Environmental Science: Earth's Spheres and Biomes
45 Questions
38 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is a significant consequence of overdependence on cash crops?

  • Enhanced biodiversity
  • Increased fish populations
  • Reduction in pollution
  • Habitat loss (correct)

What is overfishing?

  • The removal of fish at a sustainable rate
  • The introduction of new fish species into lakes
  • Fishing species beyond their ability to replenish (correct)
  • The increase of fish population in a specific area

Which of these factors is NOT mentioned as contributing to decreased biodiversity?

  • Ocean acidification
  • Improved agricultural practices (correct)
  • Introduction of invasive species
  • Increased greenhouse gas emissions

How has globalization affected environmental awareness?

<p>Increased awareness worldwide (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which impact of overfishing can lead to marine ecosystem imbalance?

<p>Exploitation of marine resources (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do unsustainable aquaculture practices contribute to?

<p>Pollution of marine environments (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Animal husbandry focuses primarily on which of the following?

<p>Raising animals for various products (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can result from the depletion of fish stocks due to overfishing?

<p>Decline in targeted and untargeted species (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes tropical forests?

<p>They are warm and humid, located near the equator. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which biome experiences the lowest temperatures?

<p>Tundra (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines a desert biome?

<p>Rainfall is less than 50 centimeters per year. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant focus of environmental sociology?

<p>The relationships between society and the environment (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which issue is considered a major topic of research in environmental sociology today?

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

What term is used to describe humans who move from one area to another?

<p>Migrants (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Exponential population growth is characterized by which of the following conditions?

<p>Constant birth rate over time (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which resources are classified as renewable according to the provided content?

<p>Food and water (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which field of study focuses on the relationships between political, economic, and social factors with environmental issues?

<p>Political Ecology (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of anthropology as outlined in the content?

<p>Human society and culture (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes political ecology from apolitical ecological studies?

<p>A politicized approach to environmental issues (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a non-renewable resource?

<p>Fossil fuels (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do the disciplines of anthropology and geography relate according to the content?

<p>They examine human interactions with their environments. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the lithosphere consist of?

<p>The solid part of the Earth's crust (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sphere of the Earth includes oceans and rivers?

<p>Hydrosphere (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which biome is characterized by high rainfall and warm temperatures with tall vegetation?

<p>Tropical rainforest (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primarily influences the type of vegetation produced in an area?

<p>Temperature and precipitation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between ecosystems and biomes?

<p>The scale at which they are studied (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the biosphere?

<p>Comprises all living organisms (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions would likely lead to minimal vegetation?

<p>Warm climate with low precipitation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes an ecosystem?

<p>Specific areas developing due to interactions between spheres (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do sociologists investigate regarding climate change?

<p>The effects of climate change on social life (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly pairs a biome with its possible species?

<p>Grasslands - Grasses and Gazelles (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the relationship between energy and the environment described?

<p>It is connected to fossil fuel consumption and global warming. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major concern in the economy and environment relationship?

<p>The enforcement of pollution laws and emissions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aquatic species is noted for having gills and cold-blooded characteristics?

<p>Cold-blooded fishes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is an example of a plant found in the grasslands biome?

<p>Grasses (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the study of politics, law, and public policy relevant to sociologists?

<p>To investigate the mechanisms of emissions laws enforcement. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which biome would you likely find species such as rabbits and foxes?

<p>Forests (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary concern addressed by political ecology regarding environmental changes?

<p>Environmental changes alter the economic status quo. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does political ecology critique regarding the enclosure of land for conservation?

<p>It restricts local people's access to resources. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect plays a crucial role in the definitions and practices studied in political ecology?

<p>Power dynamics (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Paul Robbins suggest about corporate and conservation interventions in political ecology?

<p>They can be coercive, exploitative, and unsustainable. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does political ecology aim to inform policymakers and organizations?

<p>By providing insights into complex social dynamics related to the environment. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one result of the unequal distribution of costs and benefits in environmental changes?

<p>Strengthening existing power relationships. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does political ecology advocate for in terms of resource management?

<p>Less exploitative and more sustainable practices. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a misconception about the effects of environmental changes?

<p>They benefit disadvantaged groups more significantly. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Biome

A large, naturally occurring community of plants and animals that are adapted to a particular climate and geographic region.

Desert

A region where rainfall is less than 50 centimeters (20 inches) per year, characterized by dry conditions and low biodiversity.

Environmental Sociology

A subfield of sociology that focuses on the interplay between society and the environment, examining how social structures and behaviors impact and are impacted by ecological systems.

Tundra

A biome characterized by extremely low temperatures, permafrost, and limited plant life, often dominated by mosses and lichens.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Climate Change

A significant and lasting change in global or regional climate patterns, often attributed to human activity and characterized by rising temperatures and extreme weather events.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Lithosphere

The solid outer layer of Earth, including rocks and soil.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Hydrosphere

All of Earth's water bodies, like oceans, rivers, lakes, and groundwater.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Atmosphere

The layer of gases surrounding Earth.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Biosphere

The realm of living things, including plants and animals.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Ecosystem

A specific area with unique interactions between living organisms and their non-living environment (climate, rocks, soil, water).

Signup and view all the flashcards

Climate's Influence on Vegetation

The temperature and rainfall directly influence the type of vegetation that grows in a region.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Ecosystem vs. Biome

The main difference between an ecosystem and a biome is the scale. Ecosystems are smaller and more specific.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Climate Change Sociology

The study of how human actions, like burning fossil fuels, change the earth's climate.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Social Effects of Climate Change

The study of how climate change influences social behavior, culture, and values.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Economy and Environment

The branch of environmental sociology that focuses on the relationship between economic activities and the natural world. Topics include resource consumption, sustainable production, and environmental impact of businesses.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Energy and Environment

The branch of environmental sociology that focuses on the link between energy use and the environment. It explores the environmental consequences of fossil fuels, renewable energy sources, and energy efficiency.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Politics, Law, and Public Policy

The branch of environmental sociology that examines the role of laws, policies, and political actions in addressing climate change. It considers how regulations impact emissions, pollution, and environmental protection.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Biome Shift

The process of changing from one biome to another due to factors like climate change, deforestation, or other human activities.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Migration

The movement of humans from one area to another. The individuals involved are called migrants.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Renewable Resources

Resources that can be replenished naturally over time, such as food, water, and forests.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Non-Renewable Resources

Resources that cannot be replenished at a rate comparable to their consumption, such as mineral deposits and fossil fuels.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Political Ecology

The study of how political, economic, and social factors interact with environmental issues and changes.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Exponential Population Growth

Population growth where the birth rate is constant and not limited by factors like food or disease.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Anthropology

The study of humanity, its origins, cultures, and societies through the examination of past and present civilizations.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Geography

The study of the Earth's surface, its features, and the relationships between people and their environments.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Relationship between Anthropology and Geography

Combining Anthropology and Geography lets us understand the complex relationship between humans and their surroundings in a globalized and diverse world.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Overfishing

The removal of fish from a body of water at a rate faster than they can reproduce, leading to depletion of the fish population.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Animal Husbandry

A type of agriculture that focuses on raising animals for products like meat, milk, and fiber.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Overdependence on Cash Crops

The reliance on a small number of crops like coffee, cacao, and fruits, which can lead to habitat loss, especially in tropical areas.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Consumption and Production

The process of producing and consuming goods and services that require natural resources, which are extracted from the environment and often processed.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Decreased Biodiversity

The decline in the variety of life on Earth, caused by factors like climate change, deforestation, and pollution.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Unsustainable Aquaculture

A method of farming fish in controlled environments, which can sometimes have negative environmental impacts.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pollution

Substances that harm the environment, including water, air, and soil.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Increased Environmental Awareness

The positive effect of increased globalization in raising awareness of environmental issues worldwide.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Unequal Environmental Impacts

Environmental changes don't impact everyone equally. Political, social, and economic differences mean some people benefit more than others.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Environment and Power

Any change in the environment can affect how power is distributed. It can change who controls resources or makes decisions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Environmental Inequality and Power

The unequal distribution of costs and benefits from environmental changes affects power relationships. Some groups can lose power or gain more power.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Political Ecology's Normative Understanding

Political ecology emphasizes that there are better, more sustainable ways to manage the environment that are less coercive and exploitative.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Power Dynamics in Conservation

Corporate and conservation interventions, especially those related to land and resource access, often involve power dynamics. These can influence conflict and struggle.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Political Ecology and Economic Control

Political ecology helps explain why we often lack control over our economic lives. By understanding power dynamics in environmental issues, we can work towards more equitable outcomes.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Critiques and Alternatives in Political Ecology

Political ecology aims to provide critiques and alternatives to address the interplay between environmental and social factors.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Four Interacting Spheres

  • Lithosphere: The solid part of Earth's crust, including rocks and soil.
  • Hydrosphere: All Earth's water bodies (lakes, rivers, oceans, groundwater, ice caps).
  • Atmosphere: The layer of gases surrounding Earth.
  • Biosphere: The realm of living things (plants and animals).

Biomes

  • Distinctive plant and animal species adapted to their environment.
  • Classified as terrestrial (land-based) or aquatic (water-based).
  • Differences in biomes are primarily due to climate (temperature and precipitation).

Ecosystems

  • Specific areas where the interaction between Earth's spheres creates a unique collection of living organisms.
  • Characterized by living (plants and animals) and non-living (climate, rocks, soil, water) components.
  • Ecosystem components are interconnected; changes in one area impact others.
  • Size differs from biomes, which are larger areas.

Five Major Parts of Biome

  • Aquatic: Freshwater and marine biomes (ponds, rivers, lakes, oceans).
  • Grasslands: Open regions dominated by grasses (tropical and temperate).
  • Forests: Dominated by trees, with high biodiversity.
  • Deserts: Dry areas (hot and cold deserts).
  • Tundra: Extremely cold, inhospitable areas.

Climate

  • The most important factor influencing the components of an ecosystem.
  • Temperature and precipitation influence vegetation types within a biome.

Human Ecology

  • Study of relationships between people and their environment.
  • Considers the environment as an ecosystem that provides services to people.

Sustainable Development

  • Meeting present needs without affecting future generations' ability to meet their own.
  • Key to understanding the interactions between humans and the environment.

Political Ecology

  • Study of relationships between political, economic, and social factors and environmental issues.
  • Assumes changes in the environment affect societies unevenly.
  • Examines how power relations influence environmental outcomes and policies.

Globalization's Environmental Impacts

  • Increased transport of goods leads to emissions and habitat destruction.
  • Specialization can cause habitat loss or resource overuse.
  • Reduced biodiversity due to various environmental factors.
  • Increased awareness of environmental issues.

Animal Husbandry

  • Agriculture concerned with animals raised for meat, fiber, milk.
  • Substantial environmental impact due to livestock farming.

Consumption and Production

  • Relies on natural resources.
  • Unsustainable practices lead to environmental problems like climate change and pollution.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

GEN 013 People and the Earth's Ecosystems P1 Reviewer PDF

Description

Explore the fundamental interactions between the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere in this quiz. Understand how these spheres influence various ecosystems and biomes, characterized by their unique climates and living organisms. Test your knowledge on how these elements create the diverse tapestry of life on Earth.

More Like This

Ecosystems and Biomes
5 questions

Ecosystems and Biomes

BestWilliamsite599 avatar
BestWilliamsite599
Biomes and Ecosystems Quiz
18 questions

Biomes and Ecosystems Quiz

DecisiveMorningGlory avatar
DecisiveMorningGlory
Environmental Science and Biomes Quiz
8 questions

Environmental Science and Biomes Quiz

SteadfastChalcedony avatar
SteadfastChalcedony
Biomes and Ecosystems Chapter Quiz
5 questions

Biomes and Ecosystems Chapter Quiz

SteadfastChalcedony avatar
SteadfastChalcedony
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser