Impacts of Climate Change on Ecosystems

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a direct impact of climate change on aquatic ecosystems?

  • Melting sea ice
  • Warmer ocean temperatures
  • Increased ocean acidity
  • Drunken forests (correct)

Climate change only affects ecosystems, not human health.

False (B)

What are two ways climate change affects human health?

Climate change can affect human health through increased air pollution from forest fires, which can cause respiratory problems and other diseases. Additionally, it can lead to the spread of diseases like malaria and Ebola in warmer climates.

The melting of land ice can lead to the formation of '_________ forests' due to the thawing permafrost.

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

Match the following impacts of climate change with their corresponding ecosystem:

<p>Melting sea ice = Aquatic Ecosystems Drunken forests = Terrestrial Ecosystems Coral bleaching = Aquatic Ecosystems Desertification = Terrestrial Ecosystems Changes in migration patterns = Both Terrestrial &amp; Aquatic Ecosystems</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concept of "drunken forests" and how they are related to climate change.

<p>Drunken forests refer to trees tilting or leaning due to the thawing of permafrost, a phenomenon occurring as a direct result of rising temperatures caused by climate change. This thawing destabilizes the ground, leading to these unusual formations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a direct consequence of warmer ocean temperatures?

<p>Coral bleaching (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain how climate change affects fisheries in the Arctic Ocean.

<p>Climate change leads to warming temperatures in the Arctic Ocean, causing sea ice to melt. This melting results in habitat loss for marine species like krill, a crucial food source for many fish species. The decline in krill populations directly affects the Arctic Ocean fisheries, potentially leading to decreased fish populations and impacting the livelihoods of those involved in fishing in this region.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Climate change only affects regions that experience significant temperature increases; it has no impact on areas with stable temperatures.

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

Changes in precipitation patterns caused by climate change can lead to _________ areas in some regions and _________ areas in others.

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What is one primary effect of climate change on terrestrial ecosystems?

<p>Endangerment and extinction of species (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Warming oceans can cause coral bleaching.

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

Name one way climate change affects drinking water availability.

<p>Increased evaporation rates lead to water shortages.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Sea ice melting alters the _________ patterns of marine species.

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

Match the following impacts of climate change with their corresponding effect:

<p>Melting permafrost = Destruction of homes and infrastructure Warmer oceans = Changes in nutrient cycles Higher evaporation rates = Desertification Increased storm intensity = Displacement of communities</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the habitat destruction caused by rising sea levels?

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

Desertification can lead to food shortages.

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

How does forest fire pollution affect human health?

<p>It can lead to respiratory diseases.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The disappearance of _______ threatens biodiversity in marine ecosystems.

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

Which of the following is a result of changed precipitation patterns due to climate change?

<p>Flooding in some areas and drought in others (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one significant impact of climate change on terrestrial ecosystems?

<p>Changes in migration patterns (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Melting sea ice does not impact indigenous peoples' ways of life in polar regions.

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

List three effects of climate change on human health.

<p>Increased diseases, injuries from storms, and mental health issues due to homelessness.</p> Signup and view all the answers

___ is a major food source that is disappearing due to climate change.

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

What is a possible consequence of increased flooding due to climate change?

<p>Displacement of communities (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Climate change only affects aquatic ecosystems and has no impact on terrestrial ecosystems.

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

Explain how food chains can be affected by changes in ocean currents due to warmer oceans.

<p>Changes in ocean currents can disrupt nutrient cycles, leading to altered food availability and migration of species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Increased desertification caused by climate change leads to food shortages and _____.

<p>drinking water shortages</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to habitats as sea levels rise?

<p>Habitat destruction (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Impact of Climate Change on Organisms

Organisms struggle to survive as environments rapidly change, leading to their endangerment or extinction.

Melting Permafrost

Melting permafrost damages structures and disrupts ecosystems.

Desertification

Increased evaporation leads to drier land, impacting agriculture and water supplies.

Climate Change and Flooding

Changes in precipitation patterns cause flooding in some areas and droughts in others, leading to displacement and hardship.

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Climate Change and Human Health

Climate change exposes humans to new diseases, injuries, and mental health challenges due to extreme weather events and air pollution.

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Melting Sea Ice Impacts

Melting sea ice destroys polar bear habitats and disrupts the way of life for indigenous communities.

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Climate Change Impact on Food Chains

Sea ice melting disrupts food chains by reducing the availability of krill, a vital food source for many marine animals.

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Impact of Warmer Oceans

Warmer oceans cause coral bleaching, disrupt ocean currents, and alter nutrient cycles, leading to wider climate changes.

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Rising Sea Levels

Rising sea levels, caused by thermal expansion of water and melting glaciers, lead to habitat destruction and displacement of communities.

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More Violent Storms due to Climate Change

Warmer air carries more energy, intensifying storms and increasing their destructive potential.

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Study Notes

Impacts of Climate Change

  • Climate change affects various aspects of our planet, including both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
  • It leads to significant changes in ecosystems.
  • Climate change causes various problems, for example, affecting human health.
  • One impact is changes in precipitation patterns.
  • Drier areas experience wetter periods, and wetter areas face drier periods.
  • More energetic storms are a consequence of rising temperatures.

Terrestrial Ecosystems

  • Organisms face endangerment and extinction due to a rapid change in the environment.
  • Species migration patterns change due to climate shifts.
  • Thawing permafrost damages infrastructure and homes, impacting human populations and the environment.
  • The term "drunken forests" is used to describe forests with tilted trees and damage.
  • Higher evaporation rates increase desertification, causing food shortages and water scarcity.
  • Agriculture suffers due to water scarcity, leading to food shortages.

Aquatic Ecosystems

  • Climate change affects aquatic ecosystems, causing coral bleaching.
  • Changes in ocean currents create disruptions in the nutrient cycle, impacting ecosystems.
  • Melting sea ice significantly affects the poles and habitats of animals, specifically polar bears and the Inuit.
  • Food chains undergo alterations, impacting biodiversity and causing migration changes.
  • Warmer oceans lead to coral bleaching and changes in ocean currents, altering nutrient cycles and therefore impacting local climates.
  • Changing sea levels disrupt coastal areas and displace marine life.

Human Health

  • Air pollution from forest fires poses a significant health risk.
  • Warmer climates lead to more diseases, such as malaria and ebola.
  • Injuries and fatalities are often caused by energetic storms, heat waves, and flooding.
  • Homelessness negatively impacts physical and mental well-being.
  • Climate change impacts human health in significant ways.

Practice Questions

  • The practice questions focus on understanding the effects of climate change on various ecosystems.

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Related Documents

Lesson 9: Impacts of Climate Change PDF

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