Ecosystem Health and Citizen Science

The video explores Congaree National Park, highlighting its unique ecosystem of old-growth bottomland forests. It explains the concept of ecosystems, detailing biotic and abiotic factors, and discusses the impact of mercury as an abiotic factor. The video also addresses human impacts on ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of conservation. It encourages participation in citizen science programs to help protect and restore ecosystems.

What is the primary purpose of Congaree National Park?

• To provide a habitat for endangered species

• To protect the largest track of old growth bottomland forests in the U.S.

• To serve as a recreational area for tourists

• To be a research center for climate change

Which of the following is considered a biotic factor in an ecosystem?

• Elevation

• Soil nutrients

• Red tail hawk

• Precipitation

How can mercury affect the food chain in an ecosystem?

• It can enhance the growth of plants

• It can be toxic and accumulate through the food chain

• It can reduce the amount of rainfall

• It can increase the oxygen levels in water

What percentage of the original bottomland forest area still supports this unique habitat?

• 40%

• 30%

• 50%

• 60%

What is one of the main reasons for the reduction of bottomland forests?

• Natural disasters

• European colonization and logging

• Increased wildlife population

• Climate change

Why is it important to protect ecosystems like Congaree?

• They are tourist attractions

• They help in flood control and clean water

• They are a source of timber

• They provide recreational opportunities

What role do wetlands play in carbon sequestration?

• They are effective at sequestering carbon

• They release carbon into the atmosphere

• They have no effect on carbon levels

• They increase carbon emissions

Which app can be used to track toxic cyanobacteria?

• Bloom Watch

• Seek

• NOAA Weather

• EcoTrack

How can individuals participate in citizen science programs?

• By downloading apps and uploading observations

• By obtaining a degree in environmental science

• By visiting national parks regularly

• By attending scientific conferences

What is a key benefit of citizen science programs?

• They allow anyone to contribute to scientific research

• They are limited to specific regions

• They are only for professional scientists

• They require expensive equipment