Environmental Sci Unit 2 Study Guide

Front

What is succession in ecology?

Back

Succession is the process by which plant communities change over time, leading to a more stable ecosystem.

Front

Why is biodiversity important in ecosystems containing sharks?

Back

Biodiversity is crucial because it ensures stability; without it, sharks may overconsume key species, destabilizing the ecosystem.

Front

How have human activities impacted greenhouse gas levels?

Back

Human activities have produced greenhouse gases in quantities that exceed the offsetting capacity of natural sinks.

Front

How do volcanic eruptions affect climate?

Back

Volcanic eruptions can cause ash to block sunlight, leading to a drop in temperatures.

Front

Which regions are most at risk from sea-level rise?

Back

Heavily populated lowland regions such as Bangladesh and the Netherlands are at the highest risk of being submerged.

Front

What is an ecotone?

Back

An ecotone is a transition area between two different ecological communities, often rich in biodiversity.

Front

What role do natural sinks play in the environment?

Back

Natural sinks absorb greenhouse gases, helping to balance the levels of these gases in the atmosphere.

Front

What is the greenhouse effect?

Back

The greenhouse effect is the warming of Earth's surface due to the trapping of heat by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Front

What are the consequences of climate change on ecosystems?

Back

Climate change can lead to habitat loss, altered species distributions, and increased extinction rates.

Front

What is the significance of biodiversity hotspots?

Back

Biodiversity hotspots are regions with a high level of endemic species that are under threat from human activities.