Ecosystems
What is the difference between a food chain and a food web?
A food chain is a linear sequence of organisms, while a food web shows interconnected food chains.
Which process in the carbon cycle is the primary source of carbon entering the atmosphere naturally?
Cellular respiration of plants, animals, and decomposers releases carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere.
Compare primary and secondary pollutants. Give an example of each.
Primary pollutants are emitted directly (EX. CO or SO2)
Secondary pollutants form in the atmosphere from reactions (EX. ozone or acid rain)
Natural gas
What is an ecological footprint?
The amount of land and resources needed to support an individual's lifestyle.
What is the term for the role an organism plays in its environment?
Niche
Explain how humans negatively impact the nitrogen and phosphorus cycles through agriculture.
Fertilizers add excess nitrogen and phosphorus, leading to eutrophication and hypoxic/dead zones in aquatic ecosystems.
Explain the difference between bioaccumulation and biomagnification.
Bioaccumulation is the buildup of toxins in an organism over time.
Biomagnification is increasing concentration up food chains.
Compare passive and active solar heating systems.
Passive systems rely on building design and materials to absorb and store heat. Active systems use mechanical devices like pumps and panels to convert sunlight into usable energy.
What biome is characterized by permafrost, low biodiversity, and very short growing seasons?
Tundra
Name and explain three types of symbiotic relationships.
Mutualism - both benefit
Commensalism - one benefits, one neutral
Parasitism - one benefits, one is harmed
Explain how upwelling influences the phosphorus and nitrogen cycles in marine environments.
Upwelling brings nutrient-rich deep water to the surface, increasing nitrogen and phosphorus availability.
What pollutant is primarily responsible for the formation of photochemical smog, and what are the conditions that promote its formation?
Nitrogen oxides (NOx) from vehicle emissions - it forms under sunlight, warm temperatures, and stagnant air conditions.
Explain the process and environmental impact of hydraulic fracturing (fracking)
Fracking involves injecting high-pressure fluid to extract natural gas and oil. It can contaminate groundwater, cause seismic activity, and release methane.
What is the difference between an r-species and a k-species?
R-species produce many offspring with little parental care, and K-species produce few offspring but invest more in their care.
Compare and contrast GPP and NPP.
Gross Primary Productivity is the total energy captured by photosynthesis. Net primary productivity is GPP-energy used for respiration.
Why does nitrogen need to be "fixed" before it can be used by most organisms?
Atmospheric nitrogen (N2) is inert, so living organisms cannot use it because the molecule is held tightly together by a triple covalent bond.
Describe the process of ocean acidification and explain its impact on marine life and shells.
Ocean acidification occurs when CO2 dissolves in seawater, lowering pH. It weakens the calcium carbonate shells of marine organisms like corals and shellfish.
Monocropping is the repeated planting of a single crop - it reduces biodiversity and creates ideal conditions for pests to thrive.
Solve the equation: The population of a certain species of birds increased from 3,400 to 2,800 over the course of a year. What is the percent change in the population?
17.65%
Define and give an example of a negative feedback loop operating in an ecosystem.
A negative feedback loop causes a system to change in the opposite direction from which it moves.
Ex. If a predator population grows too large, it will consume more prey, which in turn reduces the predator's food supply.
How does the sulfur cycle contribute to acid rain formation?
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) from natural sources and fossil fuels react with water in the atmosphere to form sulfuric acid (H2SO4), leading to acid precipitation.
What does POP's stand for? How do they affect global ecosystems?
Persistent organic pollutants. They are resistant to breakdown, travel long distances through air and water, and accumulate in fatty tissues of organisms worldwide.
Explain how urban sprawl contributes to habitat fragmentation.
Urban sprawl leads to land development in natural areas, breaking up habitats and increasing vehicle use.
What is the role of wetlands in reducing flooding?
Wetlands act as natural buffers by absorbing excess water during heavy rains, helping to reduce flooding. They store water like sponges and release it slowly, preventing rapid water flow into surrounding areas.