ENVS1401L Exam 2 Review

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What is an invasive species?

Back

A species that is not native to a particular environment, tends to outcompete native species, and causes ecological or economic harm.

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How do you calculate average velocity?

Back

Average velocity = Total distance / Total time. For example, if a ping-pong ball travels 3 meters in a total time of 20.6 seconds (6.5 + 7.2 + 6.9), the average velocity is 3m / 20.6s = 0.145 m/sec.

Front

What was one impact of the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park?

Back

The number of trees increased due to reduced grazing pressure from deer and elk.

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What is the current status of biodiversity loss on Earth?

Back

Extinction rates are currently hundreds of times higher than natural 'baseline' rates, primarily driven by human activity.

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What is species richness?

Back

Species richness refers to the number of different species present in a given area. For example, in a backyard with 2 frogs, 3 mice, 1 squirrel, and 5 moles, the species richness is 4.

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What is a keystone species?

Back

A species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance.

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What is a trophic cascade?

Back

An ecological phenomenon triggered by the addition or removal of top predators, leading to changes in the ecosystem structure and nutrient cycling.

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What is biodiversity?

Back

The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem, including the diversity of species, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity.

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What are the main drivers of biodiversity loss?

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The main drivers include habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, overfishing, and invasive species.

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What is the economic value of biodiversity?

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Biodiversity's value to humans is estimated to be about $125 trillion, encompassing ecosystem services, resources, and cultural benefits.