Biodiversity and Environmental Indicators
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary cause of the current level of extinction according to the provided content?

  • Natural disasters
  • Animal disease outbreaks
  • Meteor impacts
  • Human activities (correct)
  • How do pollutants, such as acid rain, specifically affect frogs?

  • They enhance egg development
  • They make frogs more agile
  • They increase the frog population
  • They hinder the movement of sperm cells in water (correct)
  • Why are frogs considered a bioindicator for the health of the planet?

  • Their sensitivity to environmental changes reflects ecosystem health (correct)
  • They can fly long distances
  • They have a high reproductive rate
  • Their population is easy to track
  • What environmental factor is linked to the decline of frog populations in drier climates?

    <p>Climate change</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes an umbrella species?

    <p>A species whose conservation indirectly protects other species in an ecosystem</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

    <p>They absorb nutrients from detritus and recycle them.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What phenomenon describes the increasing concentration of toxins in higher levels of the food chain?

    <p>Biomagnification</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant impact of toxic chemical waste on eagle populations by the 1900s?

    <p>Eggshells became thinner, leading to higher mortality rates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the term 'extirpated species'?

    <p>A species that is no longer found in a specific area but exists elsewhere.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one example of the interconnectedness of ecosystems observed in sea otters?

    <p>They create habitat for kelp forests by feeding on certain marine species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best defines an endangered species?

    <p>Species that are close to extinction in all or most parts of the country.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary characteristic of indicator species?

    <p>They indicate changes in the balance of an ecosystem.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is considered the largest contributing factor to the decline in amphibian populations?

    <p>Habitat Loss.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of North America's frogs and toads are indicated to be in trouble?

    <p>30%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following species is classified as special concern?

    <p>Long toed Salamander.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How much higher is the current rate of species extinction compared to the historical rate?

    <p>10,000 times</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do frogs require for breeding and laying eggs?

    <p>Wetlands, ponds, and lakes with clean water.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the estimated total number of species on Earth?

    <p>13 million</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of population ecologists?

    <p>How a group of individuals of the same species changes over time</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do producers play in a food chain?

    <p>They produce food energy for themselves and other organisms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is NOT considered by community ecologists?

    <p>Changes in abiotic factors over time</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does biodiversity influence an ecosystem's stability?

    <p>Ecosystems with more biodiversity are more immune to collapse</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of organism is a herbivore?

    <p>A cow that feeds on grass</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

    <p>They break down dead organic matter</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following represents the biotic components of an ecosystem?

    <p>Plants and fungi</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of the field of ecology?

    <p>The relationships between living things and their environment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of relationship exists between predators and their prey?

    <p>Predator-prey relationship</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about ecosystems is true?

    <p>Interacting biotic and abiotic factors shape ecosystems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes abiotic factors in an ecosystem?

    <p>They are the non-living elements affecting living organisms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What concept is emphasized by the statement that we must consider our planet to be on loan from our children?

    <p>Environmental conservation for future generations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following quotes emphasizes the need for personal responsibility in creating change?

    <p>You must be the change you wish to see in the world.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In an aquatic ecosystem, which of the following would NOT be considered a biotic factor?

    <p>Water temperature</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the three zones that make up the biosphere?

    <p>Lithosphere, Atmosphere, and Hydrosphere</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is meant by the term 'abiotic' in ecology?

    <p>Non-living components of an environment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes Earth as a closed system?

    <p>Matter is not exchanged with its surroundings</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is not considered a component of ecology?

    <p>Artificial substances in the environment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following accurately describes dynamic equilibrium in an ecosystem?

    <p>Changes in one component require changes in others to maintain balance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a likely effect of human activities on Earth's ecosystems?

    <p>Disruption of natural functions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are ecosystems able to support a diversity of organisms?

    <p>Via a variety of habitats and niches</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is true regarding the upper atmosphere and Earth's crust?

    <p>They are not part of the biosphere but affect living organisms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which components are primarily studied in relation to ecosystems?

    <p>Population, community, and ecosystems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the implications of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment regarding human impacts on Earth?

    <p>Sustainability of ecosystems for future generations is uncertain</p> Signup and view all the answers

    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.

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