Disruptions in Ecosystems - AP Biology
- What is a biodiversity hotspot?
- Region with significant levels of biodiversity under threat. Contains many endemic species facing high extinction risk from human activities.
- Identify the term for a species that engineers its environment.
- Ecosystem engineer. Physically modifies habitat structure, creating new environmental conditions.
- Define 'ecological succession'.
- Process of change in species structure of an ecosystem over time. Community composition changes from pioneer to climax species over time.
- Define 'trophic cascade'.
- Ripple effects through trophic levels due to changes in one level. Predator removal increases herbivores, which then reduce plant populations.
- What role do keystone species play in ecosystems?
- They have a disproportionately large effect on their environment. Their removal or addition causes major changes throughout the ecosystem.
- Identify one effect of pollution on ecosystems.
- Toxicity in water bodies harming aquatic life. Chemical contaminants disrupt physiological processes and food chains.
- Identify one method to restore degraded ecosystems.
- Reforestation. Replanting trees helps restore habitat and ecosystem services.
- What is the difference between primary and secondary succession?
- Primary occurs on bare substrate, secondary on disturbed soil. Primary starts from rock or lava; secondary starts from existing soil.
- What is eutrophication?
- Nutrient enrichment of water bodies, causing algal blooms. Excess nutrients promote algae growth, depleting oxygen when they decompose.
- What is the impact of plastic pollution on marine life?
- Ingestion and entanglement of marine organisms. Plastic debris is mistaken for food and physically traps animals.
- Define 'species richness'.
- Number of different species represented in an ecosystem. Counts total number of species, not their relative abundances.
- What is the impact of deforestation on ecosystems?
- Loss of biodiversity and habitat destruction. Removes trees that provide habitat and disrupt carbon and water cycles.
- Which gas is a major contributor to the greenhouse effect?
- Carbon dioxide. Most abundant greenhouse gas from human activities like burning fossil fuels.
- Define 'resilience' in the context of ecosystems.
- Ability of an ecosystem to recover after disturbances. Higher biodiversity generally increases ecosystem stability and recovery capacity.
- How are coral reefs affected by rising sea temperatures?
- Coral bleaching and potential death. Heat stress causes corals to expel symbiotic algae they depend on.
- Identify one major cause of ecosystem disruption.
- Habitat destruction. Direct loss of natural areas eliminates species' homes and resources.
- Identify one human activity that leads to soil erosion.
- Deforestation. Tree removal exposes soil to wind and water erosion.
- Which species is considered a keystone predator?
- Sea otter. Controls sea urchin populations, protecting kelp forest ecosystems.
- How does climate change affect ecosystems?
- Alters temperature and precipitation patterns, affecting species. Shifts in climate force species to migrate or adapt to new conditions.
- What is an ecosystem?
- A biological community and its physical environment. Includes both living organisms and non-living components like water, soil, and air.
- Identify one strategy to mitigate climate change.
- Reducing carbon emissions. Decreases atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations to limit warming.