AP Environmental Science Unit 9 - Global Change

Stratospheric Ozone

Stratospheric Ozone

Ozone in the stratosphere that absorbs UV-C and UV-B radiation.

UV Radiation

Ultraviolet radiation that causes significant tissue damage and mutates DNA.

Skin Cancer

Cancer caused by the mutation of DNA due to UV-B and UV-C radiation.

Cataracts

Eye condition caused by oxidative stress from UV-B and UV-C radiation.

Tropospheric Ozone

Ozone in the troposphere that is a respiratory irritant, damages plant tissue, and contributes to photochemical smog.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Chemicals used as refrigerants and propellants that are a primary cause of ozone breakdown.

Montreal Protocol

Global agreement to phase out CFCs and replace them with HCFCs.

Greenhouse Effect

Gases in the atmosphere that trap heat from the sun and radiate it back to Earth.

Global Warming Potential (GWP)

Measure of how much a gas contributes to atmospheric warming over a 100-year period, relative to CO2.

Sea Level Rise

Increase in the level of the ocean due to thermal expansion and melting of polar and glacial ice.

Thermal Expansion

Increase in sea level due to water molecules moving further apart when heated.

Permafrost

Permanently frozen tundra soils that release methane and CO2 when thawed.

Disease Vectors

Living organisms that can transmit diseases, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas.

Milankovitch Cycles

Predictable variations in Earth's climate due to variations in its orbit around the sun.

Coral Bleaching

Stress response of coral reefs to increased ocean temperatures, causing the loss of symbiotic algae and color.

Ocean Acidification

Increase in ocean CO2 levels leading to the formation of carbonic acid and decreased availability of carbonate ions for calcification.

Ocean Acidification

Decrease in carbonate ions leads to weaker shells of coral, mollusks, and urchins.

Anthropogenic Causes of Ocean Acidification

Fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, and coal/gas combustion

Invasive Species

Non-native species introduced by human transport that outcompete natives for resources.

Zebra Mussel

Invasive species transported by ship ballast water, clogs intake pipes, and eats algae relied upon by other species.

Kudzu Vine

Invasive species planted to limit soil erosion, grows rapidly and outcompetes natives for sunlight.

Asian Carp

Invasive species brought in to control algae growth, outcompetes native fish and decreases fishery production.

Emerald Ash Borer

Invasive species spread by wood packing materials, disrupts tree nutrient transport and kills trees.

Cane Toad

Invasive species introduced to eat cane beetles, drives declines in other amphibians and small reptiles.

Pythons (FL)

Invasive species brought to Florida as pets, decimates mammal populations in the Everglades.

Invasive Species Control

Methods include laws preventing transport, removal of hosts, careful boat cleaning, introduction of natural predators, and physical removal.

Endangered Species

Species become endangered due to poaching, special food/habitat needs, invasives, and climate change.

Poaching Prevention

Measures include hiring armed guards, imposing severe punishments, and legislation like CITES and the Endangered Species Act.

Protecting Endangered Species

Actions include designating protected areas, preventing hunting and development, and allowing breeding and population reestablishment.

Endangerment by Taxon

Amphibians, mammals, birds, warm water coral, and conifers are all threatened by various factors.

Specialists vs Generalists

Specialists are more likely to be endangered, while generalists are more likely to adapt to new conditions.

Competition and Endangerment

Interspecific competition can threaten species already vulnerable to habitat disruption.

HIPPCO

habitat destruction, invasive species, population growth, pollution, climate change, and overexploitation

Habitat Fragmentation

Breaking larger habitats into smaller patches, disrupting breeding, hunting, and migration.

Metapopulations

Smaller, isolated subpopulations connected by habitat corridors, allowing gene flow and improving genetic diversity.

Edge Effect

Characteristics of edge habitats differ from the middle of ecosystems, can expand range of disruptive species.

Climate Change

Shifts habitats, temperature change, precipitation change, and sea level rise affect species' ranges and populations.

Biodiversity and Domestication

Domestication of crops and livestock decreases genetic and species biodiversity.

Mitigating Biodiversity Loss

Actions include protecting and connecting habitats, sustainable land use, and restoring lost habitats.