ESS junior year semester 1 final Flashcards
1
Q
There are different ways to be sustainable: 3
A
Environmental sustainability: Protecting natural resources and ecosystems.
Social sustainability: Ensuring fairness, equity, and well-being for all.
Economic sustainability: Promoting economic growth while considering environmental and social impacts.
2
Q
Sustainability Pillars
A
social, environmental, economic
3
Q
Brundtland Report
A
The Brundtland Report was a crucial publication because it recognized that human resource development (socio-economic development) and environmental conservation were both necessary:
in reducing poverty
in promoting equity of wealth, gender and justice
It also recognized limits to growth in industrialized countries
4
Q
Ecological Overshoot
A
Happens when a natural ecosystem is used more than it can replenish itself
5
Q
Earth Overshoot Day
A
Earth Overshoot Day marks the day when humanity’s demand exceeds Earth’s capacity for that year.
6
Q
Environmental Justice
A
Environmental justice is about fair distribution of environmental benefits and burdens.
7
Q
Environmental (in)justice
A
Indigenous land rights in Australia and North America
Indigenous property rights in the Amazon
Disparity in energy, electricity, and water supply within societies
8
Q
Sustainability indicators
A
ecological and socio-economic indicators, such as air quality, water scarcity, GDP per capita, life expectancy, and gender equality.
This might be done locally, regionally, or globally. Local assessments provide detailed information, while global metrics offer a broader perspective.
9
Q
Carrying capacity
A
the inverse of ecological footprint, representing the population a land area can support
10
Q
Biocapacity
A
measures a region’s ability to regenerate resources
11
Q
Uses of SDG’s:
A
Collective agenda: A global framework for sustainable development.
Universal goals: All countries are working towards the same objectives.
Ending poverty: Nowadays it is considered “tangible”.
12
Q
Limitations of SDG’s:
A
Insufficient progress: Goals may not be ambitious or fast enough.
Unforeseen events: Conflicts, famines, pandemics and floods can hinder progress.
Local context: Balancing local needs and global goals is challenging.
13
Q
What are planetary boundaries?
A
Staying within these boundaries allows for continued human progress.
Crossing boundaries increases the risk of irreversible environmental changes.
-Green: Within the boundary (safe).
Yellow: Zone of uncertainty (potential risk).
Orange: High risk (danger zone)
14
Q
Doughnut Model
A
Creates a regenerative and distributive economy that meets human needs within planetary limits.
15
Q
Circular Economy Model
A
Dame Ellen MacArthur was able to realize that Earth’s resources are finite, like a boat. She proposed a circular economy, in which materials could be reused and waste would be minimized.
16
Q
Taxonomy:
A
Binomial Nomenclature: Each species is given a unique two-part name.
Hierarchical Organization: Taxonomy organizes groups of organisms into a hierarchy.
Universal Communication: Consistent naming allows for easy information sharing.
17
Q
Methods for Classifying and Naming Species
A
Reference Collections: Comparing specimens to existing collections.
Dichotomous Keys: Using a series of choices to identify species.
DNA Surveys: Analyzing genetic information to determine relationships.
18
Q
Population
A
Individuals of the same species sharing the same area.
19
Q
Speciation
A
Over time, isolation can lead to the formation of new species.
20
Q
Isolation
A
Geographic barriers (e.g., roads, rivers) can separate populations.
21
Q
Population Density:
A
The number of individuals per unit area.
22
Q
Ecosystems
A
Ecosystems are made of communities: Groups of different species sharing a habitat and interacting.
23
Q
Niche
A
The specific set of conditions required by an organism.
24
Q
Niche Specificity:
A
Each species has a unique niche.
25
Intraspecific competition
Competition between individuals of the same species.
Competition increases as population size grows.
Population growth is limited by the ecosystem's carrying capacity.
26
Light is a scarce resource in temperate deciduous woodlands.
Species unable to access sufficient light may die.
27
Density dependent limiting factors
Negative feedback limits population growth as population size increases.
Populations may temporarily overshoot carrying capacity before crashing (boom-and-bust cycles)
These are driven by four main factors: predation, competition, disease/parasites, waste accumulation.
28
cyclical oscillations
repeating rises and falls in population size).
When plotted in a graph, this population size over time resembles a wave.
Some of its causes can be interactions between different species (predation, parasitism, food fluctuations).
29
positive feedback of trees
Loss of tree cover affects rainfall and temperature, causing an impact on climate.
30
What are clades?
Living things have different evolutionary/ancestral relationships
Phylogenetic trees help us to visualize them.
Historically, living things were classified according to similarities in physical traits.
Nowadays, it is based on similarities in DNA or amino acid sequences.
31
K-strategists
Fewer offspring
Larger offspring
More parental care
Slower growth rate
Higher survival rate
Longer lifespan
32
r-strategists
Many offspring
Smaller offspring
Minimal parental care
Faster growth rate
Lower survival rate
Shorter lifespan
Continuum
33
Sampling non-motile populations
-Random Sampling
Every individual has an equal chance of selection.
No specific criteria or pattern is followed.
Methods include random walking or using a numbered grid and random number generator.
Systematic Sampling
Samples are collected at regular intervals.
Often used in areas with environmental gradients.
-Transect Sampling
A transect line is marked through the habitat, in which data is collected.
Systematic transect sampling: Samples collected at intervals (same advantages/disadvantages as general systematic sampling).
Continuous transect sampling: Samples collected along the entire line (may resolve unrepresentative patterns).
Random transect sampling: randomly selecting points along the transect line for data collection.
-Quadrat Sampling
Used for sampling non-motile organisms.
Quadrats are square frames that define the study area.
Estimates population abundance, density, percentage cover, and frequency.
34
Sampling motile populations
Capture-Mark-Release-Recapture
Lincoln Index
35
Matter Cycling
hydrological, carbon, and nitrogen cycles.
36
Carbon Store?
an area where carbon accumulates over time.
37
Carbon Cycle
cycling of carbon in an ecosystem consists of photosythesis absorbing carbon into plants from atmosphere. From the plants, they decompose and transfer carbon to soil. Through fossilation carbon is absorbed in oil and natural gasses. Then combustion will bring carbon cycle back to atmosphere. animals defecation and decomposition lead to absorption in soil as well. dissolution is the exchange of carbon to ocean/freshwater from atmosphere. It is a complex process with many flows and storages.
38
Carbon sink
Carbon inflow greater than outflow (more photosynthesis) plants absorb co2 for growth
39
Carbon source
Carbon outflow greater than inflow.
Release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
40
The Role of Agriculture on the Carbon Cycle
Agricultural systems disrupt the natural carbon cycle, causing carbon accumulation in some stores and depletion in others. Positive impact: Reducing atmospheric carbon levels (sink).
Negative impact: Producing excess carbon dioxide (source).
41
Ocean acidification
Carbon dioxide dissolves in the ocean, forming carbonic acid.
Carbonic acid can convert into carbonate ions for shell formation.
42
Mitigating Human Impact on the Carbon Cycle
Low carbon technologies: Solar energy, wind turbines, heat pumps.
Reducing fossil fuel use: Energy conservation, renewable energy sources.
Carbon capture and storage (CCS): Capturing CO2 from factories and injecting it underground.
Direct air capture (DAC): Capturing CO2 from the atmosphere and injecting it underground.
Reforestation/afforestation: Planting trees to restore forest ecosystems and capture carbon.
43
Carbon stores in the lithosphere
Fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) and limestone are major carbon stores within the lithosphere.
44
Nitrogen Cycle Inorganic Nitrogen Stores
Decomposing waste releases ammonia (converted to nitrates/nitrites).
Oceans have ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites (from decaying matter).
45
Organic Nitrogen Stores
Found in plants and animals (proteins and nucleic acids).
Transferred through food chains.
Decomposers and N-fixing bacteria return nitrogen to soil for reuse.
46
Nitrogen flows (transfers)
Plants take up nitrogen compounds (assimilation).
Movement of transformed nitrogen through soil (water/organisms).
Nitrogen gas exchange between atmosphere and soil.
47
Nitrification
Conversion of ammonium to nitrites and nitrates (by bacteria).
Requires well-aerated soil.
Nitrites/nitrates are more readily used by plants.
48
Human activities and their effects on the nitrogen cycle
Deforestation:
Removes habitats for nitrogen-contributing organisms.
Reduces organic matter for decomposition.
Disrupts nitrogen flow into the soil.
Leaches nitrogen into waterways.
49
50
50
50
51
Zonation
Changes in communities along an environmental gradient.
Creates separate zones with unique abiotic and biotic conditions.
52
Types of Zonation
Altitude: Elevation affects temperature, growing seasons, insolation, and winds.
Latitude: Distance from the equator affects temperature, precipitation, and communities.
Tidal levels: Tides create specific conditions supporting distinct communities (e.g., intertidal zone).
Soil horizons: Different soil layers have varying conditions supporting different communities.
53
Succession I (primary succession)
Definition: Succession on previously unoccupied surfaces.
Timeframe: Typically occurs over hundreds of years.
Surfaces: Volcanic rock, moraines, sand, silt.
Initial conditions: No soil, extreme climate (temperature variations, unreliable water supply).
54
Primary succession can be divided into 4 main stages:
1 - Pioneer Community
Lichens colonize the area.
They are r-strategists, small organisms with short life cycles.
Weathering of rocks and organic matter contribute to soil formation.
2 - Ecosystem Development
More organisms and interactions develop.
Deeper soil provides niches for invertebrates.
Invertebrates break down organic matter, creating humus.
More resources and habitats become available.
Lichens followed by annual plants, grasses, and perennials.
3 - Intermediate community
More complex plants (intermediate species) invade and outcompete pioneers.
Succession starts to stabilize with fewer new species.
4 - Climax Community
Steady-state equilibrium is reached (climate and soil)
Maintains itself as long as climate conditions remain constant.
55
Succession II (secondary succession)
Occurs in areas with existing soil after disturbance (natural or human-caused).
Examples: Fire, abandoned fields, deforestation, storm damage, flooding.
Ecosystem reverts to an earlier stage and restarts succession.
Pioneer Community
Differs from primary succession due to existing seeds and roots.
Shorter pioneer sere compared to primary succession.
Overall Process
Occurs faster than primary succession.
56
Ecosystem changes with succession
Reasons for energy flow changes include:
Early stages: Simple food webs and energy flows due to few species and interactions.
Climax community: More complex food webs and energy flows.
57
Reproductive strategies during succession
Early stages: r-strategists dominate, producing many offspring with minimal care.
Later stages: K-strategists become more common, focusing on fewer offspring with greater care.
58
Vera Wood-Pasture Hypothesis
Suggests that managed grazing can contribute to ecosystem stability and biodiversity.
Requires sustainable (balanced) farming practices.
59
Invasive species:
disrupt ecosystem equilibrium by:
Competition for resources
60
Control Strategies
Public Education: Educating the public to identify and humanely kill cane toads.
Citizen Science: Encouraging public participation in monitoring and control efforts (ToadScan app).
Habitat Protection: Removing cane toad eggs from frog ponds and constructing protective fences.
61
The tragedy of the commons:
A system in which the natural or social resources of nature or society are collectively managed. [Kognity]
It is more commonly found in indigenous populations, but it can also be applied in other contexts, such as the oceans and rivers exploitation
(overexploitation)
62
IUCN Red List:
A database assessing species' conservation status.
Based on number of individuals, population trends, breeding potential, geographic range, and threats.
Status Categories: Range from "Least Concern" to "Extinct."
63
Roles in species conservation:
Governments
Policy and Legislation
Resource Allocation
International Agreements
Businesses
Sustainable Practices
Innovation
Consumer Awareness
Conservation Funding
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
Funding and Expertise
Research and Monitoring
Advocacy and Awareness
Individuals
Lifestyle Choices
Community Engagement
Advocacy
Citizen Science
64
Biodiversity hotspots:
Areas with high biodiversity and significant species loss.
Key Characteristics:
High levels of endemic species
Significant habitat loss
65
Ex situ strategies
Botanic gardens and zoos
Breeding programs and research
Seed banks (e.g., Svalbard Global Seed Vault)
International agreements
CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)
66
In situ strategies
Protected areas
Active management
Habitat rehabilitation
Water quality management (e.g., Danube Delta)
Passive management
Wild areas with limited human intervention
Natural succession and evolution (e.g., Danube-Carpathian region)
67
Connectivity
Wildlife corridors facilitate species movement, gene flow, and reduce isolation.
Potential drawbacks include increased disease, invasive species, and predation risks.
68
Rewilding:
Definition: approach that aims to restore and revitalise ecosystems and their biodiversity through natural processes. [KOGNITY]
69
beneficial positive feedback loops
Reintroduction of predators (more predators, less herbivores, more production of photosynthesis )
70
Benefits of rewilding include:
Ecosystem Resilience
Ecosystem Services
Economic Benefits
71
Limitations of rewilding include:
Limited Scope and Slow Results
Uncertainty
Resource Intensive
72
The hydrological cycle is a system with storages and flows:
Storages are represented by boxes.
Flows are represented by arrows indicating movement between storages.
When inflows equal outflows, a storage is in equilibrium.
The cycle is continuous, with no net gain or loss of water, but with energy continually entering and exiting.
73
The sun is the primary energy source for the hydrological cycle (1):
Evaporation: Liquid water changes to vapor due to solar heat.
Transpiration: Plants release water vapor through their leaves.
Combined evaporation and transpiration is called evapotranspiration.
74
The sun is the primary energy source for the hydrological cycle (2):
Advection: Wind moves water vapor in the atmosphere.
Freezing/Melting: Solar radiation can melt ice and snow, while cold temperatures can freeze liquid water.
Sublimation: Ice and snow can change directly to vapor under cold conditions.
75
Polarity
A single water molecule has a positive and a negative charge, like a tiny magnet.
That happens because of the slightly positive charge of the hydrogen side and the slightly negative side of the oxygen side
76
Cohesion
The attraction between water molecules caused by hydrogen bonds between the oxygen of one water molecule and the hydrogen of a second water molecule
It allows water molecules to stick together, forming droplets
It also allows surface tension to exist
77
Adhesion
Water can also stick to other charged surfaces.
Along with cohesion, this is how water travels up tall trees through xylem tubes (capillary action).
78
Transparency
Water allows light to pass through, which is fundamental for:
Aquatic Life: Helps organisms find food, reproduce, and navigate.
Photosynthesis: Enables phytoplankton to produce food and oxygen for aquatic life.
79
Universal solvent
Water dissolves many substances due to its polarity. This allows it to:
Transport nutrients, minerals, and chemicals throughout ecosystems.
Dissolve oxygen for aquatic animals to perform aerobic cellular respiration.
Dissolve carbon dioxide for use in photosynthesis by marine plants.
80
High specific heat capacity
Water absorbs and releases heat slowly, creating a stable environment for:
Aquatic Organisms: Water temperature fluctuates less than air temperature, providing a more stable environment.
Coastal Areas: Moderates temperatures, making coastal areas milder than inland regions.
81
Density
“The degree of compactness of a substance”. (Oxford Languages)
Density is affected by:
Temperature: Cold water (below 4°C) is less dense than warmer water (unusual property).
Salinity: Saltwater is denser than freshwater.
Density differences result on:
Layers of water with different temperatures (stratification).
It allows the mixing of water, distributing nutrients and oxygen for aquatic life.
82
Stratification and Thermohaline Circulation
Stratification
Water bodies often form layers based on temperature and salinity:
Warmer, less salty water sits on top.
Colder, saltier water sinks to the bottom.
The transition zone between these layers is known as thermocline.
83
Impact of Stratification on Aquatic Ecosystems
Limits vertical mixing, reducing nutrient and oxygen exchange.
Can lead to nutrient depletion and oxygen-deficient zones, harming aquatic life.
Climate change is only worsening these situations.
84
Mixing
Wind, currents, and tides disrupt stratification, causing water to mix.
When warmer, less dense water sinks, this is called downwelling;
Whereas when colder, denser water rises, this is called upwelling.
Both of them cause benefits for ecosystems:
Transportation of nutrients and oxygen to different depths, supporting diverse marine ecosystems.
85
Ocean Currents
Definition: continuous, directed movement of seawater, caused by wind, tides, Earth's rotation, landmasses, and ocean floor topography.
Surface Currents: Driven by wind patterns.
Deep Ocean Currents (Thermohaline Circulation): Driven by temperature and salinity differences.
Global Impact:
Regulates climate and weather patterns.
Transports nutrients, supporting marine life.
Ex: the Ocean Conveyor Belt is a major global current system.
Climate Change and Ocean Stability
Increasing greenhouse gas emissions are warming the ocean's surface.
Melting ice adds freshwater, reducing surface water density.
This can lead to stronger stratification, hindering vertical mixing and nutrient exchange.
Disruption of ocean currents can have significant impacts on global climate and marine ecosystems.
86
Water Scarcity
Limited water availability due to physical (low rainfall) or economic (poor infrastructure) reasons.
87
Factoring Affecting Equitable Water Access
Socioeconomic factors
Cultural factors
Political factors
88
