IBHL BIO 2 unit 1

Ecosystems

biological communities of interacting organisms and their physical environment.

percentage change of rainforests

formula

mesocosm

any indoor experimental system that examines the natural environment under controlled conditions.

Nutrient upwelling

a process in which cold nutrient-rich water rises from the bottom of oceans towards the surface of oceans.

UPSLOPE

As the climate changes, the range of species is changing as they move to higher elevations on mountains

POLEWARD

 the movement of species' movement toward the poles (northward in the Northern Hemisphere and southward in the Southern Hemisphere) in response to climate change 

Carbon sequestration

the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide. 

peat forms how?

when organic matter is not fully decomposed because of acidic and/or anaerobic conditions in waterlogged soils.

Tipping Point

sudden shifts in ecological conditions that can lead to irreversible changes in ecosystems.

Sustainable Harvest

a method of harvesting resources that maintains ecological balance and ensures that the ecological system can regenerate.

Sustainable Fishing

practices that maintain fish populations and ecosystem health while allowing for fishery productivity.

Maximum Sustainable Yield

the largest yield or catch that can be taken from a specific fish stock over an indefinite period under average environmental conditions without causing long-term depletion.

Microplastics

tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in size that result from the degradation of larger plastic waste and can harm marine life and ecosystems.

Macroplastics

large plastic debris items that are visible and can harm marine life and ecosystems.

Biodegradable

capable of being broken down by microorganisms into natural substances, minimizing environmental impact.

Rewilding

the process of restoring ecosystems to their natural states and reintroducing native species.

• Carbon Cycle

the process by which carbon is exchanged among the biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere, involving carbon fixation and respiration.

• Climate Change

the long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place, primarily driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels.

• Anthropogenic 

activities that are derived from human actions, particularly those that impact the environment, such as greenhouse gas emissions.

• Global Warming

the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human-induced emissions of greenhouse gases.

Correlation

a statistical measure that describes the degree to which two variables move in relation to each other, indicating a potential relationship.

• Causation

a relationship between two variables where one variable directly influences the other, indicating that changes in one variable lead to changes in the other.

• Positive Feedback Loop

a process where an initial change in a system causes further changes that amplify the original effect, often seen in climate systems.

Decomposition

the breakdown of organic matter into simpler substances, often facilitated by microbial activity and essential for nutrient cycling in ecosystems.

Permafrost

a thick, frozen layer of soil that remains at or below 0°C for an extended period, significantly influencing climate and ecosystem dynamics.

• Tipping Point

a critical threshold in a system where a small change can lead to drastic effects, often resulting in a shift to a different state or equilibrium.

• Boreal Forest

A biome characterized by coniferous forests, located in northern regions, with cold climates and significant seasonal temperature variations.

Taiga

a biome characterized by coniferous forests, cold temperatures, and long winters, primarily found in high northern latitudes.

• Carbon Sink

a natural or artificial reservoir that absorbs and stores carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate climate change.

• Sea Ice

frozen ocean water that forms and melts in polar regions, playing a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate and habitat for marine life.

• Landfast Ice

a type of sea ice that remains stationary and attached to the coast or sea floor, typically found in polar regions, providing a stable habitat for wildlife and influencing coastal ecosystems.

• Ice Floe

a large, flat piece of sea ice that has broken away from the main ice pack and floats freely in the ocean, often seen in polar regions and playing a role in marine ecosystems.

• Nutrient Upwelling

the process where nutrient-rich water rises from the ocean depths to the surface, supporting phytoplankton growth and enhancing productivity in marine ecosystems.

• Poleward Range Shift

the movement of species toward higher latitudes or altitudes in response to climate change. This shift can affect biodiversity, species interactions, and ecosystem dynamics.

• Upslope Range Shift

the upward movement of species to higher elevations as temperatures rise, impacting species distribution and ecosystem relationships.

• Coral Reef

a diverse marine ecosystem formed by the calcium carbonate structures created by coral polyps. Coral reefs support a wide variety of marine life and are crucial for coastal protection.

• Zooxanthellae

symbiotic algae that live within coral tissue, providing energy through photosynthesis and playing a vital role in the health of coral reefs.

• Mutualism

a type of symbiotic relationship where both species benefit from the interaction. In mutualism, partners provide resources or services that enhance each other's survival and reproduction.

• Ocean Acidification

the process by which the ocean becomes more acidic due to increased carbon dioxide absorption. This phenomenon can negatively affect marine organisms, especially those with calcium carbonate structures, like corals.

• pH

a measure of the acidity or basicity of a solution, expressed on a scale from 0 to 14, with lower values indicating higher acidity.

• Coral Bleaching

the process whereby corals lose their symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae), leading to a decline in coral health and turning them white. This condition is often caused by stress factors such as rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification.

• Afforestation

the establishment of a forest or stands of trees in an area that was not previously forested, aimed at enhancing carbon sequestration, restoring ecosystems, and providing habitat.

• Carbon Sequestration

the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) to mitigate climate change and reduce global warming.

• Peat

a type of soil formed from decomposed plant material, primarily in waterlogged conditions. It acts as a significant carbon sink and is often harvested for horticultural uses.

Phenology

the study of seasonal biological events in organisms, such as flowering and migration, influenced by climatic and environmental changes.

• Photoperiod  

the period of time each day during which an organism is exposed to daylight, influencing biological rhythms and activities.

Flowering

the process by which plants produce flowers, often triggered by photoperiod and temperature conditions, marking a key phase in their reproductive cycle.

Budburst

the stage in which buds on a plant begin to open and produce leaves or flowers, typically influenced by environmental conditions such as temperature and water availability.

• Bud Set

the process where plants prepare for dormancy by initiating the formation of buds for future growth, often influenced by photoperiod and environmental cues.

Migration

the seasonal movement of animals from one region to another, often influencing breeding and resource availability.

• Nesting

is the behavior of animals, particularly birds, when they build a structure to lay eggs and raise their young, often influenced by seasonal changes.

Evolution

the process through which species undergo gradual changes over time due to factors like natural selection, genetic drift, and mutation, leading to the adaptation and diversity of life forms.

• Natural Selection

is the mechanism by which individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, thereby passing those traits to the next generation.

• Genetic Variation

refers to the diversity in gene frequencies among individuals within a population, which is essential for the process of evolution and the adaptability of species.

Mutations

are changes in the DNA sequence of an organism's genome that can lead to new traits and variations, playing a critical role in the evolutionary process by introducing genetic diversity.

• Crossing Over

is a process during meiosis where homologous chromosomes exchange segments of genetic material, leading to increased genetic variation in the offspring.

• Intraspecific Competition

occurs when individuals of the same species compete for limited resources such as food, mates, or territory, driving natural selection and influencing population dynamics.

Genes

are segments of DNA that code for proteins and determine an organism's traits, playing a fundamental role in heredity and variation.

Alleles

are various forms of a gene that arise by mutation and are found at the same place on a chromosome, contributing to genetic diversity within a population.

Biodiversity

refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, encompassing species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity.

• Ecosystem Diversity

describes the variety of ecosystems within a given area, including different communities of organisms and their interactions with the environment.

• Species Diversity

refers to the number of different species and the relative abundance of each species within a specific habitat or ecosystem.

• Genetic Diversity

refers to the variation in genetic information within and among populations of species, influencing their adaptability and survival.

Species

refers to a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring, sharing similar characteristics and genetic makeup.

Extinction

refers to the permanent loss of a species when the last individual of that species dies, leading to a decrease in biodiversity.

Habitat

refers to the natural environment where a species lives and grows, providing the necessary resources for survival, such as food, shelter, and breeding grounds.

Pollution

refers to the introduction of harmful substances or contaminants into the environment, negatively impacting ecosystems and health.

Overexploitation

refers to the unsustainable use of natural resources, resulting in depletion and potential extinction of species. This can occur through excessive hunting, fishing, or harvesting.

• Invasive Species

are non-native organisms that spread rapidly in a new environment, often outcompeting native species and disrupting local ecosystems.

• Climate Change

is a long-term alteration in temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and other elements of the Earth's climate system, primarily driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels. This leads to global warming and various environmental impacts.

Ecosystem

is a community of living organisms and their physical environment, interacting as a system. It includes both biotic and abiotic components, functioning together to sustain life.

Deforestation

is the large-scale removal of forests or trees, leading to habitat loss, biodiversity decline, and increased carbon emissions. It is primarily driven by agricultural expansion, logging, and urban development.

Agriculture

is the practice of cultivating soil, growing crops, and raising animals for food, fiber, and other products. It plays a crucial role in providing sustenance and supporting economic development.

Richness

refers to the number of different species present in a specific ecosystem or area. It is an important metric for assessing biodiversity.

Evenness

is a measure of the relative abundance of different species in an ecosystem. It reflects how evenly the species are distributed, contributing to overall biodiversity assessments.

• Simpson’s Diversity Index

is a measure used to quantify the biodiversity of a habitat, considering both the number of species and their relative abundance. It is calculated using the formula: $D = 1 - \sum p<em>i^2$ where $p</em>i$ is the proportion of each species in the community.

• Citizen Scientists

are volunteers who assist in scientific research by collecting data and observing wildlife, often contributing to large-scale ecological studies.

• Urbanization

is the process of increasing population density in urban areas, leading to changes in land use, infrastructure, and often resulting in environmental impacts on local ecosystems.

• Ex Situ Conservation

refers to the conservation of species outside their natural habitats, such as in zoos, botanical gardens, and seed banks. This method aims to preserve genetic diversity and prevent extinction.

• In Situ Conservation

is the conservation of species in their natural habitats, preserving ecosystems and maintaining biodiversity in the environment.

• Seed Bank

is a facility that stores seeds to preserve genetic diversity, allowing for the propagation of plants and aiding in conservation efforts.

• Nature Reserve

is a protected area established to conserve wildlife and natural habitats. These reserves play a critical role in preserving biodiversity and providing a safe environment for various species.

• Rewilding

is the process of restoring ecosystems to their natural state by reintroducing native species and allowing natural processes to occur.

• Evolutionarily Distinct

species that have few or no close relatives in the evolutionary tree, making their conservation particularly important for maintaining biodiversity.

• Globally Endangered

refers to species that face a high risk of extinction in the wild due to factors like habitat loss, poaching, or climate change.

Which statement best defines biodiversity?

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms within a given ecosystem, including the diversity of species, genetic variations, and ecological processes.

How does current biodiversity compare to past levels?

Current biodiversity is significantly lower than historical levels due to human activities, habitat destruction, and climate change, leading to increased rates of species extinction.

What is a major anthropogenic cause of species extinction?
A. Natural selection
B. Habitat destruction due to deforestation
C. Earth’s natural climate cycles
D. Genetic mutation

Habitat destruction due to deforestation is a major anthropogenic cause of species extinction, significantly altering ecosystems and reducing habitats available for wildlife.

1. Which of the following is a primary cause of ecosystem loss?
   A. Speciation
   B. Sustainable agriculture
   C. Urbanization and land use change
   D. Photosynthesis
   
   
   

Ecosystem loss is primarily caused by urbanization and land use change, which disrupts natural habitats and impacts biodiversity.

1. Which provides the strongest evidence for a current biodiversity crisis?
   A. Stable population sizes
   B. Increased fossil fuel use
   C. Extinction rates far above the natural background rate
   D. Rising sea levels

C. Extinction rates far above the natural background rate is a strong indicator of the current biodiversity crisis, highlighting the severe impact of human activities on species survival.

1. Which of the following is a major cause of the current biodiversity crisis?
   A. The natural rate of extinction
   B. Geological activity such as earthquakes
   C. Human-driven climate change and land use
   D. Seasonal changes in weather

Human-driven climate change and land use is a major cause of the current biodiversity crisis, leading to habitat loss, altered ecosystems, and increased extinction rates.

1. Why are multiple approaches required for the conservation of biodiversity?
   A. Most ecosystems are too simple for a single solution
   B. Different species and habitats require different conservation strategies
   C. Conservation efforts are always successful with a single approach
   D. Biodiversity is no longer at risk

Multiple approaches are required because different species and habitats require different conservation strategies, ensuring effective protection and restoration of biodiversity.

What is the primary focus of the EDGE of Existence programme?
A. Conserving the most popular animals for tourism
B. Restoring only marine ecosystems
C. Prioritizing species that are both evolutionarily unique and endangered
D. Protecting agricultural species

The primary focus of the EDGE of Existence programme is prioritizing species that are both evolutionarily unique and endangered, aiming to conserve biodiversity by addressing the needs of these at-risk species.

1. What is meant by the stability of an ecosystem?
   A. Its ability to avoid disturbance entirely
   B. Its capacity to remain unchanged in any conditions
   C. Its ability to resist and recover from disturbances
   D. Its population density remaining constant

The stability of an ecosystem refers to its ability to resist and recover from disturbances, maintaining functionality and biodiversity in changing conditions.

1. Which of the following is a requirement for ecosystem stability?
   A. High levels of human intervention
   B. A high rate of species extinction
   C. Functional diversity and balanced nutrient cycles
   D. Constant rainfall year-round

Ecosystem stability requires functional diversity and balanced nutrient cycles, allowing ecosystems to adapt and thrive amidst changes and disturbances.

1. Why is deforestation of the Amazon considered a tipping point?
   A. Because it improves soil fertility
   B. Because it can permanently shift the ecosystem to a savannah-like state
   C. Because it reduces human population
   D. Because it increases rainfall

Deforestation of the Amazon is considered a tipping point because it can permanently shift the ecosystem to a savannah-like state, resulting in significant loss of biodiversity and altering climate patterns.

1. What is a key factor in assessing the sustainability of natural resource harvesting?
   A. Whether harvesting methods are traditional
   B. If the resource is non-renewable
   C. The rate of harvest does not exceed regeneration
   D. The size of the ecosystem

The key factor in assessing the sustainability of natural resource harvesting is ensuring that the rate of harvest does not exceed regeneration, allowing resources to replenish naturally.

1. Which of the following factors affects the sustainability of agriculture?
   A. Monoculture and high pesticide use
   B. Maintaining biodiversity and soil health
   C. Increased global demand for grains
   D. Use of genetically modified crops

Agricultural sustainability is influenced by factors like maintaining biodiversity and soil health, which promote ecosystem resilience, in contrast to practices such as monoculture and excessive pesticide use that can deplete resources.

1. What is one effect of microplastic pollution in the ocean?
   A. Decrease in water temperature
   B. Increased photosynthesis in algae
   C. Ingestion by marine organisms causing health problems
   D. Increase in biodiversity

Microplastic pollution in the ocean causes health problems for marine organisms due to ingestion, leading to a range of biological issues and impacting marine ecosystems.

1. What is the goal of rewilding in conservation biology?
   A. Increase urban development
   B. Restore natural processes and species interactions
   C. Eradicate non-native crops
   D. Promote industrial agriculture

Rewilding in conservation biology aims to restore natural processes and species interactions within ecosystems, enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem functionality.