Deforestation, Fossil Fuels, and Chemicals

The flashcards cover key concepts regarding deforestation, fossil fuels, chemical contaminants, and their effects on ecosystems.

What are some human-derived disruptions to ecosystems?

Introduced species, overexploitation, deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and climate change.

What is overexploitation?

Using up more of the species than the reproductive capabilities of those left behind can support, such as overfishing, overhunting, and overharvesting.

What is the leading cause of biodiversity loss in the tropics?

Deforestation.

What percentage of the land on Earth has been altered by humans?

50%.

What are the effects of acid rain on trees?

Trees exposed to acid rain have damaged leaves and decreased rates of photosynthesis, which can lead to tree death.

What happens to essential nutrients in the soil due to acid rain?

Essential nutrients needed for plant growth are leached away from the soil.

What contributes to the greenhouse gas effect?

Greenhouse gases trap heat against Earth, preventing heat from dissipating into space.

How do human-enhanced greenhouse gases differ from natural greenhouse gases?

Human-enhanced greenhouse gases trap more heat against Earth compared to natural processes.

What can happen at a 6°C temperature increase due to global warming?

Mass extinction events may occur.

What is biological magnification?

The process that concentrates toxins in upper trophic levels.

Which trophic level has the highest levels of pollutants in their tissues?

Top Carnivore.

What are some sources of chemical contaminants in water?

Manufacturing runoff and pharmaceutical runoff.

What true story involved Erin Brockovich?

She found Pacific Gas and Electric Company dumping hexavalent chromium in Hinkley, California.

What environmental issue was highlighted in the movie 'Dark Waters'?

Robert Bilott found DuPont dumping perfluorooctanoic acid in Teflon in Parkersburg, WV.