenhouse Effect

The process in the troposphere where greenhouse gases trap heat from the sun, warming the Earth to support life.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide that contribute to the greenhouse effect and climate change.

Invasive Species

Non-native species that cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health, often due to their competitive advantages.

Endangered Species

Species at risk of extinction due to factors like habitat loss, hunting, invasive species, and limited genetic diversity.

Ocean Acidification

The decrease in ocean pH due to increased absorption of carbon dioxide, impacting marine organisms' ability to build shells.

HIPPCO

An acronym representing the main factors leading to decreases in biodiversity - Habitat destruction, Invasive species, Population growth, Pollution, Climate change, Over exploitation

Habitat Fragmentation

Occurs when large habitats are broken up into smaller, isolated areas due to human activities like construction, land clearing, and logging

Climate Change and Habitat Loss

Global climate change contributes significantly to habitat loss through coastal inundation, rising sea levels, and changes in precipitation patterns

Domestication and Loss of Biodiversity

Human domestication of organisms through artificial selection for desirable traits leads to a reduction in genetic diversity and loss of biodiversity

Strategies to Mitigate Biodiversity Loss

Include creating protected areas, establishing habitat corridors, restoring lost habitats, and adopting sustainable land use practices