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Questions and Answers
What is one of the main purposes of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990?
What is one of the main purposes of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990?
Which of the following is a characteristic of solar energy?
Which of the following is a characteristic of solar energy?
What is one of the pros of using nuclear energy?
What is one of the pros of using nuclear energy?
What is a main disadvantage of nuclear energy?
What is a main disadvantage of nuclear energy?
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Why are dams considered inexpensive to operate?
Why are dams considered inexpensive to operate?
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Which of the following can be produced from biomass energy?
Which of the following can be produced from biomass energy?
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What percentage of hydropower energy is converted into electricity?
What percentage of hydropower energy is converted into electricity?
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What is a key feature of geothermal energy?
What is a key feature of geothermal energy?
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What is the primary benefit of selecting the right crop for specific soil conditions?
What is the primary benefit of selecting the right crop for specific soil conditions?
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What role do crop residues play in sustainable agriculture?
What role do crop residues play in sustainable agriculture?
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What is the primary purpose of intercropping with legumes?
What is the primary purpose of intercropping with legumes?
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How does sustainable agriculture utilize organic methods?
How does sustainable agriculture utilize organic methods?
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What is a characteristic of low-input agriculture?
What is a characteristic of low-input agriculture?
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What does Integrated Pest Management (IPM) primarily aim to achieve?
What does Integrated Pest Management (IPM) primarily aim to achieve?
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What best describes the essence of sustainable agriculture?
What best describes the essence of sustainable agriculture?
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What is a key feature of conservation tillage?
What is a key feature of conservation tillage?
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What is the primary environmental concern associated with the combustion of oil and natural gas?
What is the primary environmental concern associated with the combustion of oil and natural gas?
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Which region has more than half of the world's oil reserves?
Which region has more than half of the world's oil reserves?
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Which of the following energy sources is recognized for producing the least amount of pollution among fossil fuels?
Which of the following energy sources is recognized for producing the least amount of pollution among fossil fuels?
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What is a significant consequence of overexploitation on the environment?
What is a significant consequence of overexploitation on the environment?
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What do invasive species typically lack in a new environment that allows them to spread rapidly?
What do invasive species typically lack in a new environment that allows them to spread rapidly?
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What percentage of energy in the US is used to heat water?
What percentage of energy in the US is used to heat water?
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What is a significant constraint for expanding wind energy?
What is a significant constraint for expanding wind energy?
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Which of the following is NOT a method used to protect biodiversity?
Which of the following is NOT a method used to protect biodiversity?
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The Exxon Valdez oil spill led to which significant environmental legislation?
The Exxon Valdez oil spill led to which significant environmental legislation?
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What is one example of pollution that can affect ecosystems?
What is one example of pollution that can affect ecosystems?
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Which energy source is considered most efficient, converting 90% of its energy into electricity?
Which energy source is considered most efficient, converting 90% of its energy into electricity?
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What is a primary aim of the Endangered Species Act (ESA)?
What is a primary aim of the Endangered Species Act (ESA)?
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Which of the following is a consequence of habitat fragmentation?
Which of the following is a consequence of habitat fragmentation?
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What is a major environmental impact of the production of oil and natural gas?
What is a major environmental impact of the production of oil and natural gas?
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Which factor is NOT listed as an underlying cause of environmental issues?
Which factor is NOT listed as an underlying cause of environmental issues?
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What purpose do seed banks serve in conservation efforts?
What purpose do seed banks serve in conservation efforts?
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What is a significant cause of migration to cities according to observed trends?
What is a significant cause of migration to cities according to observed trends?
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What is the primary benefit of the natural greenhouse effect?
What is the primary benefit of the natural greenhouse effect?
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Which problem is NOT typically associated with urban environments?
Which problem is NOT typically associated with urban environments?
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What is one environmental benefit that cities can provide?
What is one environmental benefit that cities can provide?
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What distinguishes the enhanced greenhouse effect from the natural greenhouse effect?
What distinguishes the enhanced greenhouse effect from the natural greenhouse effect?
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What does suburban sprawl refer to?
What does suburban sprawl refer to?
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Which of the following is an example of mitigation for climate change?
Which of the following is an example of mitigation for climate change?
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What is one of the challenges faced by big cities in developing countries?
What is one of the challenges faced by big cities in developing countries?
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What is one potential consequence of rising global temperatures?
What is one potential consequence of rising global temperatures?
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How can adaptation strategies address the effects of climate change?
How can adaptation strategies address the effects of climate change?
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How can cities promote upward social mobility?
How can cities promote upward social mobility?
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Which urban planning strategy helps in conserving farmland?
Which urban planning strategy helps in conserving farmland?
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Which action is considered a failure of mitigation in the context of climate change?
Which action is considered a failure of mitigation in the context of climate change?
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What might happen if aggressive mitigation measures are not taken?
What might happen if aggressive mitigation measures are not taken?
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Which of the following is a characteristic of chaotic traffic in cities?
Which of the following is a characteristic of chaotic traffic in cities?
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What is a potential biological consequence of climate change?
What is a potential biological consequence of climate change?
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Flashcards
Fragmentation
Fragmentation
Breaking up of habitats into smaller, isolated pieces.
Overexploitation
Overexploitation
Excessive use of natural resources, often leading to depletion or extinction.
Conservation Biology
Conservation Biology
Scientific study of how humans affect organisms and ways to protect biodiversity.
Invasive Species
Invasive Species
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Seed Banks
Seed Banks
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Endangered Species Act (ESA)
Endangered Species Act (ESA)
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Protecting Habitats
Protecting Habitats
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Underlying Causes of Biodiversity Loss
Underlying Causes of Biodiversity Loss
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Fossil Fuels' Energy Contribution
Fossil Fuels' Energy Contribution
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Fossil Fuel Reserves
Fossil Fuel Reserves
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Natural Gas Pollution
Natural Gas Pollution
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Oil And Natural Gas Production Impacts
Oil And Natural Gas Production Impacts
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Oil Transportation Dangers
Oil Transportation Dangers
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Exxon Valdez Oil Spill
Exxon Valdez Oil Spill
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Oil Pollution Act of 1990
Oil Pollution Act of 1990
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Fossil Fuel Combustion Concerns
Fossil Fuel Combustion Concerns
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Oil Pollution Act (1990)
Oil Pollution Act (1990)
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Renewable Energy Resources
Renewable Energy Resources
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Solar Energy
Solar Energy
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Biomass Energy
Biomass Energy
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Geothermal Energy
Geothermal Energy
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Nuclear Energy
Nuclear Energy
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Nuclear Energy Pros
Nuclear Energy Pros
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Nuclear Energy Cons
Nuclear Energy Cons
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Crop Selection
Crop Selection
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Conservation Tillage
Conservation Tillage
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Nitrogen Fixation
Nitrogen Fixation
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Sustainable Agriculture
Sustainable Agriculture
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Organic Agriculture
Organic Agriculture
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Intensive Rotational Grazing
Intensive Rotational Grazing
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Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
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Sustainable Ag. Goals
Sustainable Ag. Goals
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Urbanization
Urbanization
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Dubai: Tallest Buildings
Dubai: Tallest Buildings
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Suburban Sprawl
Suburban Sprawl
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Reasons for Urban Migration
Reasons for Urban Migration
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Urban Challenges
Urban Challenges
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Sustainable Cities
Sustainable Cities
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Green Infrastructure
Green Infrastructure
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Efficient Transit Systems
Efficient Transit Systems
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Greenhouse Effect
Greenhouse Effect
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Enhanced Greenhouse Effect
Enhanced Greenhouse Effect
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Climate Change
Climate Change
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Mitigation in Climate Change
Mitigation in Climate Change
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Adaptation in Climate Change
Adaptation in Climate Change
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Coral Reef Bleaching
Coral Reef Bleaching
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Ocean Acidification
Ocean Acidification
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Sea Level Rise
Sea Level Rise
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Study Notes
Biological Resources
- Genetic resources, organisms, parts, populations, or biotic ecosystem components are valuable to humanity, either actually or potentially.
- Reasons for needing organisms: food, clothing, shelter, pollination, antibiotics, biological processes (like nitrogen fixation), and cultural/aesthetic value.
Biological Diversity
- Untapped resources for future uses.
- Three components: genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity.
Ecosystem Services & Species Richness
- Removing a species can decrease ecosystem services.
Importance of Genetic Diversity
- Incorporation of genes from one organism into another.
- Examples: new vaccines, more productive farm animals, and agricultural plants with desirable characteristics.
- Other importance of organisms: medicinal, agricultural, and industrial value, aesthetic and ethical value
Extinction
- The elimination of species from Earth.
Endangered and Threatened Species
- Endangered species are facing threats that may lead to extinction in short order.
- Threatened species have a decreasing population and are at risk of extinction.
- Characteristics of endangered species include a small localized range, need for large territories, island dwelling, low reproductive success, small population size, specialized breeding areas, and specialized feeding habits.
Biodiversity Hotspots
- Small areas contain an exceptional number of endemic species and face high risk from human activities.
Land Use Change
- Causes habitat loss, destruction, fragmentation, and degradation.
Invasive Species
- Foreign species rapidly spread in new areas lacking predators, parasites, or resource limitations that controlled their native populations.
Conservation Biology
- Scientific study of how humans impact organisms and the creation of solutions to protect biodiversity
- Protecting habitats, connecting fragmented habitats, and restoring damaged/destroyed habitats are all ways to maintain biodiversity.
- Benefits include creating biological habitats and regenerating damaged soil.
- Disadvantages include high costs and long time to effect results.
Conservation Policies and Laws
- Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 authorizes the protection of endangered and threatened species.
- Lack of compensation for private property owners (regarding their land) is debated.
- Habitat Conservation Plans.
- 1982 Amendment to ESA eased development interests vs. species.
- International Conservation: World Conservation Strategy (1980) - international conservation efforts for worldwide biodiversity.
- Convention on Biological Diversity (1992) - aimed at the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of its components.
Nonrenewable Energy Resources
- Fossil fuels: coal, oil, and natural gas
- Coal is a black, combustible, solid mainly composed of carbon.
- Formation occurred millions of years ago from ancient plants.
Renewable Energy Resources
- Solar energy
- Wind energy
- Geothermal energy
- Water energy: Hydropower, Biomass
- Tidal energy
Environmental Impacts of Mining Coal
- Surface coal mining removes the overlaying vegetation, soil, and rock.
- Subsurface coal mining involves cave-ins, explosions, cancer risk to miners, and black lung disease.
- Coal mining releases significant CO2 and other atmosphere pollutants.
- Acid precipitation.
Oil and Natural Gas
- Combustion increases CO2 and pollutant emissions.
Environmental Impacts of Oil and Natural Gas
- Habitat disruption
- Spills, especially marine ecosystems (Ex: Alaskan Oil Spill, 1989).
Renewable Energy Resources
- Direct solar energy is available perpetually for heating buildings and water.
- Alternative energy sources like wind energy and geothermal energy.
Air Pollution
- Chemicals added to the atmosphere high enough to affect health and environmental quality.
- Examples of hazardous air pollutants include mercury, lead, and organic compounds.
- Two categories of air pollutants: -Primary air pollutants: substances emitted directly into the atmosphere -Secondary air pollutants: harmful substances formed in the atmosphere from primary pollutants reacting with air pollutants or atmosphere substances.
- Ozone (O3) can be tropospheric (ground-level) or stratospheric (upper atmosphere).
- EPA regulates 6 major criteria pollutants and other contaminants.
- US Clean Air Act (1963) regulates major air pollutants.
Ozone Depletion in Stratosphere
- Human-produced chlorine and bromine chemicals deplete the ozone layer, and resulting in higher UV radiation exposure.
Effects of Air Pollution
- Causes damage to lungs, eyes, buildings, and destroys chlorophyll in plants.
- Acid deposition, reduced visibility, and irritation of respiratory systems are other possible effects.
- Children more susceptible to air pollution.
Ecological Footprint
- Estimates how much land and water is needed to produce goods and services and support human needs.
Sustainable Agriculture
- Methods that maintain soil productivity and ecological balance with minimal long-term environmental impacts.
- Examples include natural predator-prey relationships, crop rotation, conservation tillage (preserving soil quality), IPM (integrated pest management), and limited use of pesticides, and the use of natural predators.
- Various crop selection approaches accommodate soil, water, and nutrient needs.
- Conservation tillage reduces soil erosion, keeps moisture level, and reduces weeds while reducing tilling.
- Integrating legumes for nitrogen fixation is another key to sustainable practices.
- Other measures include organic agriculture and agro-ecological practices.
Waste Management
- Reducing, reusing, and recycling to minimize waste.
- Separate waste to enable recycling.
- Buy products with recycled content.
- Rinse and empty containers.
- Encourage others to recycle.
- Understand what can/cannot be recycled.
Wastewater Treatment
- Wastewater management process uses various methods from screening, clarification, and disinfection to treat wastewater.
Sustainable Living
- Reducing individual and societal consumption to minimize the demand on Earth's resources and promote sustainability in activities and choices.
- Examples: Use of public transport rather than private care; purchasing reusable items instead of disposable ones; and avoiding waste and using water efficiently in lifestyles.
Tragedy of the Commons
- Users behaving in their own self-interest, depleting a shared resource.
Sustainable Development
- Economic development meets current needs without sacrificing future generations' needs.
- Goals include: No poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, reducing inequality, sustainable cities, responsible consumption, climate action, and a host of other global objectives.
Global Change
- Comprehensive set of issues and interactions concerning Earth's environment.
- Ex: climate change, deforestation, pollution.
International Efforts to Reduce GHG Emissions
- Kyoto Protocol (1997) and Paris Agreement (2015) aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Kyoto Protocol is legally binding.
- Paris Agreement requires ratification from 55 countries comprising 55% of global emissions.
- Both agreements outline targets for reducing or mitigating the effects of global warming.
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Description
Explore the vital concepts of biological resources, diversity, and ecosystem services in this quiz. Understand the importance of genetic diversity, species richness, and the implications of extinction on ecosystems. Test your knowledge on how these elements contribute to human welfare and the environment.