Human Impacts on Wetlands and Mangroves - AP Environmental Science
- What is the primary effect of coastal development on mangroves?
- Habitat loss. Building destroys mangrove habitat directly.
- What is the effect of increased carbon emissions on wetlands?
- Enhanced greenhouse effect. Climate change affects wetland water levels.
- Identify one role of mangroves in coastal protection.
- Wave attenuation. Dense root systems reduce wave energy and protect shores.
- Identify a benefit of wetland restoration.
- Improved water quality. Restored wetlands filter pollutants from water.
- What is a primary human activity threatening wetlands?
- Urban development. Converts natural habitats to housing and commercial areas.
- Name a policy measure to protect wetlands.
- Establishment of protected areas. Legal designation prevents development and destruction.
- Identify a reason for the conversion of wetlands to agriculture.
- Increased food production. Agriculture provides economic incentive for conversion.
- What is a natural service provided by wetlands?
- Water filtration. Plants and sediments trap pollutants and purify water.
- Which human action can lead to wetland acidification?
- Acid rain deposition. Sulfur compounds lower pH of wetland water.
- What is a common pollutant found in wetlands?
- Heavy metals. Toxic metals from industry accumulate in sediments.
- Which process is affected by wetland destruction?
- Carbon sequestration. Wetlands store carbon in soils and biomass.
- Identify one consequence of wetland drainage.
- Loss of biodiversity. Eliminates critical habitat for numerous species.
- Identify an ecosystem service provided by intact mangroves.
- Storm surge protection. Acts as natural barrier against hurricane damage.
- Which human activity leads to increased nutrient loading in wetlands?
- Fertilizer application. Adds excess nitrogen and phosphorus to water.
- Which human activity accelerates wetland subsidence?
- Groundwater extraction. Lowering water table causes land to sink.
- Identify an effect of climate change on mangroves.
- Sea level rise. Higher water levels threaten mangrove survival.
- Identify the main pollutant from agricultural runoff affecting wetlands.
- Phosphorus. Fertilizers contain phosphorus that causes algal blooms.
- What is the impact of road construction on wetlands?
- Habitat fragmentation. Divides continuous habitat into isolated patches.
- What is a significant effect of wetland drainage on local climates?
- Increased temperature variability. Loss of water bodies reduces temperature moderation.
- Name a negative impact of tourism on wetlands.
- Habitat disturbance. Trampling and pollution degrade sensitive habitats.
- What is a direct effect of oil spills on mangroves?
- Root suffocation. Oil coats roots, preventing oxygen exchange.
- Identify the consequence of industrial waste discharge into wetlands.
- Chemical contamination. Toxic substances poison plants and animals.
- Which nutrient often causes eutrophication in wetlands?
- Nitrogen. Excess nitrogen depletes oxygen and kills aquatic life.
- What is the effect of rising sea levels on mangroves?
- Increased inundation. Higher water levels can drown mangrove roots.
- What is an indirect consequence of overfishing near mangroves?
- Loss of biodiversity. Disrupts food webs by removing key species.
- Which human-induced factor reduces dissolved oxygen in wetlands?
- Nutrient pollution. Excess nutrients cause algal blooms that consume oxygen.
- What is the role of mangroves in carbon storage?
- Sequestration in biomass and soil. Mangroves trap carbon in roots, trunks, and soil.
- What is a consequence of mangrove removal on coastal erosion?
- Increased erosion rates. Loss of natural barriers accelerates shore erosion.
- What is one effect of pesticides on wetland ecosystems?
- Toxicity to aquatic life. Chemicals harm fish, amphibians, and other organisms.
- Which greenhouse gas is sequestered by wetlands?
- Carbon dioxide. Stored in wetland soils and plant biomass.
- Name an ecosystem service of mangroves related to fishery.
- Nursery habitats. Provide safe breeding grounds for fish species.
- State an effect of increased salinity in wetlands.
- Decreased plant diversity. Salt stress kills plants not adapted to saline conditions.
- What is the main cause of mangrove deforestation?
- Aquaculture expansion. Shrimp and fish farming requires clearing mangrove forests.
- Name an adaptive measure for protecting wetlands from sea-level rise.
- Building levees. Artificial barriers protect against flooding.
- Name one invasive species threatening wetlands.
- Purple loosestrife. Non-native species that outcompetes native plants.
- What is a method to mitigate human impact on mangroves?
- Reforestation. Replanting mangroves restores ecosystem functions.
- Which human activity leads to increased sedimentation in wetlands?
- Deforestation. Removes vegetation that prevents soil erosion.
- What is a direct impact of freshwater diversion on wetlands?
- Altered water balance. Reduces water availability for wetland ecosystems.
- Which factor increases erosion in mangrove ecosystems?
- Removal of vegetation. Mangrove roots stabilize sediments against waves.