Human Impacts on Biodiversity - AP Environmental Science
- How does climate change affect biodiversity?
- It alters habitats and causes species migration. Temperature changes force species to relocate.
- How does noise pollution affect wildlife?
- It disrupts communication and breeding behaviors. Loud sounds interfere with animal activities.
- Which treaty aims to protect biodiversity globally?
- The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). International agreement for conservation efforts.
- What is the role of conservation biology?
- To study and protect biodiversity. Scientific field focused on preserving species.
- Identify a benefit of maintaining biodiversity.
- Increases ecosystem resilience and productivity. More species provide stability and services.
- What is the impact of industrial agriculture on biodiversity?
- It leads to habitat loss and pollution. Large-scale farming destroys natural ecosystems.
- Name a key method for protecting endangered species.
- Establishing protected areas and wildlife reserves. Safe zones prevent habitat loss and hunting.
- How does acid rain affect biodiversity?
- It damages ecosystems and reduces species survival. Acidic precipitation harms plants and aquatic life.
- Which greenhouse gas is most associated with human activity?
- Carbon dioxide (). Released primarily from fossil fuel combustion.
- How does land conversion for agriculture impact biodiversity?
- Results in habitat destruction and species loss. Natural ecosystems replaced with farmland.
- Which practice leads to the introduction of invasive species?
- Global trade and transportation. Ships and cargo accidentally transport species.
- Which option describes genetic diversity?
- Variation in genes within a species. Genetic variety within populations of same species.
- Which human activity is a major cause of deforestation?
- Logging for timber and land clearing for agriculture. Both remove trees and clear forested areas.
- What is an invasive species?
- Non-native species that cause harm to ecosystems. Outcompete native species and disrupt food webs.
- What is the result of monoculture farming on biodiversity?
- It reduces genetic and species diversity. Single crops eliminate habitat variety.
- What is a wildlife corridor?
- A passage that connects fragmented habitats. Links separated habitat areas for movement.
- Identify a consequence of global warming on species distribution.
- Shifts in the range of species' habitats. Temperature increases force range shifts.
- Which process leads to desertification?
- Overgrazing and unsustainable land use practices. Degradation turns fertile land into desert.
- What is biodiversity?
- The variety of life in the world or a particular habitat. Encompasses all living organisms and their genetic variations.
- What is the effect of overfishing on marine biodiversity?
- It reduces fish populations and disrupts ecosystems. Removes fish faster than they can reproduce.
- Identify a major effect of urbanization on biodiversity.
- Loss of habitat and increased pollution. Cities replace natural habitats with infrastructure.
- What is the significance of keystone species?
- They play a crucial role in ecosystem functioning. Their loss causes disproportionate ecosystem collapse.
- What is the role of an ecological footprint in biodiversity loss?
- Measures human demand on Earth's ecosystems. Quantifies resource consumption impact.
- Identify a human activity that leads to soil erosion.
- Deforestation and unsustainable agricultural practices. Both remove protective vegetation cover.
- What is the result of coral bleaching on marine ecosystems?
- Loss of biodiversity in coral reef habitats. Stressed corals expel algae, often dying.
- How does poaching affect biodiversity?
- It reduces populations of targeted species. Illegal hunting decreases endangered species numbers.
- Which conservation practice involves habitat restoration?
- Reforestation and wetland rehabilitation. Rebuilds damaged natural ecosystems.
- Identify a consequence of agricultural runoff.
- Eutrophication leading to dead zones in water bodies. Excess nutrients cause oxygen depletion.
- Identify a strategy to mitigate climate change effects on biodiversity.
- Creating wildlife corridors to facilitate migration. Connects habitats to enable species movement.
- How does pollution affect biodiversity?
- It contaminates habitats and affects species health. Toxic substances harm organisms and habitats.
- What is habitat fragmentation?
- The breaking of habitats into smaller, isolated patches. Isolates populations and reduces gene flow.
- What is the principle of sustainable development?
- Meeting present needs without compromising future generations. Balances current use with future availability.
- What is the impact of plastic pollution on marine life?
- Ingestion and entanglement harm marine organisms. Animals eat plastic or get trapped in debris.
- What is the primary source of ocean acidification?
- Increased absorption by the ocean. Dissolves in seawater, lowering ocean pH.
- Identify the primary cause of habitat destruction.
- Human activities such as agriculture and urbanization. Human development destroys natural ecosystems.
- How does tourism affect biodiversity?
- Can lead to habitat disturbance and pollution. Human activities can damage fragile ecosystems.
- How do pesticides impact biodiversity?
- They can harm non-target species and reduce diversity. Chemicals kill beneficial insects and soil organisms.
- What is the impact of oil spills on marine life?
- Oil spills harm marine organisms and habitats. Toxic substances coat organisms and destroy habitats.