Human Factors
Explain one way the Industrial Revolution (factories, cars, electricity) has contributed negatively to the environment.
Fossil Fuels cause Smog and Acid Rain. Habitats were destroyed to make way for factories/plants.
Define endangered species.
A species that is at risk of extinction.
What was one of the invasive species we studied for this class?
Emerald Ash Borer, Chestnut Blight
Define Invasive Species
A non-native organism that can cause harm to a new environment when introduced.
Define a native species
An organism that naturally lives in an environment
What is one negative outcome of deforestation (cutting down too many trees in one area).
Species lose home, food source. Less trees = less oxygen for environment. Soil erosion.
Why did the Dodo go extinct?
Humans populated the Island Mauritius and hunted them, and the animals they brought with them on the boats trampled/ate their eggs.
What is a way that invasive species affect native species?
Outcompete native species, disrupt food webs, spread disease
What caused the death of the American Chestnut Tree?
Asian Chestnut Blight
Explain why the Ash Trees that have died from the EAB now pose a safety risk to pedestrians.
The dead trees are brittle and very quick to break off unexpectedly.
Explain why human factors caused white moths to start being the main source of prey over black moths.
Smog turned the trees black which made the white moths stand out, and the black moths camouflaged.
What is a reason a species might become endangered?
Habitat loss, pollution, overhunting, climate change
What makes a species invasive?
It is non-native and it damages native species/the environment
True or False:
Changes in ecosystems can be caused by natural events or human activity.
True
True or False:
Smog, acid rain, and climate change are all possible effects of burning fossil fuels.
True
How can farming hurt the environment if not done properly?
Harmful sprays and fertilizer run-off.
Name one endangered species we have discussed in class...
Answers may vary.
Name one invasive species we have discussed in class...
Answers may vary.
Name the invasive insect we studied that has killed the majority of mature Ash Trees in Indiana.
Emerald Ash Borer
How did the Chestnut Blight spread?
Wind, Birds, or Animals.
Name one negative effect that building dams can have on the environment.
Increased water temp, change in sediment, erosion
What are some ways we can save endangered species?
Protecting habitats, facilitating reproduction, reduce our environmental impact
How do invasive species often get introduced?
Other species such as humans transport it, blown in the wind (dispersion), hitching a ride on boat, train, or plane.
What extinct bird we studied also fed on American Chestnuts according to the documentary we watched?
The Passenger Pigeon.
A poison known as DDT almost caused the American Bald Eagle population to go extinct. What was the primary damage the poison did to the Bald Eagle?
DDT in their system softened their eggs so they could not produce viable offspring.