Ecosystems & Biomes
What biome has permafrost and low biodiversity?
Tundra
What is the term for the increase in nutrients in water systems?
Eutrophication
What is sustainability?
Meeting present needs without harming future generations
What gas is most responsible for the greenhouse effect?
Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
Pollution caused by loud sounds?
Noise Pollution
What is the term for species that have a disproportionately large effect on their ecosystem? If this species is lost, the system will collapse.
Keystone Species
What is the largest contributor to deforestation globally?
Agriculture (especially cattle ranching)
What is one example of sustainable agriculture?
Crop rotation / agroforestry / organic farming
Difference between climate and weather?
Weather = short-term; climate = long-term
How does acid rain affect ecosystems and human-made structures?
Damages plants, acidifies water, harms aquatic life, and erodes buildings/statues
Explain how biodiversity contributes to ecosystem stability.
More species = greater resilience to change, disease, and environmental stress
Explain the tragedy of the commons using an environmental example.
Shared resources overused (ex: overfishing)
Why are monocultures/monocropping considered unsustainable?
Low biodiversity, higher pest risk, soil degradation
How do differences in air pressure within the atmosphere lead to the formation of wind and weather patterns?
Air moves from high to low pressure, creating wind; this movement drives weather systems
What are microplastics and why are they harmful?
Tiny plastics that enter food chains
Explain how energy is transferred through trophic levels and why energy decreases at higher levels.
Energy moves from producers to consumers, but only about 10% transfers to the next level; most is lost as heat
What is ecological footprint, and what does a large one indicate?
Resource use; large footprint = unsustainable consumption
How can urban planning reduce environmental impact?
Public transport, green spaces, walkability
What is the urban heat island effect, and why do cities experience higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas?
Cities absorb and retain heat due to concrete, asphalt, and limited vegetation, making them warmer
What is biomagnification?
Toxins increase up the food chain
Analyze the global impact of deforestation in tropical rainforests on both climate and biodiversity.
Increases CO₂ levels (less carbon storage), accelerates climate change, and causes major biodiversity loss due to habitat destruction
Why is biodiversity loss often irreversible?
Extinction is permanent
Is recycling enough to solve waste problems? Explain.
No—reducing and reusing are more impactful
How do humans intensify the greenhouse effect?
Burning fossil fuels increases greenhouse gases
Why are landfills a long-term issue?
Methane, slow decomposition, groundwater contamination