Unit 9 APES Study Guide

These flashcards cover key concepts, terms, and environmental issues related to AP Environmental Science, focusing on global change, ozone depletion, green house gases, and biodiversity.

What are the primary causes of stratospheric ozone depletion?

Anthropogenic factors, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and natural factors, like Antarctic spring's melting ice crystals.

How does stratospheric ozone benefit life on Earth?

By absorbing UV-B and UV-C radiation, which prevents significant tissue damage and mutations in DNA.

What happens when stratospheric ozone is depleted?

Increased UV rays reach Earth's surface, leading to higher risks of skin cancer and cataracts in humans.

What are the consequences of exposure to increased UV radiation?

It can cause skin cancer, cataracts, and significant tissue damage.

What is the Montreal Protocol?

An international treaty aimed at phasing out the production and use of ozone-depleting substances like CFCs.

Which greenhouse gas has the highest Global Warming Potential (GWP)?

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) have the highest GWP.

How does carbon dioxide compare to other greenhouse gases in terms of GWP?

Carbon dioxide (CO2) has a GWP of 1, serving as the reference point for comparing other gases.

What role do oceans play in climate regulation?

Oceans absorb heat from the atmosphere and redistribute it, helping maintain global temperatures.

What are the main human contributions to ocean acidification?

Burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and other activities that increase CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere.

What are the effects of ocean acidification on marine organisms?

It makes it difficult for organisms like corals to form shells and leads to weaker, less resilient marine life.

What are invasive species?

Species not native to an area that can thrive outside their normal habitat, often threatening local biodiversity.

What strategies can be employed to control invasive species?

Human interventions such as removal, introduction of natural predators, and prevention laws.

What factors commonly lead species to become endangered?

Overhunting, limited diets, habitat loss, and competition from invasive species.

How can habitat fragmentation affect biodiversity?

It breaks larger habitats into smaller, isolated areas, disrupting ecosystems and reducing genetic diversity.

What is the significance of the IUCN Red List?

It is a critical indicator of biodiversity health, categorizing species based on their extinction risk.

What is the effect of climate change on melting ice caps?

Melting ice contributes to sea level rise and adversely impacts coastal ecosystems and communities.

How does increased greenhouse gas concentration affect Earth's temperature?

It enhances the greenhouse effect, trapping more heat and increasing global temperatures.

What is an example of a climate change-related risk to public health?

The spread of disease vectors, such as mosquitoes, into new areas due to warmer temperatures.

How do chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) deplete the ozone layer?

UV radiation breaks CFCs apart, releasing chlorine which reacts with ozone (O3) and converts it to oxygen (O2).

What is the impact of sea level rise due to climate change?

Flooding of coastal ecosystems, loss of habitat for species, and potential displacement of human populations.

What ecological consequence results from thermal expansion of ocean water?

Contributes to overall sea level rise as warmer water expands.

What is the relationship between carbon emissions and ocean temperature?

Increased CO2 from emissions leads to increased ocean temperatures.

What can be done to mitigate biodiversity loss?

Creating wildlife preserves, connecting fragmented habitats, and sustainable land use practices.

What types of species are typically more vulnerable to extinction?

Specialist species with narrow habitat or dietary requirements are often more vulnerable than generalist species.

Which greenhouse gas has a shorter atmospheric lifetime but a higher GWP than CO2?

Methane (CH4) has a GWP of 27-30 over 100 years but survives in the atmosphere for about a decade.

What are potential solutions for invasive species control?

Biological control, physical removal, and regulations on transport to prevent spread.

What happens to species that cannot adapt quickly to changing climate?

They are more likely to face endangerment or extinction due to habitat loss or other pressures.

List one significant impact of urbanization on biodiversity.

Habitat fragmentation leading to reduced species populations and connectivity.

What is the primary role of the Montreal Protocol?

To phase out substances that deplete the stratospheric ozone layer.

Why is ocean acidification a concern for coral reefs?

It inhibits coral calcification and can lead to reef degradation and complete loss of coral habitat.

What is the significance of the greenhouse effect for sustaining life on Earth?

It maintains surface temperatures that allow for the existence of liquid water and life.

How does increased CO2 from fossil fuel burning affect marine ecosystems?

It increases ocean acidification, leading to habitat degradation and loss of marine biodiversity.

Name a common invasive plant species in the U.S. and its impact.

Kudzu vine, which outcompetes native plants for sunlight, disrupting local ecosystems.

What effects does climate change have on polar regions?

Rapid warming, melting ice, and habitat loss for species relying on ice for survival.

How can agriculture contribute to habitat loss?

Expanding agricultural land removes natural habitats for species, leading to biodiversity decline.

What are greenhouse gases?

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect.

What role do wetlands play in biodiversity?

They provide critical habitats for numerous plant and animal species and act as natural water filters.

List one consequence of habitat fragmentation.

Reduced genetic diversity among populations leading to increased vulnerability to environmental changes.

How does temperature change impact species distribution?

Warmer temperatures can shift suitable habitats for species, forcing migrations or adaptations.

What is an environmental impact of increased runoff due to heavy rainfall?

It can lead to sedimentation and nutrient loading in aquatic ecosystems, disrupting water quality.

What is a possible benefit of zoonotic diseases spread due to climate change?

Increased awareness and research on disease prevention and health measures.

Why is it important to monitor endangered species?

Monitoring helps to assess population health, guide conservation efforts, and prioritize resources.

What is the impact of invasive species on native biodiversity?

Invasive species can outcompete native species for resources, causing declines in biodiversity.

What is thermal stress in coral reefs?

Rising ocean temperatures cause corals to expel beneficial algae, leading to bleaching.

How can urban agriculture contribute to environmental sustainability?

It reuses land for food production, reduces carbon footprints, and supports local ecosystems.

What is the difference between terrestrial and aquatic invasive species?

Terrestrial invasive species affect land ecosystems, while aquatic invasive species disrupt marine and freshwater habitats.

What role does precipitation play in biodiversity?

Changes in precipitation patterns can lead to drought or flooding, impacting species survival.

Explain what is meant by a 'keystone species.'

A species whose presence and role within an ecosystem have a disproportionately large effect on other organisms.

How can habitat corridors assist in biodiversity conservation?

They connect fragmented habitats, allowing species to move and breed, enhancing genetic diversity.

What factors contribute to the extinction of species?

Habitat loss, climate change, invasive species, pollution, and overexploitation.

What is one strategy to protect marine ecosystems?

Establishing marine protected areas to conserve habitats and biodiversity.

What is a consequence of deforestation?

Loss of biodiversity, habitat damages, and increased CO2 levels from reduced photosynthesis.

Name a human activity that contributes to climate change.

Burning fossil fuels for energy and transportation significantly increases greenhouse gas emissions.

Why are zooplankton important in marine ecosystems?

They are a key component of the aquatic food web, serving as food for many larger fish and marine mammals.

What is a significant impact of rising temperatures on polar ecosystems?

Melting ice caps put species like polar bears and seals at risk for survival.

How do changes in ocean currents affect climate?

They redistribute heat and nutrients, influencing weather patterns and marine ecosystems.

What does the term ‘overexploitation’ refer to with respect to biodiversity?

Unsustainable harvesting of species faster than they can reproduce or recover.

What is meant by 'biodiversity hotspots'?

Regions with a significant level of endemic species that are under threat from habitat loss.

What practice can help mitigate overfishing in marine ecosystems?

Implementing sustainable fishing quotas and protecting critical habitats.

How can legislation contribute to biodiversity protection?

Laws can establish protected areas, regulate hunting, and mitigates pollution sources.

What is the role of phytoplankton in the ocean?

They are primary producers that form the base of the marine food web and play a crucial role in carbon fixation.

What challenges does urbanization create for wildlife?

It creates barriers to movement, reduces habitat space, and increases vehicle mortalities.

Why is it important to preserve genetic diversity in crops?

It ensures resilience against pests, diseases, and changing environmental conditions.