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Hank K > Environmental Science > Flashcards

Environmental Science Flashcards

End of Semester Test

1
Q

Abiotic Factors

A

Non-living physical and chemical components of an ecosystem, like temperature, sunlight, and soil.

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2
Q

Agricultural Revolution

A

A period of significant agricultural development marked by innovations in farming practices and crop cultivation.

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3
Q

Alpine

A

A biome found in high mountain regions characterized by cold temperatures and low-growing vegetation.

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4
Q

Anthropocentrism

A

A worldview that prioritizes human needs and interests over those of other species or the environment

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5
Q

Atmosphere

A

The layer of gases surrounding Earth that supports life and regulates temperature

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6
Q

Autotrophs

A

Organisms that produce their own food using sunlight (photosynthesis) or chemical energy (chemosynthesis)

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7
Q

Behavioral Isolation

A

A reproductive barrier where differences in mating behaviors prevent interbreeding between species

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8
Q

Biocentrism

A

A philosophy that values all living beings equally, emphasizing the intrinsic worth of life

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9
Q

Biodiversity

A

The variety of life in an area, including species, genetic, and ecosystem diversity

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10
Q

Biodiversity Index

A

A measure that quantifies biodiversity in a specific region, often considering species richness and evenness

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11
Q

Biomass

A

The total mass of living organisms in a given area or ecosystem

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12
Q

Biome

A

A large community of plants and animals that occupies a distinct region defined by climate and vegetation

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13
Q

Biosphere

A

The global sum of all ecosystems, including all living beings and their relationships with the environment

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14
Q

Biotic Factors

A

Living components of an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms

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15
Q

Carnivore

A

An organism that primarily consumes meat

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16
Q

Carrying Capacity

A

The maximum population size of a species that an environment can sustain over time

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17
Q

Chaparral

A

A biome characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, with vegetation like shrubs and small trees

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18
Q

Climatogram

A

A graph that displays average temperature and precipitation of a region over time

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19
Q

Commensalism

A

A relationship where one species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed

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20
Q

Community

A

A group of interacting populations of different species living in the same area

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21
Q

Control Variable

A

A variable in an experiment that remains constant to ensure accurate results

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22
Q

Cost-Benefit Analysis

A

A process for evaluating the economic, social, or environmental trade-offs of a decision or action

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23
Q

Cryosphere

A

The frozen water part of the Earth, including glaciers, ice caps, and sea ice

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24
Q

Cultural

A

Relating to the shared beliefs, practices, and traditions of a group of people

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25
Q

Deciduous Forest

A

A biome with trees that shed their leaves seasonally, found in temperate regions

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26
Q

Decomposer

A

Organisms that break down dead or decaying matter, recycling nutrients into the ecosystem

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27
Q

Density-Dependent Factors

A

Factors that affect population growth depending on the population’s density, like competition and predation

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28
Q

Density-Independent factors

A

Factors that impact population growth regardless of population density, such as natural disasters

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29
Q

Dependent Variable

A

The variable being tested and measured in an experiment

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30
Q

Desert

A

A biome with very low precipitation and sparse vegetation

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31
Q

Ecocentrism

A

A philosophy that values ecosystems as a whole, including non-living elements

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32
Q

Ecology

A

The study of relationships between organisms and their environment

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33
Q

Ecological Biodiversity

A

The variety of ecosystems within a region or globally

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34
Q

Ecological Footprint

A

A measure of the environmental impact of an individual or population

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35
Q

Ecological Pyramid

A

A graphical representation of energy or biomass at different trophic levels

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36
Q

Ecosystem

A

A community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment

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37
Q

Endangered Species

A

Species at risk of extinction due to declining population or habitat loss

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38
Q

Energy Flow

A

The transfer of energy through an ecosystem via food chains and food webs

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39
Q

Environment

A

The external physical, biological, and chemical conditions in which an organism lives

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40
Q

Environmental Activism

A

Efforts to advocate for the protection and preservation of the environment

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41
Q

Environmental Policies

A

Regulations and laws aimed at managing and protecting natural resources and ecosystems

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42
Q

Environmental Science

A

The study of the interactions between humans and the environment

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43
Q

Ethics

A

Principles governing what is right or wrong, often applied to moral decisions

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44
Q

Exponential Growth

A

Population growth that occurs at an increasing rate over time

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45
Q

Fecundity

A

The reproductive capacity of an organism or population

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46
Q

Fertility

A

The ability of individuals or populations to reproduce

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47
Q

First Law of Thermodynamics

A

Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed or transferred

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48
Q

Food Chain

A

A linear sequence of organisms showing energy transfer through consumption

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49
Q

Food Web

A

A complex network of interrelated food chains in an ecosystem

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50
Q

Fundamental Niche

A

The full range of environmental conditions an organism can occupy without competition

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51
Q

Generalist

A

A species that can thrive in a wide variety of environments and diets

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52
Q

Genetic Biodiversity

A

The variety of genetic traits within a species

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53
Q

Geographic Isolation

A

A physical barrier that separates populations, leading to speciation

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54
Q

Geosphere

A

The solid part of the Earth, including rocks, minerals, and landforms

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55
Q

Grassland

A

A biome dominated by grasses, with few trees and moderate rainfall

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56
Q

Habitat

A

The natural environment where a species lives and thrives

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57
Q

Habitat Fragmentation

A

The division of ecosystems into smaller, isolated sections

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58
Q

Herbivore

A

An organism that primarily consumes plants

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59
Q

Heterotrophs

A

Organisms that obtain energy by consuming other organisms

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60
Q

Hydrosphere

A

The water component of Earth, including oceans, rivers, and lakes

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61
Q

Indicator Species

A

Species whose presence or absence indicates the health of an ecosystem

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62
Q

Industrial Revolution

A

A period of rapid industrialization beginning in the 18th century that transformed economies and societies

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63
Q

Invasive Species

A

Non-native species that disrupt ecosystems by outcompeting native organisms

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64
Q

K-Strategists

A

Species that produce few offspring but invest heavily in their survival

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65
Q

Keystone Species

A

A species that plays a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance

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66
Q

Life Expectancy

A

The average number of years an organism is expected to live

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67
Q

Logistic Growth

A

Population growth that stabilizes at the carrying capacity

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68
Q

Mechanical Isolation

A

A reproductive barrier where physical differences prevent mating

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69
Q

Mortality

A

The rate of death in a population

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70
Q

Mutualism

A

A relationship where both species benefit

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71
Q

Natality

A

The rate of birth in a population

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72
Q

Niche

A

The role and position an organism occupies in an ecosystem

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73
Q

Nonrenewable Energy

A

Energy sources like coal and oil that cannot be replenished in a short time

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74
Q

Omnivore

A

An organism that consumes both plants and animals

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75
Q

Organism

A

A living entity capable of growth, reproduction, and response to stimuli

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76
Q

Parasitism

A

A relationship where one species benefits at the expense of the other

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77
Q

Pioneer Species

A

The first species to colonize a disturbed or new habitat

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78
Q

Population

A

A group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area

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79
Q

Population Pyramid

A

A graphical representation of a population’s age and gender distribution

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80
Q

Predation

A

An interaction where one organism hunts and consumes another

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81
Q

Primary Consumer

A

An organism that directly consumes producers

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82
Q

Primary Succession

A

The development of ecosystems in areas without previous soil or life

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83
Q

Principle of Competitive Exclusion

A

No two species can occupy the same niche indefinitely

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84
Q

Producer

A

Organisms like plants that generate energy through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis

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85
Q

Provisioning

A

Ecosystem services that supply resources like food, water, and raw materials

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86
Q

Qualitative Data

A

Descriptive data that characterizes but does not measure

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87
Q

Quantitative Data

A

Numerical data used for measurement and analysis

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88
Q

R-Strategists

A

Species that produce many offspring with minimal parental investment

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89
Q

Rainforest

A

A biome with high biodiversity, consistent rainfall, and dense vegetation

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90
Q

Realized Niche

A

The actual conditions an organism occupies due to competition and other factors

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91
Q

Regulating

A

Ecosystem services that moderate environmental conditions, like climate and water flow

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92
Q

Renewable Energy

A

Energy sources that are naturally replenished, such as solar and wind

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93
Q

Savanna

A

A tropical biome with grasses and scattered trees, characterized by a wet and dry season

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94
Q

Scavenger

A

An organism that consumes dead animals

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95
Q

Scientific Method

A

A systematic approach to research through observation, hypothesis, and experimentation

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96
Q

Secondary Consumer

A

An organism that consumes primary consumers

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97
Q

Secondary Species

A

Species that appear after pioneer species in succession

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98
Q

Secondary Succession

A

The regrowth of ecosystems after a disturbance that leaves soil intact

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99
Q

Specialist

A

A species adapted to a specific niche or environment

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100
Q

Speciation

A

The process by which new species arise

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101
Q

Species

A

A group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring

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102
Q

Species Biodiversity

A

The variety of species in a specific area

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103
Q

Succession

A

The natural process of change in an ecosystem over time

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104
Q

Supporting

A

Ecosystem services that maintain conditions for life, like nutrient cycling

105
Q

Taiga

A

A biome characterized by coniferous forests and cold climates

106
Q

Temporal Isolation

A

A reproductive barrier where species reproduce at different times

107
Q

Tertiary Consumer

A

An organism that consumes secondary consumers

108
Q

Threatened Species

A

Species likely to become endangered in the near future

109
Q

Tolerance

A

The range of environmental conditions a species can survive and reproduce in

110
Q

Tundra

A

A biome with cold temperatures, minimal precipitation, and limited vegetation

111
Q

Tragedy of the Commons

A

A situation where shared resources are depleted due to individual self-interest

112
Q

environment

A

all living and nonliving things with which humans interact, such as natural resources, ecosystems, and even human-made systems​

113
Q

what is the difference between environmental science and environmental activism

A

Environmental Science: A scientific discipline that studies the interactions between living and nonliving things and addresses environmental problems using an interdisciplinary approach (biology, chemistry, economics, etc.).

Environmental Activism: A social movement advocating for the protection of the natural environment through policy, advocacy, and action.

114
Q

examples of renewable energy

A

solar, wind, hydropower (water), biomass (physical/muscle)

115
Q

examples of nonrenewable energy

A

coal, oil, natural gas, uranium, lithium

116
Q

Significance of the Agricultural and Industrial Revolutions

A

Agricultural Revolution: Transition from hunter-gatherer societies to farming, leading to stable communities, increased food production, and population growth.

Industrial Revolution: Advancements in machinery, medicine, and technology that increased health, life expectancy, and resource consumption, but also introduced sustainability challenges​.

117
Q

What is an ecological footprint and why is it important?

A

The ecological footprint measures the demand placed on Earth’s resources by individuals or groups. It helps identify unsustainable consumption rates.

118
Q

what information is included in an ecological footprint

A

the materials and resources consumed, and the resources needed to dispose of the waste produced

119
Q

What countries typically have high and low ecological footprints?

A

High: Industrialized nations (e.g., USA, UAE).

Low: Developing regions (e.g., Sub-Saharan Africa).

120
Q

What is the Tragedy of the Commons? Provide an example.

A

When shared resources are overused and depleted due to individuals acting in self-interest without regulation. Example: Overfishing.

121
Q

What are the steps of the scientific process?

A
  1. State the problem or question.
  2. Gather information (research).What is the Tragedy of the Commons? Provide an example.What is the Tragedy of the Commons? Provide an example.What is the Tragedy of the Commons? Provide an example.What is the Tragedy of the Commons? Provide an example.What is the Tragedy of the Commons? Provide an example.What is the Tragedy of the Commons? Provide an example.What is the Tragedy of the Commons? Provide an example.What is the Tragedy of the Commons? Provide an example.What is the Tragedy of the Commons? Provide an example.
  3. Form a hypothesis.
  4. Test the hypothesis (experiment).
  5. Collect and analyze data.
  6. Draw conclusions.
  7. Share findings.
122
Q

How many variables should be changed in an experiment, and why?

A

Only one variable should be changed at a time to isolate the cause-effect relationship and ensure clear results.

123
Q

Why do scientists compare two organisms in experiments?

A

To understand differences in characteristics, behaviors, or responses to variables, which can provide insights into broader biological or ecological processes.

124
Q

What is the difference between independent and dependent variables?

A

Independent Variable: The factor that is changed or manipulated.

Dependent Variable: The outcome or result measured.

125
Q

What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative data?

A

Qualitative Data: Descriptions or characteristics (e.g., color, texture).

Quantitative Data: Numerical measurements (e.g., weight, temperature).

126
Q

Why is peer review important in science?

A

Ethics guide responsible experimentation, especially in environmental science, where human and ecological impacts must be considered.

127
Q

What are the three types of ethical worldviews in environmental science?

A

Anthropocentrism: Values human welfare and needs most.

Biocentrism: Values all living organisms equally.

Ecocentrism: Values ecosystems as a whole over individual components.

128
Q

What is a cost-benefit analysis?

A

A decision-making tool that weighs costs (e.g., money, time, environmental impact) against benefits to determine if an action is worthwhile.

129
Q

What are the four types of ecosystem services? Provide examples.

A

Provisioning: Goods humans use directly (e.g., fisheries).

Regulating: Controls of air, water, and soil (e.g., wetlands improve water quality).

Cultural: Non-material benefits (e.g., rivers for recreation).

Supporting: Basic necessities for ecosystems to function (e.g., forests providing oxygen).

130
Q

Why are environmental policies necessary?

A

They prevent resource depletion, protect ecosystems, and address the Tragedy of the Commons.

131
Q

At what levels can environmental policies be created?

A

Local, state, national, and global levels.

132
Q

What are the two types of environmental policies?

A

Regulations: Rules with penalties (e.g., Clean Water Act).

Incentives: Encouragement through subsidies or tax credits (e.g., solar panel tax credits).

133
Q

What are the four spheres of the Earth?

A

Geosphere (ground), Hydrosphere (water), Cryosphere (frozen water), Atmosphere (air), and Biosphere (life).

134
Q

How do the Earth’s spheres interact?

A

Example: Rain (hydrosphere) falls on soil (geosphere), causing grass (biosphere) to grow. A cow (biosphere) eats the grass and exhales CO₂ (atmosphere).

135
Q

What is ecology?

A

Ecology is the study of interactions between organisms and their environments. It combines biology, meteorology, chemistry, and other sciences.

136
Q

Why is ecology important?

A

It helps us understand ecosystems and interactions, which is essential for conservation and environmental management.

137
Q

What are biotic factors? Provide 3 examples.

A

Living components of an environment. Examples: Frog, fungi, bacteria.

138
Q

What are abiotic factors? Provide 3 examples.

A

Non-living components of an environment. Examples: Air, water, temperature.

139
Q

What are the levels of biological organization, smallest to largest?

A

Organism → Population → Community → Ecosystem → Biome → Biosphere.

140
Q

What is the difference between a habitat and a niche?

A

Habitat: Where an organism lives. Niche: The unique role an organism plays in its environment.

141
Q

What are the two types of niches?

A

Fundamental niche: Role without competition.
Realized niche: Smaller role due to competition.

142
Q

What is a decomposer? How is it different from a scavenger?

A

Decomposers break down dead matter into simpler molecules. Scavengers eat dead animals but do not fully decompose them.

143
Q

How do autotrophs obtain energy?

A

They produce energy using the sun (photosynthesis) or chemical compounds.

144
Q

How do heterotrophs obtain energy?

A

By consuming other organisms. Examples: Herbivores (plants), Carnivores (meat), Omnivores (both).

145
Q

What is the difference between a food chain and a food web?

A

A food chain shows a single energy flow path, while a food web shows interconnected feeding relationships.

146
Q

What do energy pyramids show?

A

Energy transfer between trophic levels. Lower levels have more energy and organisms; less energy is available at the top.

147
Q

How much energy is transferred to each trophic level?

A

10% of energy is transferred; the rest is lost as heat or undigested food.

148
Q

What are the types of symbiotic relationships?

A

Mutualism: Both benefit (e.g., clownfish and anemone).

Commensalism: One benefits, the other is unaffected (e.g., tree frogs and plants).

Parasitism: One benefits, the other is harmed (e.g., fleas on a dog).

Predation: One hunts and eats the other (e.g., owl and mouse).

149
Q

What is the geosphere?

A

The geosphere consists of rocks, minerals, soil, and Earth’s internal layers (mantle and core).

150
Q

What is the hydrosphere?

A

The hydrosphere includes all water on Earth’s surface, underground, and in the atmosphere.

151
Q

What is the cryosphere?

A

The frozen portion of the hydrosphere, including glaciers and sea ice.

152
Q

What is the atmosphere made of?

A

Gases surrounding Earth, primarily nitrogen and oxygen.

153
Q

What is the biosphere?

A

The portion of Earth where life exists, from deep oceans to high in the atmosphere.

154
Q

What determines an organism’s niche?

A

Factors like optimum temperature, required resources, and tolerance to changes.

155
Q

What is the difference between specialists and generalists?

A

Specialists have a limited tolerance and adapt to small changes. Generalists adapt easily to a wide range of changes.

156
Q

How do scavengers help ecosystems?

A

They consume animals that have already died, preventing decomposing matter from piling up.

157
Q

Why are food webs more accurate than food chains?

A

Food webs show overlapping relationships, reflecting that organisms consume more than one type of food.

158
Q

What are the four spheres of the Earth?

A

Geosphere, Hydrosphere, Cryosphere, Atmosphere, and Biosphere.

159
Q

How does the hydrosphere interact with the biosphere? Provide an example.

A

Rain (hydrosphere) helps plants (biosphere) grow.

160
Q

What is the geosphere composed of?

A

Rocks, minerals, soil, and Earth’s internal layers (mantle and core).

161
Q

What part of the hydrosphere is referred to as the cryosphere?

A

The frozen part of the hydrosphere, including glaciers and sea ice.

162
Q

What gases make up most of the atmosphere?

A

Nitrogen and oxygen.

163
Q

Define ecology.

A

The scientific study of interactions between organisms and their environments.

164
Q

What is the difference between biotic and abiotic factors? Give one example of each.

A

Biotic factors are living (e.g., frog), abiotic factors are non-living (e.g., air).

165
Q

What is the difference between an organism’s habitat and niche?

A

A habitat is where an organism lives, and a niche is its role in the environment.

166
Q

What is the difference between endangered species and threatened species?

A

Endangered species are in immediate jeopardy of extinction, while threatened species are at a lower risk but may become endangered in the future.

167
Q

What factors can cause extinction?

A

Habitat loss, introduction of non-native species, over-exploitation, pollution, and disease.

168
Q

What did the Endangered Species Act of 1973 do?

A

Placed international trade restrictions on threatened and endangered species and protected critical habitats from destruction.

169
Q

What causes speciation?

A

Speciation occurs when gene pools are separated due to behavioral, mechanical, temporal, or geographic isolation.

170
Q

Explain the principle of competitive exclusion.

A

Two species competing for the same limited resource cannot both thrive. One will outcompete the other or force it to adapt or relocate.

171
Q

What is the difference between linear and exponential growth?

A

Linear growth increases by a constant amount, while exponential growth increases at a constant rate, doubling rapidly.

172
Q

How do populations increase, and what is the shape of that graph?

A

Populations increase exponentially, forming a “J” curve graph.

173
Q

What are limiting factors, and how do they affect population size?

A

Limiting factors prevent indefinite growth by causing populations to stabilize at the carrying capacity.

174
Q

What is the difference between density-dependent and density-independent factors?

A

Density-dependent factors (e.g., predation, disease) depend on population size, while density-independent factors (e.g., natural disasters) affect populations regardless of size.

175
Q

What is the shape of the graph when a population reaches its carrying capacity?

A

An S-curve (logistic growth).

176
Q

What factors affect population growth?

A

Natality (birth rate), fertility, mortality (death rate), and life expectancy.

177
Q

What is a survivorship curve?

A

A graph showing the probability of survival for a species. Type 1 shows high early survival (e.g., humans), Type 2 shows constant survival, and Type 3 shows low early survival (e.g., insects).

178
Q

What are the differences between K Strategists and R Strategists?

A

K Strategists have few offspring, high parental care, and live in stable environments. R Strategists have many offspring, low parental care, and live in unstable environments.

179
Q

What does a population pyramid show?

A

It shows the age and gender distribution of a population. A wide base indicates an increasing population; a narrow base indicates a decreasing population.

180
Q

What characteristics define a biome?

A

Temperature, soil, light, and water define a biome.

181
Q

Name and describe the 9 biomes.

A

Tundra: Cold, treeless, permafrost.

Taiga: Cold, coniferous forests.

Grasslands: Grassy, fire-prone.

Deciduous Forest: Four seasons, many trees.

Savanna: Grassland with few trees.

Chaparral: Hot, dry, fire-prone.

Rainforest: Warm, rainy, diverse.

Desert: Hot/cold, sparse vegetation.

Alpine: Cold, mountainous.

182
Q

What is the difference between weather and climate?

A

Weather is daily temperature and precipitation, while climate is long-term patterns of weather.

183
Q

What is a climatogram?

A

A graph showing temperature and rainfall in an area, useful for identifying biomes and climate patterns.

184
Q

Why are keystone species important?

A

They have a large impact on their habitats, influencing many other species.

185
Q

Why are indicator species important?

A

They signal environmental health and respond to environmental changes.

186
Q

How are mangroves keystone species?

A

Mangroves stabilize coastlines, provide shelter for aquatic species, and reduce erosion.

187
Q

What is succession, and what are its two types?

A

Succession is the process of ecological change.

Primary succession starts without soil (e.g., volcanic islands).

Secondary succession starts with existing soil (e.g., after a fire).

188
Q

What are pioneer species, and why are they important?

A

Pioneer species (e.g., lichens) are the first to colonize barren areas and help create soil for other species.

189
Q

What is a climax community?

A

The final stage of succession, a stable ecosystem with little change in species composition.

190
Q

What are the 3 main types of biodiversity?

A

Species biodiversity, genetic biodiversity, and ecological biodiversity.

191
Q

How do you calculate biodiversity index?

A

Number of species ÷ Total number of individuals. A higher value indicates greater diversity.

192
Q

How do you know if an environment is highly diverse?

A

A high biodiversity index shows high diversity.

193
Q

How are line transects used?

A

They measure species along a line to estimate biodiversity. Multiple transects provide better accuracy.

194
Q

What impacts do invasive species have on biodiversity?

A

Invasive species reproduce quickly, outcompete native species, and reduce biodiversity. Examples: kudzu, zebra mussels.

195
Q

Define the term “environment” and explain how humans interact with it.

A

The environment includes all living and nonliving things that interact on Earth. Humans interact with it by utilizing resources such as water, air, and soil, and by affecting it through activities like farming, urban development, and pollution.

196
Q

Differentiate between environmental science, environmental activism, and ecology. Provide examples for each.

A

Environmental science studies the interactions between living and nonliving things and addresses resource use issues. Environmental activism advocates for protecting natural environments, like protests against deforestation. Ecology focuses on how organisms interact within ecosystems, such as predator-prey dynamics.

197
Q

Why are the Agricultural Revolution and the Industrial Revolution considered pivotal in shaping human interaction with natural resources?

A

The Agricultural Revolution allowed humans to settle and farm, increasing resource use. The Industrial Revolution introduced machinery, expanding resource consumption but also leading to population growth and environmental strain.

198
Q

Explain what an ecological footprint measures and why it is important.

A

An ecological footprint measures the resources consumed by individuals or populations and the waste generated. It is important to understand sustainability and resource allocation globally.

199
Q

Describe the “Tragedy of the Commons” and provide one real-world example.

A

The “Tragedy of the Commons” occurs when shared resources are overused due to lack of regulation. An example is overfishing, where unregulated fishing depletes marine populations.

200
Q

How do supply and demand influence the cost of natural resources? Provide an example.

A

When demand exceeds supply, resource prices rise. For example, scarce freshwater in arid regions leads to increased costs for access and distribution.

201
Q

How can individuals reduce their ecological footprint? List and explain two strategies.

A

Individuals can reduce their footprint by using renewable energy sources, such as solar power, and consuming less by recycling and avoiding single-use plastics.

202
Q

Identify one government policy aimed at environmental conservation and explain its purpose.

A

The Clean Air Act reduces air pollution by setting emission limits on industries and vehicles to improve air quality and public health.

203
Q

List the steps of the scientific method and explain why sharing results is important.

A

Steps include: stating a problem, gathering information, forming a hypothesis, testing it, collecting data, drawing conclusions, and sharing results. Sharing results allows others to validate findings and advance knowledge.

204
Q

Define and provide examples of independent and dependent variables in an experiment.

A

An independent variable is what the experimenter changes (e.g., fertilizer type in a plant growth study), while the dependent variable is what is measured (e.g., plant height).

205
Q

Explain why experiments should only change one variable at a time.

A

Controlling variables ensures results are attributable to the change in the independent variable, preventing confusion in identifying causes of observed effects.

206
Q

How does peer review reduce faulty science?

A

Peer review ensures research methods and conclusions are critically evaluated by experts, reducing errors and bias.

207
Q

Compare inductive reasoning and deductive reasoning with examples.

A

Inductive reasoning develops general rules from observations (e.g., all observed swans are white, so all swans must be white). Deductive reasoning applies general rules to specific cases (e.g., if all swans are white and this is a swan, it must be white).

208
Q

Provide a real-world example of how the scientific method has been used to solve an environmental problem.

A

Scientists used the method to investigate ozone layer depletion. Research identified CFCs as the cause, leading to global action like the Montreal Protocol to reduce their use.

209
Q

What are biotic and abiotic factors? Provide three examples of each.

A

Biotic factors are living components like plants, animals, and bacteria. Abiotic factors are nonliving, such as sunlight, temperature, and water.

210
Q

Describe the levels of organization in ecology from organism to biosphere.

A

Levels include organism, population (same species in one area), community (multiple populations), ecosystem (biotic and abiotic factors), biome (regional ecosystems), and biosphere (global life-supporting areas).

211
Q

Explain the difference between an organism’s niche and habitat. Provide examples.

A

A habitat is where an organism lives (e.g., a forest), while a niche is its role, such as a decomposer breaking down organic material.

212
Q

Define and compare fundamental and realized niches.

A

A fundamental niche is the potential range of conditions an organism can occupy, while a realized niche is limited by competition. For example, a bird’s fundamental niche might include multiple tree types, but competition might restrict it to one tree.

213
Q

How do tolerance levels affect an organism’s survival?

A

Tolerance levels determine how organisms respond to environmental changes. For example, fish require specific temperature ranges to survive.

214
Q

How do human activities impact ecosystems? Provide two examples and explain the consequences.

A

Deforestation reduces habitats and biodiversity, while pollution can poison water sources, harming aquatic life and disrupting food chains.

215
Q

Compare and contrast food chains and food webs. Why are food webs more accurate?

A

Food chains show linear energy flow, while food webs depict overlapping feeding relationships. Food webs are more accurate as organisms often have varied diets.

216
Q

Explain how energy is transferred through trophic levels and why only 10% is passed to the next level.

A

Energy flows from producers to consumers, with 10% transferred due to losses from heat and undigested material.

217
Q

Provide examples of primary consumers, secondary consumers, and tertiary consumers.

A

Primary consumers (herbivores) eat plants (e.g., rabbits). Secondary consumers eat herbivores (e.g., foxes). Tertiary consumers eat secondary consumers (e.g., hawks).

218
Q

What is the First Law of Thermodynamics, and how does it apply to ecosystems?

A

Energy cannot be created or destroyed but is transferred, as seen in ecosystems where energy moves through trophic levels.

219
Q

Identify and provide examples of mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism.

A

Mutualism benefits both (e.g., bees pollinating flowers). Commensalism benefits one without harming the other (e.g., barnacles on whales). Parasitism benefits one while harming the other (e.g., ticks on dogs).

220
Q

How do energy pyramids illustrate relationships in ecosystems?

A

They show energy flow between trophic levels, with energy decreasing as you move up the pyramid due to energy losses.

221
Q

Describe the principle of competitive exclusion and its outcomes.

A

No two species can occupy the same niche indefinitely. One species outcompetes the other, leading to extinction or niche adaptation.

222
Q

Define carrying capacity and explain its significance.

A

Carrying capacity is the maximum population an environment can sustain. It ensures resource availability and ecological balance.

223
Q

Compare exponential and logistic growth, including graph shapes.

A

Exponential growth forms a J-curve and occurs under ideal conditions. Logistic growth levels off at carrying capacity, forming an S-curve due to limiting factors.

224
Q

What are density-dependent and density-independent limiting factors? Provide examples.

A

Density-dependent factors depend on population size (e.g., competition, disease). Density-independent factors affect populations regardless of size (e.g., natural disasters).

225
Q

Explain the difference between endangered and threatened species.

A

Endangered species are at immediate risk of extinction, while threatened species are likely to become endangered soon.

226
Q

What are the three types of biodiversity? Why is each important?

A

Species diversity ensures ecosystem stability, genetic diversity aids adaptability, and ecological diversity supports interactions among species.

227
Q

How do invasive species impact ecosystems? Provide examples.

A

Invasive species outcompete natives, disrupting ecosystems. For example, zebra mussels crowd out native aquatic species.

228
Q

Explain the concept of succession and differentiate between primary and secondary succession.

A

Succession is ecosystem development after disturbance. Primary starts with no soil (e.g., volcanic islands), while secondary occurs with existing soil (e.g., after a fire).

229
Q

What are the four characteristics that define biomes?

A

Biomes are defined by temperature, soil, light, and water.

230
Q

Describe the main features of the tundra and rainforest biomes.

A

The tundra is cold, treeless, and has permafrost. The rainforest is warm, wet, and biodiverse.

231
Q

How do weather and climate differ?

A

Weather is daily atmospheric conditions, while climate is long-term trends.

232
Q

Why are climatograms useful in identifying biomes?

A

Climatograms show temperature and precipitation, aiding biome classification.

233
Q

Explain the role of keystone species in maintaining ecosystem stability. Provide an example.

A

Keystone species, like wolves in Yellowstone, have large effects on ecosystem dynamics by controlling prey populations and promoting biodiversity.

234
Q

Analyze how climate change can alter biome distribution.

A

Rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns can shrink tundras, expand deserts, and disrupt species adapted to specific climates.

235
Q

Define the term “environment” and explain how humans interact with it.

A

The environment includes all living and nonliving things that interact on Earth. Humans interact with it by utilizing resources such as water, air, and soil, and by affecting it through activities like farming, urban development, and pollution.

236
Q

Differentiate between environmental science, environmental activism, and ecology. Provide examples for each.

A

Environmental science studies the interactions between living and nonliving things and addresses resource use issues. Environmental activism advocates for protecting natural environments, like protests against deforestation. Ecology focuses on how organisms interact within ecosystems, such as predator-prey dynamics.

237
Q

Why are the Agricultural Revolution and the Industrial Revolution considered pivotal in shaping human interaction with natural resources?

A

The Agricultural Revolution allowed humans to settle and farm, increasing resource use. The Industrial Revolution introduced machinery, expanding resource consumption but also leading to population growth and environmental strain.

238
Q

Explain what an ecological footprint measures and why it is important.

A

An ecological footprint measures the resources consumed by individuals or populations and the waste generated. It is important to understand sustainability and resource allocation globally.

239
Q

Describe the “Tragedy of the Commons” and provide one real-world example.

A

The “Tragedy of the Commons” occurs when shared resources are overused due to lack of regulation. An example is overfishing, where unregulated fishing depletes marine populations.

240
Q

How do supply and demand influence the cost of natural resources? Provide an example.

A

When demand exceeds supply, resource prices rise. For example, scarce freshwater in arid regions leads to increased costs for access and distribution.

241
Q

How can individuals reduce their ecological footprint? List and explain two strategies.

A

Individuals can reduce their footprint by using renewable energy sources, such as solar power, and consuming less by recycling and avoiding single-use plastics.

242
Q

Identify one government policy aimed at environmental conservation and explain its purpose.

A

The Clean Air Act reduces air pollution by setting emission limits on industries and vehicles to improve air quality and public health.

243
Q

Provide an example of how technological advances have both positively and negatively affected the environment.

A

Advances like solar panels provide clean energy, reducing fossil fuel reliance. Conversely, increased mining for rare earth metals used in electronics can harm ecosystems.

244
Q

Explain how community-level actions can address environmental challenges like waste management.

A

Communities can implement recycling programs, promote composting, and establish local ordinances to reduce waste production and increase resource efficiency.

245
Q

Define and provide examples of independent and dependent variables in an experiment.

A

An independent variable is what the experimenter changes (e.g., fertilizer type in a plant growth study), while the dependent variable is what is measured (e.g., plant height).

246
Q

Explain why experiments should only change one variable at a time.

A

Controlling variables ensures results are attributable to the change in the independent variable, preventing confusion in identifying causes of observed effects.

247
Q

How does peer review reduce faulty science?

A

Peer review ensures research methods and conclusions are critically evaluated by experts, reducing errors and bias.

248
Q

Compare inductive reasoning and deductive reasoning with examples.

A

Inductive reasoning develops general rules from observations (e.g., all observed swans are white, so all swans must be white). Deductive reasoning applies general rules to specific cases (e.g., if all swans are white and this is a swan, it must be white).

249
Q

Provide a real-world example of how the scientific method has been used to solve an environmental problem.

A

cientists used the method to investigate ozone layer depletion. Research identified CFCs as the cause, leading to global action like the Montreal Protocol to reduce their use.

250
Q

Why is it important to properly label axes on graphs used in scientific research?

A

Proper labeling ensures clarity and accurate interpretation of data, such as showing trends or relationships between variables.

251
Q

How can qualitative and quantitative data complement each other in ecological studies? Provide examples.

A

Quantitative data (e.g., population size) provides measurable insights, while qualitative data (e.g., behavioral observations) adds context to understand interactions.

252
Q

Discuss how human activities such as deforestation and agriculture impact the nitrogen cycle.

A

Deforestation reduces nitrogen absorption by plants, while agriculture often leads to nitrogen runoff, causing water pollution and algal blooms.

253
Q

Explain how nutrient cycles interact with food webs.

A

Nutrient cycles, like the nitrogen and phosphorus cycles, replenish essential elements that producers require for growth, directly supporting food webs.

254
Q

Analyze how the loss of producers would affect higher trophic levels.

A

Without producers, energy input into the ecosystem would stop, leading to starvation and collapse of herbivore and predator populations.

255
Q

How would the removal of a keystone species impact an ecosystem?

A

Removing a keystone species, like sea otters, can cause prey populations to overgrow and disrupt the balance, such as kelp forests disappearing due to unchecked sea urchins.

256
Q

How do energy pyramids illustrate relationships in ecosystems?

A

They show energy flow between trophic levels, with energy decreasing as you move up the pyramid due to energy losses.

257
Q

Identify and provide examples of mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism.

A

Mutualism benefits both (e.g., bees pollinating flowers). Commensalism benefits one without harming the other (e.g., barnacles on whales). Parasitism benefits one while harming the other (e.g., ticks on dogs).

258
Q

What is the First Law of Thermodynamics, and how does it apply to ecosystems?

A

Energy cannot be created or destroyed but is transferred, as seen in ecosystems where energy moves through trophic levels.

259
Q

provide examples of primary consumers, secondary consumers, and tertiary consumers.

A

Primary consumers (herbivores) eat plants (e.g., rabbits). Secondary consumers eat herbivores (e.g., foxes). Tertiary consumers eat secondary consumers (e.g., hawks).

Hank K (4 decks)

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