Human Impacts on Climate and Biodiversity

Which of the following best describes how deforestation can impact biodiversity in a tropical rainforest ecosystem?

(Image: Deforestation in a tropical rainforest. Source: Wikimedia Commons)

• It increases the number of plant species by providing more sunlight.

• It reduces habitat availability, leading to a decline in species diversity.

• It has no effect on animal populations.

• It only affects non-native species.

Answer explanation

Deforestation reduces habitat availability for many species in tropical rainforests, leading to a decline in biodiversity. This loss of habitat disrupts ecosystems and threatens both plant and animal populations.

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Which human activity is most directly responsible for the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels contributing to climate change?

Image: A coal-fired power plant emitting smoke, representing burning fossil fuels.

• Planting trees

• Burning fossil fuels

• Using solar panels

• Recycling plastics

Answer explanation

Burning fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, making it the primary human activity driving the increase in CO2 levels and contributing to climate change.

What is the primary reason that invasive species introduced by humans can threaten native biodiversity?

Illustration: Invasive species (right) outcompeting native species (left) for resources.

• They always have more attractive flowers.

• They often outcompete native species for resources.

• They only survive in polluted environments.

• They require less water than native species.

Answer explanation

Invasive species often outcompete native species for resources such as food, water, and habitat, leading to a decline in native biodiversity. This competition is a primary threat to the survival of native species.

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Which of the following is a direct effect of ocean acidification caused by increased carbon dioxide emissions?

Illustration: This diagram shows how increased CO₂ in the atmosphere leads to ocean acidification, affecting marine life.

• Increased growth of coral reefs

• Difficulty for marine organisms to form shells

• Decreased water temperature

• Higher oxygen levels in water

Answer explanation

Ocean acidification, caused by increased CO2, leads to lower pH levels in seawater, making it difficult for marine organisms like shellfish to form their shells, as seen in the provided image.

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A city plans to expand into a nearby wetland. Using evidence, explain how this expansion could impact both local climate and biodiversity. What strategies could the city use to minimize negative effects?

• Expansion will have no impact; no strategies are needed.

• Expansion may increase local temperatures and reduce species diversity; strategies include preserving wetland areas and creating green spaces.

• Expansion will only affect water quality; strategies include building more roads.

• Expansion will increase biodiversity; strategies include removing all native plants.

Answer explanation

Expansion can raise local temperatures due to the urban heat island effect and lead to a loss of biodiversity as wetland habitats are destroyed. Strategies like preserving wetlands and creating green spaces can help mitigate these impacts.

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Given the evidence that coral bleaching is linked to rising ocean temperatures, propose a plan that could help protect coral reefs from further damage.

Which of the following is the most effective approach?

• Increase fishing near coral reefs.

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and establish marine protected areas.

• Build more coastal resorts.

• Remove all algae from the reefs.

Answer explanation

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions addresses the root cause of rising ocean temperatures, while establishing marine protected areas helps protect coral reefs from further damage, making this the most effective approach.

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A local government wants to balance economic development with the conservation of a nearby forest.

Using reasoning and evidence, which plan would best achieve this goal?

• Allow unrestricted logging in the forest.

• Implement sustainable logging practices and set aside protected areas.

• Convert the entire forest to farmland.

• Ignore environmental regulations.

Answer explanation

Implementing sustainable logging practices and setting aside protected areas balances economic development with conservation, ensuring the forest's health while allowing for responsible resource use.

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A river near a city is experiencing a decline in fish populations. Analyze the possible human impacts causing this decline and suggest a strategic solution.

• Increased fishing and pollution; solution: enforce fishing limits and reduce pollution sources.

• More rainfall; solution: build more dams.

• Natural migration; solution: do nothing.

• Increased sunlight; solution: plant more trees.

Answer explanation

The decline in fish populations is likely due to increased fishing and pollution. Enforcing fishing limits and reducing pollution sources can help restore the ecosystem and support fish recovery.

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A company wants to build a factory near a protected wildlife reserve.
Evaluate the potential impacts on biodiversity and propose a plan to minimize harm.

• The factory will have no impact; no plan is needed.

• The factory could disrupt habitats; plan: create buffer zones and monitor wildlife health.

• The factory will increase biodiversity; plan: expand the factory.

• The factory will only affect air quality; plan: plant grass.

Answer explanation

The factory could disrupt habitats, affecting local wildlife. To minimize harm, creating buffer zones around the factory and monitoring wildlife health are essential strategies to protect biodiversity.

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Given the evidence that climate change is causing shifts in species’ geographic ranges, what is a strategic approach to help species adapt?

(Illustration: A wildlife corridor connecting two forest patches, allowing animals to move safely between habitats.)

• Prevent all movement of species.

• Establish wildlife corridors to connect fragmented habitats.

• Remove all predators from ecosystems.

• Increase urban development in migration paths.

Answer explanation

Establishing wildlife corridors allows species to move between fragmented habitats, facilitating adaptation to climate change by providing safe migration routes and access to resources, unlike the other options which hinder species movement.

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