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Environmental Systems and Societies SL > Chapter 3.2 > Flashcards

Chapter 3.2 Flashcards

1
Q

What is the primary threat to biodiversity?

A

Humans and the speed of population growth

This leads to unsustainable resource use and significant consequences for nature.

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2
Q

How many mass extinctions have occurred on Earth?

A

At least five mass extinctions

The last one occurred about 65 million years ago.

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3
Q

What are the causes of previous mass extinctions?

A

Volcanoes, asteroids, and continental drift leading to rapid climate change

These events significantly altered Earth’s climate and ecosystems.

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4
Q

What is the current extinction rate compared to natural rates?

A

100 - 10,000 times higher

This acceleration is largely due to human activities.

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5
Q

List three threats to biodiversity.

A
  • Natural hazards and environmental threats
  • Habitat loss and degradation
  • Pollution
  • Overexploitation
  • Invasive alien species
  • Climate change
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6
Q

What defines a natural hazard?

A

Naturally occurring events that negatively impact the environment

They are considered hazards when they cause significant harm to human communities.

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7
Q

Name two examples of natural hazards.

A
  • Volcanic eruptions
  • Earthquakes
  • Floods
  • Wildfires
  • Hurricanes
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8
Q

What is the major cause of biodiversity loss due to human activities?

A

Habitat loss

This occurs when habitats are damaged or destroyed, making them unable to support existing species.

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9
Q

What human activities contribute to habitat loss?

A
  • Transportation routes
  • Agriculture
  • Mining
  • Logging
  • Water supply
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10
Q

What typically causes habitat destruction?

A

Machinery, such as bulldozers

This leads to the removal of vegetation and can result in biodiversity loss.

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11
Q

What is habitat degradation?

A

Downgrading of habitat quality

It occurs through pollution, climate change, and invasive species, making survival difficult for flora and fauna.

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12
Q

What is habitat fragmentation?

A

Change of habitats into a patchwork of fragments

This restricts animal movement and increases edge effects.

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13
Q

What are edge effects?

A

Greater fluctuations of light, temperature, and humidity at the edges of fragmented habitats

These effects impact a proportionally larger area as habitat size decreases.

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14
Q

How does habitat fragmentation affect species interaction?

A

Increases invasion by pest species and potential disease spread

Domestic and wild species may come into contact more frequently.

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15
Q

What is the primary cause of most pollution?

A

Human activities

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16
Q

What is air pollution?

A

The contamination of air with particles or poisonous gases

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17
Q

What are some sources of air pollution?

A
  • Partially combusted exhaust gases
  • Industrial by-products
  • Products of burning plastics and rubber
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18
Q

What health issues can air pollution cause?

A

Breathing problems

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19
Q

What is light pollution?

A

When artificial lights alter natural light levels

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20
Q

How does light pollution affect ecosystems?

A

It disrupts plant growth patterns and animal navigation systems

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21
Q

What is noise pollution?

A

Excessive sound caused by human activities

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22
Q

What are the effects of noise pollution on humans?

A
  • Stress
  • Hearing loss
  • Sleep disturbance
  • High blood pressure
  • Depression
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23
Q

What is soil pollution?

A

Contamination of soil with abnormal levels of toxic substances

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24
Q

What can soil pollution cause?

A

Soil erosion

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25
What is water pollution?
Contamination of aquatic environments and groundwater
26
What are common sources of water pollution?
* Industrial waste * Detergents * Agriculture * Oil spills * Road wash
27
What can insecticides and pesticides cause in aquatic environments?
Death of aquatic organisms
28
What is eutrophication?
The reduction of oxygen levels in water due to excess nutrients
29
What are methods to assess air pollution levels?
* Tropospheric ozone (Schoenbein test paper) * Particulate matter * Air quality index
30
How can light pollution be measured?
Using a light meter or lux meter
31
What measurements can be taken to assess soil pollution?
* pH * Phosphorous * Potassium * Heavy metals
32
What measurements can be taken to assess water pollution?
* Acidity (pH) * Dissolved oxygen * Dissolved solids * Suspended sediment (turbidity) * Temperature
33
How is noise pollution measured?
In decibels (dB) by a sound level meter
34
What is overexploitation?
The unsustainable use of natural resources due to increased human efficiency
35
What has contributed to overexploitation of the environment?
* Chain saws replacing hand saws * Factory ships using sonar and radar * Bottom trawling
36
What is poaching?
The illegal trafficking or killing of wildlife
37
What are examples of species affected by poaching?
* Tiger - endangered * Rhino - critically endangered * Pangolin - critically endangered * Sharks and rays - endangered or vulnerable * African elephant - critically endangered * Sea turtle - threatened, endangered or critically endangered
38
How can introducing non-native species affect ecosystems?
It can upset the natural balance of ecosystems
39
What are some examples of successful non-native species introductions?
* Potatoes from the Americas to Europe * Rubber trees from the Amazon to Southeast Asia
40
What is an example of a disastrous non-native species introduction?
Dutch Elm disease entering Europe via imported American logs
41
What diseases can decrease biodiversity?
Diseases that spread between domesticated and wild species
42
What is an example of a disease that crossed species barriers?
COVID-19, suspected to have crossed from bats to humans
43
What role do greenhouse gases play in climate change?
Human activities add pollutants like carbon dioxide and methane
44
How does climate change impact ecosystems?
It alters ecosystems and forces organisms to adapt quickly
45
What is coral bleaching?
When coral expels zooxanthellae due to rising ocean temperatures
46
What effect does ocean acidification have on marine life?
It makes it harder for shellfish and coral to extract calcium and carbonate ions
47
What can increase the occurrence of marine algae blooms?
Nitrate pollution combined with climate change
48
What extreme weather events are intensified by climate change?
* Fires * Storms * Drought
49
What makes a species more vulnerable to extinction?
Factors such as narrow geographical range, small population size, low genetic diversity, low reproductive potential, and specific habitat requirements. ## Footnote More than one pressure often operates on an organism, increasing vulnerability as extinction approaches.
50
What is a species that is 'extinct in the wild'?
A species that only lives in one place which has been damaged or destroyed. ## Footnote These species can no longer survive in their natural habitat.
51
How does small population size affect a species' resilience?
It leads to less genetic diversity, making the species less resilient to changes and increasing inbreeding. ## Footnote A small population is often referred to as the 'living dead' if numbers drop too low.
52
What challenges do large predators face regarding population density?
They require large territories for hunting and finding food, making it difficult to meet others for breeding. ## Footnote Urban development can split these territories, complicating mating opportunities.
53
What does having few populations of a species imply?
If there are only one or two populations left, the species is very vulnerable to extinction. ## Footnote This makes recovery and survival more difficult.
54
Why are top predators rare in energy loss within the food chain?
They tend to be large animals with large ranges and low population densities requiring a lot of food. ## Footnote Their position in the food chain makes them susceptible to various threats.
55
What is the impact of low reproductive potential on a species?
Reproducing slowly and infrequently leads to a long recovery time for the population. ## Footnote This can hinder the species' ability to rebound from declines.
56
What challenges do seasonal migrants face?
They have long migration routes and need intact habitats at both ends, with barriers potentially preventing completion. ## Footnote Successful migration is crucial for their survival.
57
What is meant by poor dispersers in species?
Species that cannot easily move to new habitats are at risk of extinction. ## Footnote Examples include plants relying on seed dispersal and non-flying birds.
58
What are specialized feeders or niche requirements?
Species that rely on specific food sources or habitats, like the giant panda and koala. ## Footnote They are particularly vulnerable to habitat loss.
59
How can overhunting or overharvesting affect species?
It can quickly eradicate a species, especially if they live in large groups. ## Footnote This is a significant threat to biodiversity.
60
What makes island organisms particularly vulnerable?
They often have small populations, low genetic diversity, and are susceptible to non-native predators. ## Footnote The dodo is an example of an extinct island organism.
61
What combined pressures make mammals like tigers and bears vulnerable?
They are large, need large territories, pose a danger to humans, and are hunted for sport. ## Footnote As top carnivores, they face unique threats.
62
What is the mission of the IUCN?
To conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and ensure sustainable use of natural resources. ## Footnote The IUCN monitors the state of the world’s species through the Red List.
63
What criteria does the Red List use to determine conservation status?
Criteria include population size, degree of specialisation, distribution, reproductive potential, geographic range, habitat quality, trophic level, and probability of extinction. ## Footnote These criteria help assess the threat level of species.
64
What does the Tragedy of the Commons illustrate?
The conflict between individual needs and the common good, leading to resource overexploitation. ## Footnote This occurs when resources are viewed as belonging to all.
65
What is a common solution to the Tragedy of the Commons?
Regulation and legislation by authorities to limit resource use by individuals. ## Footnote Cooperation and agreed limits can help conserve resources.
66
Fill in the blank: Marine plastic pollution is an example of _______.
the Tragedy of the Commons. ## Footnote It highlights the consequences of poor waste management on marine ecosystems.

Environmental Systems and Societies SL (6 decks)

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