Environmental Issues

Kutztown Environmental Issues Quiz 2

Species diversity

The variety of different species within a given ecosystem.

Genetic diversity

The variety of genetic information within a species.

Ecosystem diversity

The variety of ecosystems within a particular area.

Local extinction

The disappearance of a species from a specific area.

Ecological extinction

A species that no longer plays its ecological role.

Biological extinction

The complete disappearance of a species from the planet.

Mass extinction

A widespread event where many species go extinct in a short time.

Keystone species

A species that has a disproportionately large effect on its ecosystem (e.g., sea otters).

Indicator species

A species that signals environmental changes (e.g., amphibians).

Foundation species

A species that creates or maintains habitats (e.g., coral reefs).

Mutualism

A relationship where both species benefit (e.g., bees and flowers).

Predation

One species hunts and consumes another (e.g., wolves and deer).

Competition

When species compete for the same resources (e.g., lions and hyenas).

Parasitism

One species benefits while the other is harmed (e.g., ticks on mammals).

Commensalism

One species benefits while the other is unaffected (e.g., barnacles on whales).

r-selected species

Characteristics include rapid reproduction, short lifespan, many offspring, little parental care (e.g., insects).

K-selected species

Characteristics include slow reproduction, long lifespan, few offspring, high parental care (e.g., elephants).

Exponential growth (J-curve)

Graph showing unrestricted population growth.

Logistic growth (S-curve)

Graph showing population growth limited by carrying capacity.

Type I survivorship curve

High survival early, steep decline later (e.g., humans).

Type II survivorship curve

Constant mortality rate (e.g., birds).

Type III survivorship curve

High early mortality, few survive to adulthood (e.g., sea turtles).

Clear-cutting

Removing all trees; high yield but highly destructive.

Selective cutting

Harvesting specific trees while maintaining biodiversity.

Shelterwood cutting

Removing mature trees gradually to allow natural regeneration.

Deforestation problems

Causes habitat loss, CO₂ increase, loss of ecosystem services (e.g., water filtration).

Impacts of invasive species

They outcompete native species, disrupt ecosystems, and reduce biodiversity (e.g., zebra mussels).

Species approach to conservation

Focuses on individual species (e.g., breeding programs).

Ecosystem approach to conservation

Focuses on protecting entire ecosystems.

Conservation biology

Protecting biodiversity and preventing species loss.

Restoration ecology

Restoring degraded ecosystems.

Restoration vs. remediation

Restoration: Actively repairing ecosystems; Remediation: Removing pollutants without full restoration.

IUCN Red List

Classifies species based on their risk of extinction.

Endangered Species Act (ESA)

A U.S. law that protects endangered species and their habitats.

CITES

An international treaty regulating wildlife trade.

Precautionary principle in conservation

If harm is possible, take preventive action even without full scientific certainty.

Biosphere reserve zones

Core zone - Strictly protected; Buffer zone - Limited human activity; Transition zone - Sustainable use allowed.

Ecological hotspots

Areas with high biodiversity and high threat levels (e.g., Amazon, Madagascar).

Root causes of environmental degradation

Overpopulation, poverty, overconsumption.

Secondary causes of environmental degradation

Habitat destruction, pollution, invasive species.