Environmental Changes and Their Impact on Ecosystems

The video discusses environmental changes, distinguishing between short-term and long-term impacts on organisms and ecosystems. It highlights examples like droughts and ice ages, explaining how these changes affect traits and populations through natural selection. The video then shifts focus to human dependence on oceans for resources and climate regulation, detailing both negative impacts like overfishing and positive interventions such as artificial reefs.

What is a key difference between short-term and long-term environmental changes?

• Long-term changes do not affect ecosystems permanently.

• Long-term changes occur quickly and affect organisms immediately.

• Short-term changes allow for adaptation over generations.

• Short-term changes force immediate behavioral changes or extinction.

Which of the following is an example of a short-term environmental change?

• Ice age

• Urbanization

• Volcanic eruption

• Deforestation

Which event is considered a long-term environmental change?

• Global warming

• Blizzard

• Hurricane

• Flooding

How do long-term environmental changes affect organisms over time?

• They lead to immediate extinction.

• They cause organisms to move to new locations.

• They result in adaptations passed to future generations.

• They have no impact on traits.

What is the term used to describe the survival of organisms best adapted to their environment?

• Mutualism

• Survival of the fittest

• Artificial selection

• Genetic drift

Which of the following is NOT a way humans depend on the ocean?

• Food supply

• Transportation

• Weather regulation

• Desertification

What is a negative impact of human activity on ocean systems?

• Overfishing

• Creation of artificial reefs

• Replanting native crops

• Fishing regulations

What is runoff in the context of ocean pollution?

• The melting of polar ice caps

• Chemicals and trash flowing into the ocean from rivers

• The natural flow of rivers into the ocean

• The introduction of exotic species

How do artificial reefs benefit ocean systems?

• They replace natural reefs with concrete structures.

• They increase pollution levels.

• They promote marine life by providing habitats.

• They lead to overfishing.

Which human activity can lead to rising sea levels?

• Overfishing

• Oil spills

• Global warming

• Introduction of exotic species