Human Impacts on Ecosystems - AP Environmental Science

What is the term for non-native species that cause harm to ecosystems?

Invasive species. Species introduced outside their native range can outcompete local organisms.
Which gas is primarily responsible for acid rain?

Sulfur dioxide (SO₂). Coal burning releases sulfur compounds that form acidic precipitation.
What is the effect of excessive nutrient loading in water bodies?

Algal blooms. Excess nutrients trigger rapid algae growth that depletes oxygen when decomposing.
Which human activity contributes to the urban heat island effect?

Urbanization. Concrete and asphalt absorb more heat than vegetation, raising city temperatures.
Identify the primary source of methane emissions.

Livestock farming. Cattle and other ruminants produce $CH_4$ through digestion processes.
What is one effect of habitat fragmentation on wildlife?

Decreased genetic diversity. Smaller populations have limited gene pools, reducing evolutionary adaptability.
Which gas is most associated with climate change?

Carbon dioxide (CO₂). Most abundant greenhouse gas from human activities, trapping heat in the atmosphere.
Which renewable energy source reduces greenhouse gas emissions?

Solar power. Converts sunlight directly to electricity without burning fossil fuels.
What is the main environmental impact of overfishing?

Decline in fish populations. Removing fish faster than they can reproduce disrupts marine food webs.
What is a major effect of industrialization on ecosystems?

Pollution increase. Manufacturing processes release chemicals, particulates, and waste into ecosystems.
What is the primary source of nitrous oxide emissions?

Agricultural activities. Fertilizer use and soil cultivation release $N_2O$ into the atmosphere.
What is one major consequence of ocean acidification?

Coral bleaching. Lower pH from absorbed $CO_2$ stresses coral, causing them to expel algae.
Identify one way to reduce carbon footprint.

Use renewable energy. Solar, wind, and hydroelectric power emit no greenhouse gases during operation.
What is the definition of an ecological footprint?

The measure of human demand on Earth's ecosystems. Calculated using biologically productive area needed to sustain resource consumption and waste.
What is the effect of thermal pollution on aquatic ecosystems?

Decreased oxygen levels. Warm water holds less dissolved oxygen, stressing fish and aquatic organisms.
What is the effect of chlorofluorocarbons on the ozone layer?

Ozone depletion. CFCs break down ozone molecules in the stratosphere, creating holes.
What is the primary cause of ocean dead zones?

Nutrient pollution. Excess nitrogen and phosphorus create oxygen-depleted zones where life cannot survive.
What is the effect of increased ultraviolet radiation on humans?

Skin cancer. UV radiation damages DNA in skin cells, leading to cancerous mutations.
What is the primary environmental concern with landfill sites?

Leachate contamination. Toxic liquids from decomposing waste can seep into groundwater supplies.
What is a key strategy for conserving biodiversity?

Establishing protected areas. Reserves and parks preserve critical habitats from human development pressures.
What is a major effect of agricultural runoff?

Water pollution. Fertilizers and pesticides wash into waterways, contaminating drinking sources.
Identify one method to reduce deforestation.

Reforestation. Planting trees restores forest cover and absorbs atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Which term describes the warming of Earth's atmosphere due to trapped heat?

Greenhouse effect. Atmospheric gases trap infrared radiation, warming Earth's surface temperature.
Which human activity is primarily responsible for acid rain?

Burning of fossil fuels. Sulfur and nitrogen oxides from combustion react with water to form acids.
Which activity is a major source of water pollution?

Industrial discharge. Factories release chemicals, heavy metals, and heated water into rivers and lakes.
Identify one primary cause of habitat fragmentation.

Urban development. Buildings and roads break up continuous habitats into smaller, isolated patches.
What is the primary effect of deforestation?

Loss of biodiversity. Removes habitat for countless species, reducing ecosystem complexity and stability.
Which human activity is a major contributor to soil erosion?

Agriculture. Plowing and harvesting remove protective vegetation, exposing soil to wind and water.
Which human activity contributes most to desertification?

Overgrazing. Too many animals remove vegetation faster than it can regenerate.
Identify the process by which fertilizers lead to water pollution.

Eutrophication. Excess nutrients from fertilizers cause algae overgrowth and oxygen depletion.
Which practice helps reduce soil erosion in agriculture?

Contour plowing. Plowing parallel to elevation contours slows water flow and reduces erosion.
Which pollutant is primarily responsible for smog formation?

Ozone (O₃). Ground-level ozone forms from vehicle emissions and creates photochemical smog.
What is a significant impact of plastic pollution in oceans?

Harm to marine life. Plastic debris entangles animals and releases toxic chemicals when ingested.
Identify the main greenhouse gas emitted by vehicles.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂). Internal combustion engines burn hydrocarbons, releasing carbon dioxide.
What is the main cause of biodiversity loss worldwide?

Habitat destruction. Human development eliminates natural habitats where species live and reproduce.
Identify one impact of increased atmospheric CO₂ levels.

Climate change. Higher atmospheric carbon concentrations enhance the greenhouse effect and warming.
Identify the main consequence of habitat loss.

Species extinction. Without suitable habitat, species cannot find food, shelter, or breeding sites.
Identify a major source of air pollution.

Vehicle emissions. Cars and trucks burn fossil fuels, releasing pollutants into the atmosphere.

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