Midterm Exam 1A Study Notes
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Questions and Answers

This is an example of potential energy.

  • Running water in a river
  • A collision between hockey players
  • Water stored behind a dam (correct)
  • Sunlight on a leaf

The 'environment' includes what components?

  • the atmosphere, cryosphere, and biosphere
  • the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and cryosphere (correct)
  • the biosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere
  • the lithosphere, biosphere, and hydrosphere

The belief that ecosystem components have value unrelated to humans is a:

  • existential view
  • ecocentric view (correct)
  • anthropocentric view
  • technocentric view

The Trans Mountain expansion is building a pipeline in order to

<p>increase capacity to move heavy petroleum products from Alberta to the BC coast (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Rapid human population growth began when:

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Most water use worldwide is for:

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

'Systems thinking' requires:

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

The shape of the population 'pyramid' for a country with low life expectancy and a high birth rate has what shape?

<p>upside-down pyramid (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Planetary carrying capacity is compromised by such pressures as:

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following arises when resource abundance and human consumption don't match?

<p>all of the above (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a method for encouraging compliance with international agreements?

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

One function of inequality is that:

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

Which of the following is NOT a reason that we seem less concerned about the ozone layer today?

<p>The ozone layer turned out to be unimportant (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

As the human population increases, the number of hectares available per person will ______.

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

Lichens are often the first colonizers in primary succession

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

One way science can try to understand the complexity of natural systems is by the use of ______.

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

Resilience is best described as ______.

<p>the ability of a system to absorb disturbance and still retain its basic function (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Researchers suggest that the most important reason why overall human welfare is improving on a global scale and yet ecosystems continue to be degraded is that ______.

<p>due to a time lag, the worst is yet to come regarding the full impacts of global degradation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The assessment of Millenium Development Goal targets suggests that:

<p>we are not meeting most of the goals (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The portion of the ecosphere that contains all ice on Earth is called the ______.

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

The term 'light living' means:

<p>treading lightly to minimize our ecological footprints (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Canada is a federated state, which means its power and authority are:

<p>shared between the federal and provincial governments (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Ecological redundancy provides resilience because:

<p>reduction or extinction of one species can be compensated for by others (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Common characteristics of living organisms include:

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

The Law of Everybody suggests that:

<p>Both (a) and (b) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The principle that tells us that there is always a decrease in usable energy when it is transformed from one form to another is described by ______.

<p>the second law of thermodynamics (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The approach used by Indigenous peoples to develop knowledge is referred to as:

<p>traditional ecological knowledge (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The following component of the hydrosphere with the least amount of water is the ______.

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

Organisms that capture energy from other organisms are called:

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

Which of the following is not an output of respiration?

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

These two gases account for 99 per cent of the gaseous volume of the troposphere.

<p>Nitrogen; oxygen (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Specialist species are more susceptible to population fluctuations because:

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

Photosynthesis requires:

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Biome distribution is principally determined by:

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

What is the limiting factor that makes the open ocean an unproductive biome?

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

Net community productivity (NCP):

<p>is GPP minus NPP (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The O-Horizon of the soil contains:

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not an auxiliary energy flow?

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

Biodiversity is recognized at the following levels:

<p>organism, population, and community (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The realized niche for a population is smaller than the fundamental niche for that species because of:

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

The Sustainable Development Goals build upon the Millennium Development Goals and have a broader environmental scope.

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

Some people recommend that scientists should avoid advocacy of any particular solution:

<p>to generate appropriate definitions of problems for environmental managers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The soil component having the smallest particle size is:

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

The “parent material” of soil is:

<p>rock and/or gravel (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Optimal foraging theory suggests that:

<p>foraging strategies are a balance of costs and benefits (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Commensalism is a relationship that is ______.

<p>beneficial to one species (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The niche of a species is:

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

In interference competition, two species are competing ______.

<p>any of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is/are NOT an abiotic ecosystem component.

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

Lichens:

<p>are partnerships between fungi and photosynthetic algae (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of succession occurs where a community frequently returns to earlier seral stages due to disturbance?

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

The richer zones that occur between communities and have the highest species diversity are known as:

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

Ecosystems with these qualities can best withstand human interference without experiencing serious damage.

<p>high inertia and high resilience (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The forest biome is characterized by:

<p>Continuous tree cover (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Canada has experienced a serious alien invasion of:

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Mature ecosystems are not characterized by:

<p>high net productivity (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The sea otter was extirpated from the BC coast due to:

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

Invasive species are organisms that are:

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

Flashcards

Potential Energy

Stored energy that has the capacity to do work. For example, water stored behind a dam has potential energy that can be converted into kinetic energy when released.

Environment

The surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates. It encompasses all living and non-living components of the earth, including the biosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere, and cryosphere.

Ecocentric View

A worldview that emphasizes the intrinsic value of all living organisms and ecosystems, regardless of their usefulness to humans.

Trans Mountain Expansion

A pipeline project aimed at increasing the capacity to transport heavy petroleum products from Alberta's oil sands to the BC coast.

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Rapid Population Growth

The rapid increase in the human population, which began with the advent of modern medicine and technology.

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Water Use Around the World

The majority of human water use is dedicated to agriculture, followed by industrial and residential uses.

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Systems Thinking

A holistic approach that considers the interconnectedness of various components within a system and how they interact to influence the overall behavior.

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Population Pyramid Shape

The shape of a population pyramid reflects the age distribution of a population. Countries with low life expectancy and high birth rates typically have a pyramid shape.

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Planetary Carrying Capacity

The maximum population size that the Earth can sustainably support without causing long-term environmental damage.

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Resource Abundance vs. Human consumption

Mismatches between the availability of resources and human consumption can lead to poverty, degradation, pollution, extinctions, which affect human well-being.

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International Environmental Agreements

Policies or treaties between countries to address shared environmental concerns. Compliance is encouraged through methods like peer pressure, trade sanctions, and negative publicity.

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Function of Inequality

Uneven distribution of resources and opportunities can lead to disparities in ecological footprints and unequal impacts from environmental change, with some populations having a larger impact on the environment.

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Montreal Protocol

An international agreement that aimed to phase out ozone-depleting substances, such as CFCs, successfully contributing to the recovery of the ozone layer.

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Human Population Growth and Resources

As the human population increases, the amount of resources available per person decreases, putting pressure on the environment.

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Primary Succession

The colonization of barren land, where no life previously existed, by pioneer species, leading to the gradual development of a diverse ecosystem.

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Simplified Models in Science

Simplified representations of complex natural systems used by scientists to understand key processes and interactions within an ecosystem.

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Resilience in Ecosystems

The ability of an ecosystem to withstand disturbances and recover to its original state.

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Human Welfare vs. Ecosystem Degradation

While human welfare is improving globally, the degradation of ecosystems continues due to the time lag in experiencing the full consequences of environmental damage.

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Millennium Development Goals

A set of targets aimed at improving human development and reducing poverty, some of which addressed environmental concerns.

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Cryosphere

The portion of the Earth's surface that is covered in ice. Ex: glaciers, ice caps

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Light Living

A lifestyle focused on minimizing our ecological impact by consuming less, using renewable energy, and reducing waste.

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Federated State

A system of government where power is shared between a central government and regional governments.

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Ecological Redundancy

The presence of multiple species with similar functions within an ecosystem, which increases resilience by providing backup if one species is removed or declines.

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Characteristics of Living Organisms

Living organisms share key characteristics, including responsiveness to their environment, energy use to maintain order, and growth over time.

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Law of Everybody

The idea that even small individual actions for environmental protection collectively can have a significant impact.

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Second Law of Thermodynamics

A fundamental principle stating that whenever energy is transformed from one form to another, some usable energy is lost as heat, leading to entropy.

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Traditional Ecological Knowledge

Indigenous knowledge systems that have been passed down through generations, offering insights into how ecosystems function and how to live sustainably.

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O-Horizon

The top layer of soil, composed primarily of organic matter, including decomposing leaves, twigs, and other plant and animal residues.

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Auxiliary Energy Flow

Energy inputs into a system that are not directly from natural sources, such as fossil fuels, fertilizers, and pesticides.

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Biodiversity Levels

Biodiversity is recognized at three main levels: genetic diversity within species, species diversity in an ecosystem, and ecosystem diversity across landscapes.

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Study Notes

Midterm Examination 1A - Study Notes

  • Exam Structure: The exam has 75 multiple-choice questions, each worth 1 mark, totaling 75 marks.
  • Time Allotment: Students have 75 minutes to complete the exam.
  • Materials: Students must use a pencil to complete both the test paper and score sheet.
  • Marking: Ensure the student ID and version are correctly marked.
  • Energy Examples: Examples include sunlight on a leaf, running water, collisions, and water stored behind a dam.
  • Environment Components: The environment encompasses the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and cryosphere.
  • Ecosystem Perspectives: A technocentric view values ecosystem components based on their utility to humans. In contrast, the ecocentric view considers aspects outside of human uses. The anthropocentric view focuses on the intrinsic value to humanity.
  • Trans Mountain Pipeline: The pipeline is being expanded to transport petroleum products from Alberta to the BC coast.
  • Human Population Growth: A significant increase in population growth occurred due to advancements in medical care, increasing wealth, and the understanding of energy sources within the Earth.
  • Water Usage: Most global water use is for agriculture.
  • Systems Thinking: Systems thinking incorporates individual components to understand the entire system.
  • Population Pyramids: Countries with low life expectancy and high birth rates have pyramid shapes.
  • Carrying Capacity: Planetary carrying capacity is compromised due to overpopulation, poverty, and overconsumption/pollution.
  • Resource Mismatch: Mismatched human consumption and resource abundance results in issues like poverty, degradation, and pollution.
  • International Compliance: Methods of promoting international agreement compliance include peer pressure, trade sanctions, negative publicity, and criminal charges.
  • Ecological Footprint: Inequality impacts the ecological footprint due to varied consumption patterns.
  • Ozone Layer: The Montreal Protocol has reduced ozone-depleting substances (CFCs). However, there's currently reduced concern about the ozone layer due to successful recovery efforts.
  • Primary Succession: Lichens are initial colonizers in primary succession.
  • Resilience: Resilience is a system's ability to absorb disturbances while maintaining its basic function.
  • Human and Environmental Goal Misalignment: Assessments show that improvements in human well-being may not reflect corresponding improvements to the environment itself.
  • Ecological Knowledge: Traditional ecological knowledge is an approach used by Indigenous peoples to gain knowledge.
  • Hydrosphere Components: The hydrosphere component with the least amount of water is wetlands.
  • Organisms’ Energy Acquisition: Organisms acquiring energy from other organisms are called heterotrophs.
  • Respiration Output: Respiration produces energy, carbon dioxide, and water. Carbohydrates are not a respiration output.
  • Tropospheric Gases: Nitrogen and oxygen account for 99% of the troposphere's gases.
  • Specialist Species Vulnerability: Specialist species, having narrow niches, and restricted food sources, are more susceptible to population fluctuations.
  • Photosynthesis Requirements: Photosynthesis depends on solar energy, carbon dioxide, and water.
  • Biome Distribution: Biome distributions depend mostly on factors like temperature and precipitation.
  • Ocean Biome: The open ocean is unproductive due to nutrient limitation.
  • Net Community Productivity (NCP): NCP is the difference between gross primary production and total respiration.
  • Soil Horizons: The O-horizon in the soil contains organic material.
  • Auxiliary Energy Flows: Fertilizers, sunlight, and pesticides are examples. Gasoline is not an auxiliary energy flow.
  • Biodiversity: Biodiversity includes levels of genetic diversity, population-level diversity, and ecosystem-level diversity.
  • Realized vs Fundamental Niche: Competition impacts a species' realized niche, which is smaller than its fundamental niche.
  • Interference Competition: Species compete actively to access resources, territory, or to avoid predation.
  • Ecosystem Components: Essential abiotic factors include precipitation, sunlight, and soil pH.
  • Symbiotic Relationships: Lichens are symbiotic partnerships between fungi and photosynthetic algae.
  • Succession: Cyclic succession happens repeatedly, primary succession develops on bare rock, climax succession describes the final community, and seral succession is a stage in ecological succession.
  • Ecotones: Ecotones are transition zones with high species diversity.
  • Ecosystem Characteristics: Resilience, high inertia, species diversity, and efficient nutrient cycling are features of mature ecosystems.
  • Invasive Species: Invasive species are usually found outside their natural range and can have negative impacts.
  • Evolutionary Processes: Adaptive radiation and contemporary evolution are possible methods of creating new traits.
  • Feedback Loops: Negative feedback loops counteract changes.
  • Chemical Elements: Nutrients are essential for living organisms.
  • Extinction: Extinction occurs when a species can no longer survive new conditions.
  • Invasive Species Control: Limiting the number of ships entering the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence River, preventing the importation of drinking water, and restricting the discharge of ballast water help control invasive species.
  • Saturation Vapor Pressure: It is the pressure of water vapor when it's in equilibrium with liquid water.
  • Pollution Sources: Point sources (e.g., factories) and non-point sources (e.g., agricultural runoff) are types of pollution.
  • Matter: Matter cannot be created or destroyed.

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GEOG/ENST 1150/1170 Midterm Exam 1A PDF

Description

This study guide covers essential topics for Midterm Examination 1A, including exam structure, time allotment, and critical concepts related to ecosystems and environmental components. It highlights the distinctions between technocentric, ecocentric, and anthropocentric perspectives. Prepare effectively with these notes that emphasize key examples and definitions.

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