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Environmental Science > Ecosystems > Flashcards

Ecosystems Flashcards

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Biology 101 flashcards
1
Q

what are coral reefs?

A

Coral reefs are underwater structures made from calcium carbonate secreted by corals.

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2
Q

what are coral polyps?

A

Corals are tiny animals called polyps that form colonies, and over time, these colonies create the large structures we know as coral reefs.

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3
Q

where are coral reefs found?

A

Coral reefs are found in tropical and subtropical waters.

Located in areas with clear, shallow waters that receive a lot of sunlight, as this is essential for the growth of the corals.
ex. Belize Barrier Reef, Buccoo Reef in Tobago, MesoamericanBarrier Reef along coasts of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala

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4
Q

importance of coral reefs

A
  1. biodiversity
    2.protection
  2. economic value
  3. medicinal resources
  4. climate regulation
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5
Q

how do coral reefs promote biodiversity?

A

provide habitats for numerous species of fish, invertebrates and other marine organisms

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6
Q

why do coral reefs provide protection?

A

Coral reefs act as natural barriers that protect coastlines from erosion and storm damage. They absorb wave energy and reduce the impact of storms, helping to safeguard coastal communities.

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7
Q

how do coral reefs provide economic value?

A

Coral reefs contribute significantly to local economies through activities like tourism, fishing, and recreation. They attract tourists who come to dive, snorkel, and explore the vibrant underwater world.

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8
Q

how do coral reefs produce medicinal resources?

A

Marine organisms found in coral reefs have been used in the development of drugs for various medical conditions.

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9
Q

how do coral reefs regulate climate?

A

They help to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which can help mitigate climate change impacts

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10
Q

how are coral reefs being destroyed?

A
  1. climate change
    2.ocean acidification
  2. pollution
  3. destructive fishing practices
  4. coastal development
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11
Q

How does climate change contribute to the destruction of coral reefs ?

A

Rising sea temperatures lead to coral bleaching, where corals expel the algae living in their tissues, causing them to turn white and making them more susceptible to disease and death.

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12
Q

how does ocean acidification affect coral reefs?

A

Increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are being absorbed by the oceans, leading to ocean acidification. This makes it harder for corals to build their calcium carbonate structures, weakening the reefs.

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13
Q

how does pollution threaten coral reefs?

A

Pollution from sources like agricultural runoff, sewage, and plastic waste can harm coral reefs. Chemical pollutants can disrupt the delicate balance of the reef ecosystem, leading to coral disease and death.

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14
Q

how do destructive fishing practices threaten coral reefs?

A

Practices like blast fishing and the use of cyanide to catch fish can directly damage coral reefs. These destructive methods not only harm the corals but also deplete fish populations.

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15
Q

how does coastal development affect coral reefs?

A

Coastal development, such as the construction of resorts, ports, and coastal infrastructure, can lead to habitat destruction, sedimentation, and pollution that negatively impact coral reefs.

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16
Q

how are coral refs being protected?

A
  1. reducing pollution
  2. marine protected areas
  3. sustainabe fishing practices
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17
Q

marine protected areas on helping coral reefs

A

Establishing marine protected areas where fishing and other extractive activities are restricted helps conserve coral reef ecosystems and allows them to recover from damage.

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18
Q

how do sustainable fishing practices protect coral reefs?

A

Implementing sustainable fishing practices, such as regulating fishing quotas, using selective fishing gear, and avoiding destructive fishing methods, helps maintain the balance of reef ecosystems.

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19
Q

how can community involvement help coral reefs?

A

Involving local communities in reef conservation efforts through education, awareness programs, and sustainable livelihood initiatives can help ensure long-term protection of coral reefs.

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20
Q

how can reducing pollution protect coral reefs?

A

Efforts to reduce pollution from sources like agricultural runoff, sewage, and plastic waste help improve water quality and reduce stress on coral reefs.

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21
Q

what is a forest?

A

Forests are large areas covered chiefly with trees and undergrowth.

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22
Q

why are forests important?

A
  1. biodiversity
  2. oxygen production
  3. habitat protection
  4. natural resources
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23
Q

how do forests romote biodiversity?

A

Forests are hom to a wide variety of plat and animal species.

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24
Q

oxygen production from forests

A

Trees in forests absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through photosynthesis.

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25
Q

how do forests protect habitats?

A

Forests offer habitats for a wide range of species, including endangered and endemic ones.

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26
Q

how do forests provide natural resources?

A

Forests provide valuable resources such as timber, medicinal plantsm fruits and nuts.

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27
Q

how are forests being destroyed?

A
  1. deforestation
  2. illegal logging
  3. forest fires
  4. climate change
  5. infrastructure development
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28
Q

how does defoestation destroy forests?

A

Clearing forests for agriculture, logging, mining, and urban development is a major cause of forest destruction. Deforestation often leads to habitat loss, biodiversity decline, and soil erosion.

29
Q

how does illegal logging destroy forests?

A

Unregulated logging practices, including clear-cutting and selective logging, contribute to deforestation and forest degradation, impacting ecosystems and wildlife populations.

30
Q

how can forest fires theaten forests?

A

Both natural and human-induced forest fires can cause widespread destruction of forests, leading to loss of vegetation, wildlife habitat, and carbon sequestration capacity.

31
Q

how does climate change affect forests?

A

Changing climatic conditions, such as increased temperatures and altered precipitation patterns, can stress forests, making them more susceptible to pests, diseases, and wildfires.

32
Q

how can infrastructure development destroy forests?

A

Building roads, dams, and other infrastructure projects in forested areas can fragment habitats, disrupt wildlife corridors, and accelerate deforestation.

33
Q

how are forests being protected?

A
  1. protected areas
  2. forest management
  3. community engagement
  4. legislation and policies
34
Q

how do protected areas help forests?

A

Establishing national parks, wildlife reserves, and other protected areas helps safeguard forest ecosystems and biodiversity from activities like deforestation and illegal logging.

35
Q

how can forest management protect forests?

A

Implementing sustainable forest management practices, such as selective logging and reforestation, helps maintain the health and productivity of forests while ensuring long-term benefits

36
Q

how does community engagement protect forests?

A

Involving local communities in forest conservation and management empowers them to protect forests sustainably, as they rely on these resources for their livelihoods.

37
Q

how can legislation protect forests?

A

Enacting and enforcing laws that regulate land use, logging, and forest protection is crucial for preventing deforestation and promoting sustainable forest practices.

38
Q

what are mangroves?

A

Mangroves are remarkable shrubs or small trees that thrive in the challenging interface between land and sea.
One of their defining features is their prop roots—exposed supporting roots that help them withstand daily tides and stroms

39
Q

where are wetlands located?

A

They grow in dense thickets along tidal estuaries, salt marshes, and muddy coasts.

40
Q

why are wetlands important?

A
  1. Coastal protection
  2. Carbon sequestration
  3. Biodiversity
  4. Water quality improvement
  5. Fisheries and tourism
41
Q

how do wetlands provide coastal protection?

A

They act as a buffer, shielding land and communities from storms, tsunamis, and rising sea levels.

42
Q

how to wetlands provide carbon sequestration?

A

Mangroves absorb up to five times more carbon from the atmosphere than land forests, making them vital in the fight against climate change.

43
Q

how are wetlands biodiversity hotspots?

A

These ecosystems support a diverse array of terrestrial organisms, including fish, shellfish, and birds.

44
Q

how do wetlands improve water quality?

A

Mangroves filter pollutants and trap sediments, enhancing water quality.

45
Q

how do wetlands support fishing and tourism?

A

Mangroves support fisheries that provide livelihoods for millions. They also enhance tourism by creating scenic landscapes and serving as nurseries for marine species.

46
Q

how are wetlands being destroyed?

A
  1. deforestation
  2. pollution
  3. climate change
  4. conservation efforts
47
Q

how does deforestation threaten manroves?

A

Coastal development, agriculture, and aquaculture (such as shrimp farming) lead to the loss of mangrove habitats.

48
Q

how does pollution threaten wetlands?

A

Plastic waste and litter can harm mangroves by covering their roots and affecting oxygen levels.

49
Q

how does climate change affect wetlands ?

A

Rising sea levels and severe storms pose additional risks to these ecosystems

50
Q

how are wetlands being protected?

A
  1. enforce stronger regulations
  2. promote sustainable agriiiculture
  3. create protected areas
51
Q

how can enforcing stronger regulations protect mangroves?

A

Governments can introduce or enforce laws to protect wetlands from pollution, drainage, and development.

52
Q

how can promoting sustainable agriculture help wetlands?

A

Wetlands are often drained for agriculture. Encouraging sustainable farming practices that reduce the need for wetland conversion, such as agroforestry or permaculture, can help protect these ecosystems.

53
Q

how does creating protected areas protect wetlands?

A

Designating wetlands as protected areas or nature reserves helps conserve them by preventing harmful activities like industrial development or overgrazing.

54
Q

what are freshwater and marine ecosystems?

A

Freshwater ecosystems are bodies of water with low salt concentration (less than 1%). They include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, and wetlands.

Marine ecosystems are saltwater environments that cover about 70% of the Earth’s surface, including oceans, seas, coral reefs, and estuaries.

55
Q

where are freshwater and marine ecosystems located?

A

Freshwater ecosystems are found in lowland regions, mountainous areas, and valleys across all continents.

Marine ecosystems encompass the oceans, seas, coral reefs, and estuaries and are found across the globe.

56
Q

how are freshwater and marine ecosystems being protected?

A
  1. sustainable water use
  2. marine protected areas
  3. sustainable fishing practices
57
Q

how do MPAs protect freshwater and marine ecosystems?

A

Governments and conservation organizations have established MPAs where fishing, drilling, and other destructive activities are restricted or prohibited, allowing ecosystems to recover.

58
Q

how does sustainable water use protect freshwater and marine ecosystems?

A

Promoting efficient water use in agriculture (e.g., drip irrigation), industrial processes, and urban areas can reduce pressure on freshwater resources.

59
Q

how do sustainable fishing practices help freshwaterandmarine ecosystems?

A

International agreements and fishing quotas, such as those set by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), help prevent overfishing and promote sustainable practices.

60
Q

how are freshwater and marine ecosystems being destroyed?

A
  1. pollution
  2. habitat destruction
  3. invasive species
  4. overfishing
61
Q

what are the importances of marine and freshwater ecosystems?

A
  1. biodiversity
  2. water supply
  3. flood contol and water purification
  4. global biodiversity
  5. climate regulation
62
Q

how do marine and freshwater ecosystems contribute to biodiversity?

A

Freshwater ecosystems support diverse species, including fish, amphibians, birds, insects, and aquatic plants. They provide essential habitats and breeding grounds for wildlife.

63
Q

how do marine and freshwater ecosystems contribute to water supply?

A

Freshwater bodies like rivers, lakes, and aquifers provide drinking water for humans, animals, and agriculture. They are vital for domestic, industrial, and agricultural needs.

64
Q

how can marine and freshwater ecosystems promote flood control?

A

Wetlands and rivers help manage floods by absorbing excess water, while natural processes within freshwater ecosystems filter pollutants, improving water quality.

65
Q

how do marine and freshwater ecosystems regulate climate?

A

Oceans play a critical role in regulating the global climate by absorbing carbon dioxide and heat, which helps mitigate the effects of climate change.

66
Q

how does pollution contribute to destruction of marine and freshwater ecosystems?

A

Industrial waste, agricultural runoff (fertilizers and pesticides), and untreated sewage are major pollutants that degrade water quality and harm aquatic life. Plastics and microplastics also infiltrate freshwater bodies, affecting the health of species and ecosystems.

67
Q

how can habitat destruction threaten marine and freshwater ecosystems?

A

Dams, drainage of wetlands, and urban development destroy natural habitats, disrupt the flow of rivers, and reduce biodiversity. Deforestation and land clearing increase sedimentation in rivers and lakes, which impacts water quality.

68
Q

how can invasive species harm freshwater and marine ecosystems?

A

Marine ecosystems are also threatened by invasive species, often transported by ballast water in ships, which outcompete native species and disrupt ecological balance.

69
Q

how can overfishing affect marine and freshwater ecosystems?

A

Unsustainable fishing practices, such as bottom trawling and bycatch, deplete fish stocks, damage marine habitats (like coral reefs), and disrupt food chains.

Environmental Science (14 decks)

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