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Questions and Answers
What is the primary cause of the current level of extinction according to the provided content?
What is the primary cause of the current level of extinction according to the provided content?
How do pollutants, such as acid rain, specifically affect frogs?
How do pollutants, such as acid rain, specifically affect frogs?
Why are frogs considered a bioindicator for the health of the planet?
Why are frogs considered a bioindicator for the health of the planet?
What environmental factor is linked to the decline of frog populations in drier climates?
What environmental factor is linked to the decline of frog populations in drier climates?
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Which of the following best describes an umbrella species?
Which of the following best describes an umbrella species?
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What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?
What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?
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What phenomenon describes the increasing concentration of toxins in higher levels of the food chain?
What phenomenon describes the increasing concentration of toxins in higher levels of the food chain?
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What was a significant impact of toxic chemical waste on eagle populations by the 1900s?
What was a significant impact of toxic chemical waste on eagle populations by the 1900s?
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Which of the following best describes the term 'extirpated species'?
Which of the following best describes the term 'extirpated species'?
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What is one example of the interconnectedness of ecosystems observed in sea otters?
What is one example of the interconnectedness of ecosystems observed in sea otters?
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Which of the following best defines an endangered species?
Which of the following best defines an endangered species?
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What is the primary characteristic of indicator species?
What is the primary characteristic of indicator species?
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What is considered the largest contributing factor to the decline in amphibian populations?
What is considered the largest contributing factor to the decline in amphibian populations?
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What percentage of North America's frogs and toads are indicated to be in trouble?
What percentage of North America's frogs and toads are indicated to be in trouble?
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Which of the following species is classified as special concern?
Which of the following species is classified as special concern?
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How much higher is the current rate of species extinction compared to the historical rate?
How much higher is the current rate of species extinction compared to the historical rate?
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What do frogs require for breeding and laying eggs?
What do frogs require for breeding and laying eggs?
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What is the estimated total number of species on Earth?
What is the estimated total number of species on Earth?
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What is the primary focus of population ecologists?
What is the primary focus of population ecologists?
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What role do producers play in a food chain?
What role do producers play in a food chain?
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Which factor is NOT considered by community ecologists?
Which factor is NOT considered by community ecologists?
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How does biodiversity influence an ecosystem's stability?
How does biodiversity influence an ecosystem's stability?
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Which type of organism is a herbivore?
Which type of organism is a herbivore?
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What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?
What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?
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Which of the following represents the biotic components of an ecosystem?
Which of the following represents the biotic components of an ecosystem?
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What is the primary focus of the field of ecology?
What is the primary focus of the field of ecology?
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What type of relationship exists between predators and their prey?
What type of relationship exists between predators and their prey?
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Which of the following statements about ecosystems is true?
Which of the following statements about ecosystems is true?
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Which statement best describes abiotic factors in an ecosystem?
Which statement best describes abiotic factors in an ecosystem?
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What concept is emphasized by the statement that we must consider our planet to be on loan from our children?
What concept is emphasized by the statement that we must consider our planet to be on loan from our children?
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Which of the following quotes emphasizes the need for personal responsibility in creating change?
Which of the following quotes emphasizes the need for personal responsibility in creating change?
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In an aquatic ecosystem, which of the following would NOT be considered a biotic factor?
In an aquatic ecosystem, which of the following would NOT be considered a biotic factor?
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What are the three zones that make up the biosphere?
What are the three zones that make up the biosphere?
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What is meant by the term 'abiotic' in ecology?
What is meant by the term 'abiotic' in ecology?
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What characterizes Earth as a closed system?
What characterizes Earth as a closed system?
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Which factor is not considered a component of ecology?
Which factor is not considered a component of ecology?
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Which of the following accurately describes dynamic equilibrium in an ecosystem?
Which of the following accurately describes dynamic equilibrium in an ecosystem?
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What is a likely effect of human activities on Earth's ecosystems?
What is a likely effect of human activities on Earth's ecosystems?
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How are ecosystems able to support a diversity of organisms?
How are ecosystems able to support a diversity of organisms?
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Which of the following statements is true regarding the upper atmosphere and Earth's crust?
Which of the following statements is true regarding the upper atmosphere and Earth's crust?
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Which components are primarily studied in relation to ecosystems?
Which components are primarily studied in relation to ecosystems?
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What are the implications of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment regarding human impacts on Earth?
What are the implications of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment regarding human impacts on Earth?
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Study Notes
Biosphere as a Closed System
- Earth is a closed system meaning matter isn't exchanged with its surroundings.
- Earth exchanges energy with its surroundings.
- All living things interact with both other living and non-living components of Earth.
- Oceans and human bodies are examples of open or closed systems, which need to be explored independently.
Components of the Biosphere
- The biosphere is a narrow zone around Earth containing life.
- It's divided into three main zones:
- Lithosphere (land)
- Hydrosphere (water)
- Atmosphere (air)
- Upper atmosphere and Earth's crust affect living organisms even though they are not part of the biosphere.
Outcomes
- A1.3k - Ecosystems trophic level structure using models like food chains and webs.
- B1.1k - Definitions of species, populations, community, and ecosystems with interrelationships.
- B1.2k- How terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems support organism diversity through varied habitats and niches.
- B1.3k - Biotic and abiotic characteristics in local aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and their influences.
Ecosystem Dynamics
- Energy flows from the sun, through the food web, and as heat.
- Materials cycle through trophic levels back to primary producers.
Dynamic Equilibrium
- Every component of Earth's environment must maintain a balance.
- Dynamic equilibrium is a system with constant changes, where components adjust without disturbing the whole system.
- If one component changes, another must balance it so the ecosystem isn't disturbed.
- Today, Earth's equilibrium is disturbed by humans.
2040: Film Response
- A film response is due.
Ecology
- The study of the relationships between living things and their environment.
The Components
- Biotic: living things (animals, plants, fungi, bacteria).
- Abiotic: non-living things (water, air, sunlight, minerals and nutrients)
Think About an Aquatic Ecosystem
- Biotic factors and abiotic factors at play in the aquatic ecosystem.
The Hierarchy
- Biologists organize organisms into groups to understand how the biosphere functions.
- Individual organism
- Population (same species)
- Community (different species, interacting)
- Ecosystem (community and non-living parts)
Individual Organisms
- Ecologists study how the environment influences organisms' behavior and physical features.
- Adaptations allow organisms to thrive (e.g., fish in Antarctic waters).
Population
- How populations of the same species change in size and distribution.
- Impacts include competition for resources and environmental changes.
Communities
- Interactions among members of different populations in communities.
- Factors include competition, predator-prey, and resource availability.
Biomes
- Large areas of land with similar climates and organisms.
- Different world biomes with defining characteristics
Biodiversity
- The number of species in an ecosystem.
- More biodiversity means greater ecosystem resilience.
- Extinction impacts the food chain.
Indicator Species
- Species very sensitive to environmental changes.
- Provide early warnings about ecosystem balance (e.g., amphibians).
Why are Amphibians Disappearing?
- Amphibians (frogs) have been around for millions of years, adapting to various environmental conditions.
- 30% of North American amphibians are dying.
- Causes include habitat loss, air/water quality, climate change, and ultraviolet radiation.
Loss of Habitat
- Frogs depend on wetlands, clean water, and areas to lay eggs and catch insects.
- Human activities are impacting these habitats.
Extinction Rate
- Half of all species face extinction by the end of the century.
- The current extinction rate is far higher than the natural historical rate, primarily due to humans.
- Earth has approximately 13 million species.
- Over 95% of species have gone extinct throughout Earth's history.
Air and Water Equality
- Pollutions like acid rain harms frogs in reproduction.
- The thin skin easily absorbs toxins hindering fertilization, development, and leading to deformed limbs.
- Other pollutants like smoke (sulphur oxides) acidify water.
Air Pollution
- Air quality in various cities, including annual PM2.5 particles concentration.
Climate Change
- Rising temperatures due to increased fossil fuel usage.
- Drier climates impact frog populations.
Ultraviolet Radiation
- Frog skin makes them susceptible to UV radiation.
- Increased UV rays are due to ozone layer damage.
- Higher altitudes are most affected.
- Human skin cancer rates are increasing, highlighting the importance of studying amphibians as bioindicators.
The Nationalities Most Susceptible To Skin Cancer
- Countries with highest instances and scores for skin cancer incidence and susceptibility.
Umbrella Species
- Species that have protected other species.
- Protecting these umbrella species helps other species within an ecosystem.
More Options with More Cards
- Variety increases from more options or diversity in a given environment. This can be applied to species and a range of other ideas.
Food Chains
- A step-by-step sequence of organisms feeding on each other.
- Producers (plants and algae) are at the bottom.
- Consumers (herbivores, carnivores, omnivores) follow.
- Decomposers (fungi and bacteria) break down waste.
- Relationships within a given community.
Example of Interconnectedness
- Sea otter populations declining after being hunted almost extinct.
- Ecosystem interactions and the significance of the relationship between the otters and kelp forests.
- Interconnectedness of the ecosystem is emphasized.
- Examples illustrate this, including possible questions about specific cases.
Eagles of Lake Erie and Biomagnification
- Eagles in the 1700s were common, but decreased due to threats to livestock and chemical contamination.
- Toxic waste led to thin eggs in the food chain.
- Biomagnification: toxins increase in concentration at higher levels of the food chain.
Species at Risk
- Many species are at various risk levels (e.g., extirpated, endangered, threatened, or of special concern).
Environmental Solutions Presentation
- A presentation about environmental solutions is due.
Biosphere Matching Quiz Booklet
- This booklet needs to be completed before a due date.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the causes of extinction, the role of pollutants in ecosystems, and the significance of frogs as bioindicators. This quiz covers various environmental concepts and their impact on biodiversity, focusing on amphibians and ecosystem dynamics.