1
Q
What is an ecosystem?
A
It consists of the living and non-living things that interact with one another in a particular location.
2
Q
What is a balanced ecosystem?
A
A balanced ecosystem maintains stable populations, biodiversity, and resource cycling over time, despite disturbances.
3
Q
What are natural disturbances?
A
Disturbances with natural causes, such as weather, geological forces, or biological changes that can do damage to an ecosystem.
Effects are usually temporary and the ecosystem will eventually recover.
Examples Include:
- Fires
- Floods
- Diseases
- Severe storms
- Insects
- Earthquakes
- Volcanic activity
- Droughts
- Long-term freezing
4
Q
What are human disturbances?
A
Disturbances caused by people, such as chemical pollution and urbanization.
Examples include:
- Deforestation
- Mining
- Light or noise pollution
5
Q
How do human disturbances affect ecosystems?
A
They can introduce non-native species, disrupt ecosystems, and cause pollution and climate change, placing undue pressure on ecosystems to adapt.
6
Q
Define an unbalanced ecosystem.
A
When the stability of an ecosystem is disrupted by natural or human disturbances.
7
Q
What are the three categories of habitat destruction caused by human activities?
A
- Destruction
- Degradation
- Fragmentation
Destruction: Occurs when the ecosystem is completely transformed over a short period of time.
Degradation: Human activities cause gradual loss of wild species.
Fragmentation: Artificial barriers are placed in an ecosystem preventing the movement of organism.
8
Q
What are the causes of habitat destruction by human activities?
A
- Conversion of land for agriculture and livestock.
- Infrastructure development.
- Urbanization.
- Harvesting of natural resources.
- Industrial installations.
9
Q
What are the effects of animal habitat loss?
A
- Loss of vegetal cover.
- Displacement of species.
- Uncontrolled reproduction of exotic species.
- Climate change impacts.
10
Q
What are effects of habitat destruction?
A
- Alters populations of species of flora and fauna.
- Causes loss of biodiversity.
- Increases pollution.
- Influences Earth’s climate change.
11
Q
What is pollution?
A
The act of a harmful or damaging substance being released into the environment.
12
Q
What are the five recognized categories of pollution?
A
- Air
- Land
- Water
- Noise
- Light
13
Q
Define physical pollution.
A
When materials or objects are introduced into the environment, causing toxicity or harm.
Primary type of physical pollution is litter.
14
Q
Define chemical pollution.
A
Any harmful chemical being released into the soil, air, or water by humans.
Examples include:
- Mercury
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Carbon Monoxide
- Sulfur Dioxide
15
Q
Define biological pollution.
A
Substances derived from nature that cause human harm.
Example- pollen.
16
Q
What is environmental pollution?
A
Anything released into the environment that can cause harm.
17
Q
What is biological pollution of water?
A
The buildup of biologically derived substances in water, such as bacteria or fungus.
18
Q
What is acid precipitation?
A
Precipitation that has increased in acidity caused by environmental factors and can cause damage to buildings and living creatures over time.
19
Q
What are the main culprits in the formation of acid precipitation?
A
Sulfuric and nitric acids.
20
Q
How can acid precipitation affect human health?
A
Exposure to acid precipitation can cause bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, and may contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.
21
Q
What is the ozone layer?
A
A protective gaseous layer in the atmosphere.
Human life on Earth is made possible in part by the ozone layer.
22
Q
How is the ozone layer protective?
A
It plays an important part in filtering the sun’s radiation.
Without the ozone layer, the UV rays from the sun would be too strong for human and plant life to thrive.
The sun’s radiation is known as ultraviolet (UV) rays.
23
Q
What is the chemical composition of ozone?
A
Three oxygen atoms.
(O-O-O)
This is reflected as 𝑂3.
24
Q
Where is the ozone layer located?
A
About 10-30 miles from Earth’s surface in the stratosphere.
90% of the Earth’s ozone is found here.
25
How is **ozone distributed globally** in the stratosphere?
* Lower densities near the tropics.
* Higher densities as you travel toward higher latitudes near the poles.
26
What can **destroy atmospheric ozone**?
Reactions with **chloro-fluoro-carbons (CFCs)** or nitrogen dioxide (NO2).
27
How long do **CFCs** remain in the atmosphere?
About 30-150 years.
28
Is ozone harmful?
Yes
## Footnote
Too much ozone is harmful to the human body leading to increased respiratory issues, cancer, etc.
29
What can ozone gas near a factory create in the air?
Smog
30
What is a good way to **assess ozone levels** and other environmental pollutants before going outside?
Checking the **EPA Air Quality Index**.
| (AQI)
31
What is the goal of the **Montreal Protocol**?
To **reduce CFC production** by at least 50%.
## Footnote
Use and production of CFCs has decreased by 95% since the 1980s.
32
What are some potential health risks associated with too much exposure to UV rays?
* Sunburn
* Skin cancer
* Glaucoma
33
What is **climate change**?
Rising temperatures on Earth and changes in weather patterns due to a combination of human activity, pollution, fossil fuel use, and the clearing of forests.
34
What are **greenhouse gases**?
* Fluorinated gases
* Methane
* Carbon dioxide
* Nitrous oxide
35
What is the **greenhouse effect**?
A natural process essential for maintaining warmth on the planet.
36
What has led to a **significant increase in greenhouse gases** trapped in the Earth's atmosphere?
Human activity and the use of fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and oil.
37
What are some examples of the **effects of climate change**?
* Increases in ocean temperatures.
* Reduction in ice sheets found in the Antarctic and Greenland.
* Rising ocean levels.
* Loss of biodiversity.
38
What is **global warming**?
Refers to the **increases in temperature** observed on Earth since the start of the Industrial Revolution during the mid-nineteenth century, representing a long-term warming trend primarily attributed to human activities such as the use of fossil fuels.
## Footnote
In the past 40 years alone, temperatures on Earth have increased by 2°F or 1°C.
39
What are some of the negative effects of global warming.
* 2°F or 1°C increase in global temperatures.
* Melting of polar ice caps and glaciers.
* Extinction of various plant and animal species due to habitat loss.
* Increases in natural disasters and the strength of storms.
* Nearly 7-inch increase in sea levels over the past 100 years.
40
What is the ocean's role in the **carbon cycle**?
A **sink** for atmospheric carbon dioxide.
## Footnote
Atmospheric carbon dioxide is absorbed by the ocean.
41
What is the process called when carbon dioxide dissolves in seawater and **forms carbonic acid, lowering the pH of the seawater**?
Ocean acidification
## Footnote
The natural pH of the ocean is approximately 8.2.
42
What is the ocean's way of regaining equilibrium when more carbonic acid and H+ ions are formed due to increased carbon dioxide dissolved in seawater?
Dissolving the calcium carbonate in the shells of sea creatures therefore weakening their shells.
43
What is an **introduced species**?
Also called alien species, they are those that have been **moved by humans to an environment where they didn't occur naturally**.
## Footnote
Introduction of a species can be accidental or deliberate.
Examples:
* Dogs
* Brown Rats
* Loosestrife-eating beetle
44
What are some ways of **accidental** introductions of species?
* Black rat spreading through ship cellars.
* Species introduced through water discharged by cruise ships and tankers.
* Species stuck to travelers' clothes and shoes.
* Species introduced in imported wood and food.
45
What are some reasons for **deliberate** species introduction by humans?
* Conservation efforts.
* Population control of native species.
* Boosting agriculture and fisheries.
* Human enjoyment.
46
What makes a species invasive?
* Introduced to an environment unnaturally, typically by humans.
* Causes harm to the host environment.
* Typically competes with or completely outcompetes native species for resources like food, space, or water.
* Can be harmful to the economy, environment, and human health.
## Footnote
Examples of invasive species include:
* Lionfish
* Zebra Mussels
* Quagga Mussels
* Purple loosestrife
47
What is one of the most **important solutions** to the invasive species problem?
**Preventing** the introduction of new invasive species into the environment.
48
What is **overconsumption**?
The use of a region's resources to such an extent that they **cease to be replenishable** and eventually run out.
## Footnote
These resources can include food, water, natural minerals, natural gas, and clean air.
An example of overconsumption is the consistently increasing human need to consume oil and natural gas. If the rate continues to increase, eventually the Earth's supply of oil and natural gas will run out and not be available to anyone.
49
What is an **ecological footprint**?
Refers to how much of an impact a particular organism has on the ecosystem in which it lives.
50
What is **environmental remediation**?
Refers to the processes involved in **reducing contaminants in the environment**.
## Footnote
This includes air, water, and soil contaminants.
51
What are the **benefits** of environmental remediation?
* Improvements in human health.
* Enhanced water systems.
* Increased land productivity.
* Effective pollution control.
* Overall ecosystem health.
52
What is one method of environmental remediation that involves **allowing forests to regrow**?
Reforestation
## Footnote
This occurs when efforts are put in place to allow forests to regrow, either by replanting or setting restrictions to prevent complete removal.
53
What is a **movement corridor** in the context of environmental remediation?
An area that **connects isolated wildlife habitats** to allow inhabitants to move between areas and provide necessary resources.
54
How do **captive breeding programs** contribute to environmental remediation?
They create controlled environments to **preserve species facing decline or extinction**, helping to increase populations and balance ecosystems.
55
What is **biotechnology's** role in environmental remediation?
The use of molecular biology can aid in the removal of contaminants and provide insights into environmental processes.
56
What is **biotic potential**?
The rate at which a species **reproduces under ideal conditions** with no limits on resources, predators, or disease.
## Footnote
Biotic potential varies by species and is influenced by reproduction rates and offspring numbers.
57
What factors influence the **carrying capacity** of an ecosystem?
* predators
* competition for resources
* diseases
* availability of food, water, and shelter
## Footnote
These factors are known as limiting factors and contribute to environmental resistance.
58
# Fill in the blank:
The biotic potential of geese is \_\_\_\_\_ offspring per year.
10-15
## Footnote
This refers to the maximum number of offspring a pair of geese can produce under ideal conditions.
Biotic potential is influenced by factors such as gestation time, number of offspring per reproductive cycle, and survival rates.
59
# Define:
carrying capacity
The **maximum number** of individuals of a species that an **ecosystem can sustain**.
## Footnote
It is determined by environmental resistance factors.
60
What happens when a population **exceeds** its carrying capacity?
**Resources become severely limited**, leading to a decline in population due to competition for those resources.
## Footnote
This can result in starvation and increased mortality rates.
61
List **examples** of biotic potential for different species.
* Ducks: 60-300 offspring per year
* Rabbits: 72 offspring per year
* Flies: 75-100 offspring per year
* Whales: 1 offspring per year
* Snakes: 10-30 offspring per year
## Footnote
This demonstrates the variation in reproductive rates among species.
62
# True or False:
Mammals typically have a higher biotic potential than insects.
False
## Footnote
Insects generally exhibit higher biotic potentials compared to mammals.
63
# Fill in the blank:
Environmental resistance is the sum of all \_\_\_\_\_ in an environment.
limiting factors
## Footnote
These factors limit population growth and help establish carrying capacity.
64
What is an example of carrying capacity in **cattle**?
**Overgrazing** can occur when the cattle population exceeds the carrying capacity of the pasture.
## Footnote
This can lead to nutrient depletion in the soil.
65
How did the **colonization of North America** affect the deer population?
The **removal of wolves** led to an exponential increase in the deer population, **exceeding** its carrying capacity.
## Footnote
This resulted in a decline in the deer population due to resource scarcity.
66
# Fill in the blank:
Trees in a forest ecosystem share \_\_\_\_\_, nutrients, and sunlight.
space
## Footnote
This sharing can limit the carrying capacity for new sprouts.
67
What **human activity** is primarily responsible for increased flooding and soil erosion due to deforestation?
agriculture
## Footnote
Agriculture, particularly cattle ranching, leads to significant deforestation, disrupting the water cycle.
68
What **natural disaster** was exacerbated by deforestation in Haiti in 2004?
hurricane Jeanne
## Footnote
The hurricane caused severe damage due to the lack of trees that could buffer the storm.
69
What is **crop rotation**?
The practice of **alternating** crops grown per season
## Footnote
It helps prevent nutrient depletion in the soil.
70
What is the leading cause of **global warming**?
Increase in greenhouse gases.
## Footnote
Major greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxides.
71
What is the **relationship** between global warming and ocean temperatures?
As global warming increases, ocean temperatures rise
## Footnote
This can lead to more intense storms.
72
What **phenomenon** correlates with increased frequency and severity of droughts since the 1970s?
Global warming
## Footnote
Changes in weather patterns have led to decreased rainfall in dry areas.
73
What is **urbanization**?
The construction of cities and suburbs in place of natural ecosystems.
## Footnote
Urbanization contributes to deforestation and affects flood risk.
74
What are **floodplains**?
Areas of land near bodies of water that are prone to flooding.
## Footnote
Building in floodplains increases the risk of flooding.
75
How has urbanization affected natural animal populations in **Puget Sound**?
It has caused a **decline** in natural Chinook salmon populations.
## Footnote
This decline also affects predator species like killer whales.
76
# Fill in the blank:
\_\_\_\_\_\_ leads to increased risk of flooding, soil erosion, and drought.
Deforestation
## Footnote
Deforestation disrupts the water cycle and reduces rainfall.
77
What are the consequences of **failing** to rotate crops?
Decreased nutrients in the soil.
## Footnote
This scarcity makes it difficult to grow plants, leading to increased flooding risks.
78
# True or False:
Urbanization decreases the risk of natural disasters.
False
## Footnote
Urbanization can increase flooding risk and disrupt ecosystems.
79
What is the **primary focus** of conservation biology?
The continuation of species in their natural habitats.
## Footnote
This field addresses the preservation of biodiversity and ecological integrity.
80
What **two geographic variables** affect species diversity according to the Theory of Island Biogeography?
distance and ecosystem size
## Footnote
These variables can influence the number of species that can inhabit a given area.
81
Why were national parks established in the United States?
To **protect natural treasures and habitats** from human activities.
## Footnote
Examples include Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon.
82
What is the significance of **preserving large areas** of natural habitats?
They **provide enough room** to support a range large enough for a given population.
## Footnote
This is essential for the survival of species such as the American Bison.
83
What is **habitat fragmentation**?
The process of breaking up natural habitats into smaller, isolated patches.
## Footnote
This often results from human activities like land development.
84
What **questions** do conservation biologists consider regarding fragmented habitats?
* Necessary patch size for preservation
* Number of species present
* Presence of threatened species
* Migration possibilities between patches
## Footnote
These factors are crucial for maintaining biodiversity.
85
What does **metapopulation theory** describe?
How small, isolated populations can ensure species survival in a larger area.
## Footnote
It emphasizes the importance of immigration among populations.
86
What are the **main assumptions** of metapopulation theory?
* Infrequent immigration events
* Likelihood of local extinctions
* Colonization events occurring as frequently as extinction events
## Footnote
These assumptions are crucial for understanding population dynamics.
87
What **evidence** supports metapopulation theory?
Cycles of colonization and extinction observed in English ponds.
## Footnote
This indicates interconnectivity among local populations.
88
Why is **metapopulation theory** important in conservation biology?
* Allows smaller patches to be considered for preservation
* Highlights the importance of migration for species survival
## Footnote
These factors influence conservation strategies.
89
What are **wildlife corridors**?
**Routes that animals use to migrate** between different patches of habitat.
## Footnote
These can be natural pathways or constructed features like tunnels.
90
What has happened to natural habitats over time due to human activities?
They have become **increasingly fragmented**.
## Footnote
This presents challenges for conservation efforts.
91
What is the **role** of conservation biologists concerning patch sizes?
They consider smaller patches for preservation if other similar patches exist nearby.
## Footnote
This approach supports the maintenance of biodiversity.
92
What is the definition of **environmental sustainability**?
Environmental sustainability refers to **responsibly managing natural resources** so they will still be available in the future.
## Footnote
This includes limiting resource use and protecting them from degradation.
93
List some **examples** of renewable energy.
* Solar energy
* Wind energy
* Hydroelectric power
* Biomass energy
## Footnote
Renewable energy sources can produce energy indefinitely and typically generate less pollution.
94
What is **selective logging**?
A sustainable forestry practice where only **a few trees are cut** from a specific area, leaving the rest of the forest intact.
## Footnote
This practice allows the forest to recover and minimizes environmental impact.
95
What are **planetary boundaries**?
The **maximum amount of degradation** a resource can endure before it is severely compromised.
## Footnote
These boundaries are critical for ensuring sustainable development.
96
What is the **primary objective** of environmental sustainability?
To allow for sustainable development without negatively impacting economic growth.
## Footnote
Sustainable development requires careful management of resources at both global and local levels.
97
# Fill in the blank:
A \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ resource can be replenished faster than it is used.
renewable
## Footnote
In contrast, a non-renewable resource cannot be replenished once it is used up.
98
What role does **education** play in environmental sustainability?
Education helps individuals use resources effectively and adopt sustainable practices.
## Footnote
For example, farmers may not use sustainable practices due to a lack of knowledge.
99
What are some **environmental issues** that arise from unsustainable practices?
* Climate change
* Deforestation
* Habitat loss
* Species extinction
* Over-fishing
* Excess water waste
## Footnote
These issues highlight the importance of sustainable resource management.
100
What is the **impact** of excess greenhouse gas pollution?
It changes the **chemical composition of the atmosphere** and **damages** natural resources.
## Footnote
Climate change is a major obstacle to achieving environmental sustainability.
101
What is the **significance** of the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Safe Drinking Water Act?
These laws **limit the amount of pollutants companies can release** into the environment.
## Footnote
They are crucial for maintaining public health and protecting natural resources.
102
What are **cover crops**?
**Plants grown outside the main growing season** to reduce soil erosion and maintain soil quality.
## Footnote
Their roots help keep the soil in place until the next growing season.
103
What is **sustainable development**?
Development that **meets the needs of the present** without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
## Footnote
Coined by the 'Brundtland Report' in 1987.
104
Who **authored** the report that coined the term 'sustainable development'?
The World Commission on Environment and Development
## Footnote
The report is commonly known as the 'Brundtland Report'.
105
What are the **three components** that must work together for sustainable development?
* Economy
* Society
* Environment
## Footnote
These components have historically interacted for centuries.
106
# Define:
environmental limits
The point beyond which the environment **exceeds its ability** to provide essential resources.
## Footnote
This concept is crucial for understanding sustainable development.
107
What is a **major factor** that increases the demands on environmental limits?
The growing world population.
## Footnote
This leads to increased demand for goods, services, living space, and farmland.
108
What are some **consequences** of pushing the environment beyond its limits?
* depletion of natural resources
* destruction of ecosystems
* increase in pollution
## Footnote
These factors hinder the natural environment's ability to sustain itself.
109
# Fill in the blank:
Sustainable development can only occur within the limits of the \_\_\_\_\_\_\_.
natural environment
110
What role do **forests** play in the natural environment?
* Provide habitats for diverse plants and animals.
* Contribute to the water cycle.
* Help with climate stability.
## Footnote
Forests are critical ecosystems that support biodiversity.
111
What is the **ultimate goal** of sustainable development?
To ensure that economy and society work **within the limits** of the natural environment.
## Footnote
This is essential for meeting human needs both now and in the future.
112
What is **sustainable consumption**?
The use of services and products that **fulfill human needs** while reducing negative environmental impact.
## Footnote
Sustainable consumption involves critical consumer decision-making regarding the production and transportation methods of products.
113
What are some **examples** of products involved in sustainable consumption?
* food
* clothing
* shelter
* toys
* devices
## Footnote
Services like filing taxes or attending shows are also part of consumption.
114
What significant event in 1972 **raised global awareness** of sustainable consumption?
The United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm
## Footnote
This conference initiated discussions about preserving the Earth's finite resources.
115
What was the key conclusion of the '**Limits to Growth**' study by MIT?
There is a **finite amount of resources available on Earth** to support the growing population and economy, potentially leading to **resource depletion** between 2020 and 2060.
## Footnote
The study highlighted the need for a shift in consumption behavior.
116
What report published in 1987 called for sustainable lifestyle changes?
Our Common Future by the World Commission on Sustainable Development
## Footnote
It urged affluent populations to adopt sustainable practices to preserve resources for less affluent communities.
117
What is the **10YFP framework**?
A series of six programs supporting the transition towards global Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) patterns.
## Footnote
It was developed as part of the efforts to implement sustainable consumption goals.
118
What are the core objectives of the **2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development**?
* Eradicating poverty
* Meeting basic human needs
* Ensuring peace and prosperity
## Footnote
This agenda includes seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
119
What is the **significance** of the circular model of consumption?
It promotes extending the life of products beyond just one use and focuses on efficient resource use, recycling, and remanufacturing.
## Footnote
This model contrasts with the traditional linear consumption model.
120
What are **common characteristics** of sustainable products?
* Ethically sourced materials
* Transparency in production methods
* Minimization of environmental impact
* Reusability or use of recycled materials
## Footnote
Examples include biodegradable items and products with ethical certifications.
121
How does human consumption **negatively impact** the environment?
It leads to resource depletion, pollution, and waste, particularly in developed countries.
## Footnote
One-third of all food produced is wasted, and significant amounts of drinking water are polluted.
122
What is one of the UN's sustainable consumption goals related to food waste?
Cut the global food waste amount in **half**.
## Footnote
This goal is part of the broader efforts under Goal 12 of the Sustainable Development Goals.
123
# Fill in the blank:
Sustainable consumption is the acquisition and use of products and services that do not have a \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ impact on the planet.
harmful
124
What **factors** can affect sustainable consumption?
* availability of resources
* information on products
## Footnote
Understanding the production and delivery journey of products is essential for sustainable consumption.
TExES Life Science 7-12
flashcards
Decks in class (27)
# Cards
-
Nature of Scientific Knowledge30
-
Experimental Design & Scientific Method98
-
Lab Equipment & Safety72
-
Biomolecules: Structure & Function101
-
Cell Structures & Functions160
-
Biochemical Reactions & Metabolism39
-
Enzymes & Catalysis68
-
Energy Pathways in Cells100
-
Cell Growth, Organization & Differentiation52
-
Organismal Growth & Development97
-
Inheritance of Traits135
-
DNA & Protein Synthesis97
-
Genetic Mutations & Effects75
-
Tools & Techniques in Biotechnology104
-
Genetic Variation & Population Diversity36
-
Natural Selection & Adaptation72
-
Evidence of Common Ancestry & Diversity85
-
Taxonomy and Classification50
-
Human Body Systems & Their Functions186
-
Plant Systems: Transport, Growth & Survival107
-
Animal Structure & Evolutionary Adaptations50
-
Regulation & Homeostasis in Organisms60
-
Hierarchical Organization & Characteristics of Life Across Kingdoms83
-
Cycles of Matter & Energy Transfer in Ecosystems125
-
Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems173
-
Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning & Resilience124
-
Science Learning, Instruction, and Assessment40
