Unit 9 — Global Change

biodiversity

The variety of all living organisms and species within an ecosystem, region, or the entire planet.

climate change

Long-term shifts in global temperatures and weather patterns, accelerated by the release of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide from deforestation.

domestication

The process of breeding and managing organisms for human economic benefit, which can negatively impact the biodiversity of wild populations.

habitat corridors

Strips of connected habitat that allow organisms to move between fragmented areas, maintaining genetic diversity and population connectivity.

habitat destruction

The degradation or removal of natural environments where organisms live, often caused by human activities.

habitat fragmentation

The breaking up of large, continuous habitats into smaller, isolated patches that reduces connectivity for organisms.

habitat restoration

The process of rehabilitating degraded or lost habitats to restore their ecological function and support biodiversity.

HIPPCO

An acronym representing the six main factors causing biodiversity loss: Habitat destruction, Invasive species, Population growth, Pollution, Climate change, and Over-exploitation.

invasive species

Non-native organisms introduced to an ecosystem that outcompete native species for resources and can disrupt ecological balance.

over-exploitation

The excessive harvesting or use of a species or resource beyond its ability to sustain itself.

pollution

The introduction of harmful substances or contaminants into the environment that degrade ecosystems and harm organisms.

protected areas

Designated regions where ecosystems and species are legally protected from development and exploitation to conserve biodiversity.

sea level rise

An increase in ocean water height caused by thermal expansion of seawater and melting of ice sheets and glaciers.

sustainable land use practices

Methods of using land that meet current human needs while preserving ecosystems and biodiversity for future generations.

anthropogenic causes

Environmental changes or substances caused by human activities, such as the release of CFCs into the atmosphere.

cataracts

A clouding of the eye lens in humans that can develop from exposure to increased UV rays.

chlorofluorocarbons

Synthetic chemicals containing chlorine, fluorine, and carbon that were commonly used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and aerosols but are known to deplete the ozone layer.

skin cancer

A health condition in humans that can result from increased exposure to UV rays due to stratospheric ozone depletion.

stratospheric ozone layer

A region of the Earth's atmosphere containing high concentrations of ozone that protects life on Earth by absorbing ultraviolet radiation.

UV rays

Ultraviolet radiation from the sun that can reach the Earth's surface and cause damage to living organisms.

chlorofluorocarbons

Synthetic chemicals containing chlorine, fluorine, and carbon that were commonly used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and aerosols but are known to deplete the ozone layer.

hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)

Synthetic chemicals containing hydrogen, fluorine, and carbon that serve as replacements for CFCs and do not deplete the ozone layer, though some are potent greenhouse gases.

ozone depletion

The reduction in the concentration of ozone in the stratosphere, primarily caused by the release of ozone-depleting chemicals.

ozone-depleting chemicals

Substances that break down ozone molecules in the stratosphere, reducing the ozone layer's ability to protect Earth from ultraviolet radiation.

carbon dioxide

A greenhouse gas produced by combustion of fossil fuels and respiration; a principal contributor to global climate change.

chlorofluorocarbons

Synthetic chemicals containing chlorine, fluorine, and carbon that were commonly used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and aerosols but are known to deplete the ozone layer.

global warming potential (GWP)

A measure used to compare the ability of different greenhouse gases to trap heat in the atmosphere relative to carbon dioxide, which has a GWP of 1.

greenhouse effect

The process by which greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, maintaining surface temperatures necessary for life on Earth.

greenhouse gases

Atmospheric gases that trap heat by absorbing and re-radiating infrared radiation, including carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor, nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons.

methane

A greenhouse gas with global warming potential lower than nitrous oxide but higher than carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change.

nitrous oxide

A greenhouse gas with significant global warming potential, ranking second only to chlorofluorocarbons in potency among the gases discussed.

residence time

The average length of time a gas molecule remains in the atmosphere before being removed or transformed.

water vapor

A greenhouse gas present in the atmosphere that has a short residence time and does not significantly contribute to long-term global climate change.

disease vectors

Organisms, typically insects, that transmit infectious diseases from one host to another.

global climate change

Long-term shifts in global temperatures and weather patterns caused by increased concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

greenhouse gases

Atmospheric gases that trap heat by absorbing and re-radiating infrared radiation, including carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor, nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons.

melting ice sheets

The process of large continental ice masses thawing and releasing water into the ocean, contributing to rising sea levels.

ocean water expansion

The increase in volume of seawater as it warms, contributing to rising sea levels independent of melting ice.

population dynamics

Changes in the size, structure, and distribution of populations over time in response to environmental factors.

population movements

Migration or displacement of human populations in response to environmental changes or resource availability.

sea level rise

An increase in ocean water height caused by thermal expansion of seawater and melting of ice sheets and glaciers.

albedo

The reflectivity of ice and snow that reflects solar energy back to space; reduced albedo occurs as ice melts, causing more warming.

Arctic

The polar region in the Northern Hemisphere where rapid climate change response occurs due to positive feedback loops involving ice and tundra.

atmospheric circulation

The large-scale movement of air in the atmosphere driven by differences in solar heating and the Coriolis effect.

erosion

The wearing away and removal of soil and rock by water, wind, or other natural processes, often accelerated by removal of vegetation.

Hadley cells

Large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns in the tropics that can be affected by climate change and temperature variations.

jet stream

Fast-moving rivers of air in the upper atmosphere that can be impacted by climate change and temperature changes.

marine ecosystems

Ocean-based ecosystems that are affected by changes in sea level, temperature, and other climate factors.

methane

A greenhouse gas with global warming potential lower than nitrous oxide but higher than carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change.

ocean conveyor belt

A global system of oceanic currents that circulates heat throughout the world's oceans.

oceanic currents

Large-scale movements of ocean water that transport heat throughout the world and influence global climate patterns.

photic zone

The upper layer of the ocean where sunlight penetrates and photosynthesis can occur.

polar regions

The Arctic and Antarctic areas of Earth that show faster response times to climate change due to ice and snow reflectivity.

positive feedback loop

A process where climate change effects (such as melting ice) amplify further warming, accelerating climate change.

sea ice

Ice formed from frozen seawater in polar regions that melts as Earth warms, contributing to positive feedback loops.

sea level

The average height of the ocean's surface, which can change due to climate change and affect coastal habitats.

soil viability

The ability of soil to support plant growth and ecosystem functions, which can be impacted by climate-driven changes in temperature and rainfall.

tundra

A terrestrial biome at high latitudes or high altitudes with permanently frozen soil, low precipitation, and vegetation adapted to extreme cold.

algae

The major photosynthetic organisms in aquatic biomes that form the base of aquatic food webs.

coral bleaching

The process by which corals lose their symbiotic algae and turn white, typically caused by ocean warming stress.

greenhouse gases

Atmospheric gases that trap heat by absorbing and re-radiating infrared radiation, including carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor, nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons.

habitat destruction

The degradation or removal of natural environments where organisms live, often caused by human activities.

marine species

Organisms that live in ocean environments and are affected by changes in ocean conditions.

metabolic changes

Alterations in the chemical processes that organisms use to obtain and use energy, which can be triggered by ocean warming.

ocean warming

The increase in average temperature of Earth's oceans caused by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

reproductive changes

Alterations in the breeding and reproduction patterns of organisms in response to environmental stressors like ocean warming.

anthropogenic activities

Human actions and processes that cause changes to the environment, including industrial production, agriculture, and resource extraction.

calcium carbonate

A compound used by corals and other marine organisms to form shells and skeletal structures.

CO2 concentrations

The amount of carbon dioxide present in the atmosphere or dissolved in water.

coral

Marine organisms that form reef structures and are sensitive to changes in ocean chemistry and temperature.

deforestation

The removal or clearing of forests, typically to make way for other land uses or to harvest timber.

fossil fuels

Non-renewable energy sources formed from ancient organic matter, including coal, oil, and natural gas, that release carbon dioxide when burned.

ocean acidification

The decrease in pH of the oceans primarily caused by increased CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere.

pH

A measure of how acidic or basic a substance is on a scale from 0 to 14.

generalist species

Species that can survive and reproduce in a wide variety of environmental conditions and food sources, and tend to be advantaged in changing habitats.

human interventions

Deliberate actions taken by humans to manage or control invasive species populations.

invasive species

Non-native organisms introduced to an ecosystem that outcompete native species for resources and can disrupt ecological balance.

native species

Species that naturally occur and belong in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

outcompete

To surpass other species in competition for limited resources such as food, space, or light.

r-selected species

Species that tend to be small, produce many offspring, invest minimal energy in each offspring, mature early, have short lifespans, and may reproduce only once in their lifetime, typically in environments with low resource competition.

adapt

The process by which organisms develop traits or behaviors that allow them to survive and reproduce in their environment.

competition

The struggle between organisms in an ecosystem for limited resources such as food, territory, mates, and habitat.

endangered

A classification for species that face a high risk of extinction in the near future due to declining populations or threats to their survival.

extinction

The permanent disappearance of a species from Earth when the last individual organism dies.

fitness

The ability of an organism to survive and reproduce successfully in its environment, passing its genes to the next generation.

habitat

The specific environment or place where an organism or species naturally lives and obtains the resources it needs to survive.

habitat protection

Conservation strategies that preserve and maintain the natural environments where species live to ensure their survival.

invasive species

Non-native organisms introduced to an ecosystem that outcompete native species for resources and can disrupt ecological balance.

legislation

Laws and regulations enacted to protect endangered species and their habitats from harm and exploitation.

poaching

The illegal hunting or capture of wildlife, often for profit or personal use.

selective pressure

Any environmental factor that changes the behaviors and fitness of organisms within a population, influencing which traits become more or less common.

threatened

A conservation status for species that are likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future if current trends continue.