🌍 UNIT 9 NOTES (Biodiversity, Ozone, Climate Change)

6th Mass Extinction

Current period of increased species extinction, with approximately 1,000 species lost per year due to human activity. A current, accelerated loss of species, with many scientists identifying it as the sixth major extinction event in Earth's history.

Extinct species

Species for which there are no individuals left.

Threatened species

Species that are likely to become endangered soon.

Near-threatened species

Species that may become threatened in the future.

Least concern species

Species that are widespread and abundant.

Endemic species

Species that are found only in one specific area.

Genetic diversity

High genetic variety within a species, leading to better survival and adaptability.

Intrinsic value

It implies that all living things have a right to exist regardless of whether they provide services to humans.

Instrumental value

The usefulness of biodiversity to humans.

Provisioning services

Ecosystem services that provide resources such as food and medicine.

Regulating services

Ecosystem services that regulate natural processes like climate and water cycles.

HIPPCO

An acronym for the causes of biodiversity loss: Habitat loss, Invasive species, Pollution, Population growth, Climate change, Overharvesting.

Invasive species

Species that spread rapidly and cause harm to ecosystems.

CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)

An international agreement that controls the trade of endangered species.

Red List

A list that tracks the extinction risk of species.

Biosphere reserve

A protected area with different zones for conservation and human use.

Stratospheric ozone

The layer of ozone that protects Earth from harmful UV radiation.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

it that break down the ozone layer and are used in aerosols and refrigerators.

Greenhouse gases

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.

Positive feedback loop

A process that amplifies change, worsening the situation.

Kyoto Protocol

An international treaty aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Stewardship

The responsible management and care for the Earth for future generations.

Kuznets Curve

A theory that pollution increases with economic growth, then decreases as income rises.

Carbon sequestration

The process of storing carbon to reduce emissions.

Anthropocentric

a human-centered worldview in AP Environmental Science that places human interests, well-being, and progress as the central importance of the universe

Biocentric

A worldview that values all living things.

Ecocentric

A worldview that emphasizes the importance of ecosystems as a whole.

Sources of greenhouse gases

Includes human activities like agriculture and fossil fuel use, as well as natural processes such as volcanic eruptions and evaporation.

Primary Pollutants

Pollutants released directly into the air, such as nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Nitrogen Oxides (NOₓ)

Primary pollutants emitted from vehicles and power plants cause somg

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Primary pollutants released from sources like gasoline, paints, and industrial chemicals.

Sunlight's Role

UV radiation from the sun triggers chemical reactions among primary pollutants.

Ozone (O₃)

A secondary pollutant formed from nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) in the presence of sunlight.

Peroxyacyl Nitrates (PANs)

Secondary pollutants formed from reactions between VOCs and other pollutants.

Photochemical Smog

A mixture of pollutants, including ozone and PANs, produced by chemical reactions in the presence of sunlight.