Intro to Ecology and Global Change Biology

This set of flashcards covers key concepts from the Global Change Biology lecture, including definitions, examples, interactions, and ecological implications.

What is Global Change Biology?

Any consistent trend in the environment past, present or projected, that affects a substantial part of the globe.

What are some examples of global change?

Acid Rain Formation, Land-Use Change, Ozone Hole, Climate Change.

What is acid rain formation?

A process that leads to precipitation with a pH lower than 5.6, often caused by NOx emissions.

What are major drivers of global change?

Human population, Human activities (like agriculture and industry).

What did the graph from Mauna Loa Observatory show?

Atmospheric CO2 levels rising over time.

What was the level of CO2 concentration last updated on August 28, 2025?

400 ppm.

What are the impacts of climate change on biodiversity?

Loss of biodiversity and changes in biological diversity.

What is the focus of the course mentioned in the notes?

Biology and ecology of global change and interactions between biota and global change.

What is a feedback in the context of global change biology?

Biological responses that affect climate change and vice versa.

How can biological processes mitigate climate change?

Using nature-based solutions to improve effects on humans and the environment.

What does the Levels of Ecological Organization include?

Organismal, Population, Community, Ecosystem, and Biosphere Ecology.

What is organismal ecology?

The study of individual organisms and their interactions with the environment.

What is an example of a research question on the impact of farming?

What is the impact of a nearby farm on marsh nutrient regulation?

What does sustainability aim to achieve?

Meeting present needs without compromising future generations.

Which activities contribute directly to global change?

Agriculture, industry, recreation, and international commerce.

What is eutrophication?

The process of nutrient enrichment in bodies of water, often leading to algae blooms.

What signifies an ozone hole?

A significant depletion of ozone in the stratosphere over the polar regions.

What are the major components of global biogeochemistry?

Land transformations, carbon cycling, and nutrient cycling.

What is the importance of stewardship in sustainability?

Managing natural resources and human well-being for the common good.

What role do ecological models serve?

They help predict interactions and feedback loops in global change biology.

What is the key concern regarding carbon dioxide levels?

They are rising to levels not seen for millennia.

What is biodiversity?

The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

How do changes in global temperature affect organisms?

They can impact the ability of plants and animals to regulate internal temperatures.

What does climate change result in regarding global temperatures?

An overall increase in average global temperatures.

What is community ecology?

The study of populations of different species living together.

What type of ecological ecology looks at energy and nutrient flows?

Ecosystem Ecology.

What is the relationship between human activities and global change?

Human activities drive significant environmental changes.

What technology is used to monitor atmospheric changes?

Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS).

What is the ecological goal of this semester?

Understanding the intersecting impacts of climate change on ecosystems.

What was a notable observation regarding global temperature anomalies?

A measurable increase in temperature anomalies starting from the late 19th century.

What is an ecological feedback?

Responses from biological systems that impact climate and environmental conditions.

What does socio-economic feasibility in sustainability refer to?

The economic viability along with social acceptability of solutions.

What trend is related to atmospheric concentrations over time?

CO2 levels have been increasing dramatically since the 1950s.

What will studying the biology of global change help us understand?

The interaction between environmental changes and biotic responses.