APES Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
39 flashcards covering APES Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services for the AP-ENVIRONMENTAL-SCIENCE Unit 2 section.
Biodiversity and ecosystem services are fundamental concepts in environmental science, encompassing the variety of life forms on Earth and the benefits they provide to human society. The College Board outlines these themes in the AP Environmental Science curriculum, emphasizing their significance in maintaining ecological balance and supporting human well-being. Understanding the interconnections between biodiversity and ecosystem services is crucial for addressing environmental challenges.
In practice exams and competency assessments, questions on this topic often focus on the definitions of biodiversity, the different types of ecosystem services, and their implications for sustainability. Common traps include confusing the various categories of ecosystem services, such as provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services. Test-takers might also overlook the importance of local biodiversity and its direct impact on ecosystem resilience. A practical tip often missed is the role of native species in enhancing ecosystem services, which can be critical for effective environmental management and conservation strategies.
Terms (39)
- 01
What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, encompassing the diversity of species, genetic variations, and ecosystem types. It is crucial for ecosystem resilience and function (College Board AP CED).
- 02
How does biodiversity contribute to ecosystem services?
Biodiversity enhances ecosystem services by providing a wider range of functions, such as pollination, nutrient cycling, and habitat provision, which support human well-being and environmental health (College Board AP CED).
- 03
What is the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem stability?
Higher biodiversity generally leads to greater ecosystem stability, as diverse ecosystems are more resilient to disturbances and can recover more quickly (College Board AP CED).
- 04
Which of the following is a provisioning service?
Provisioning services are products obtained from ecosystems, such as food, fresh water, wood, fiber, and genetic resources (College Board AP CED).
- 05
What is a regulating service in ecosystem services?
Regulating services are benefits obtained from the regulation of ecosystem processes, including climate regulation, flood control, and water purification (College Board AP CED).
- 06
Define cultural services in the context of ecosystem services.
Cultural services are non-material benefits people obtain from ecosystems, including recreational, aesthetic, and spiritual benefits (College Board AP CED).
- 07
How often should biodiversity assessments be conducted in protected areas?
Biodiversity assessments should be conducted regularly, typically every 5 to 10 years, to monitor changes and inform management practices (College Board AP CED).
- 08
What is the impact of habitat fragmentation on biodiversity?
Habitat fragmentation can lead to reduced biodiversity by isolating populations, limiting gene flow, and increasing vulnerability to extinction (College Board AP CED).
- 09
Which of the following best describes ecosystem resilience?
Ecosystem resilience is the ability of an ecosystem to absorb disturbances and still maintain its basic structure and functions (College Board AP CED).
- 10
What is the significance of keystone species in an ecosystem?
Keystone species have a disproportionately large impact on their environment relative to their abundance, helping to maintain the structure and diversity of the ecosystem (College Board AP CED).
- 11
How does invasive species affect native biodiversity?
Invasive species can outcompete native species for resources, disrupt food webs, and lead to declines in native biodiversity (College Board AP CED).
- 12
What role do pollinators play in ecosystem services?
Pollinators are essential for the reproduction of many flowering plants, contributing to food production and biodiversity (College Board AP CED).
- 13
When assessing ecosystem services, what is a common method used?
A common method for assessing ecosystem services is the use of ecological valuation techniques, which estimate the economic value of services provided by ecosystems (College Board AP CED).
- 14
What is the maximum sustainable yield in fisheries management?
Maximum sustainable yield is the largest yield (or catch) that can be taken from a specific fish stock over an indefinite period under constant environmental conditions (College Board AP CED).
- 15
How does climate change threaten biodiversity?
Climate change threatens biodiversity by altering habitats, shifting species distributions, and increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, which can lead to extinction (College Board AP CED).
- 16
What is the purpose of biodiversity hotspots?
Biodiversity hotspots are regions that are both rich in endemic species and under significant threat from human activities, aimed at prioritizing conservation efforts (College Board AP CED).
- 17
Define ecosystem services.
Ecosystem services are the benefits that humans derive from ecosystems, including provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services (College Board AP CED).
- 18
What is the role of genetic diversity in ecosystems?
Genetic diversity within species is crucial for adaptation to changing environments and resilience against diseases, contributing to overall ecosystem health (College Board AP CED).
- 19
What is a supporting service in ecosystem services?
Supporting services are those that are necessary for the production of all other ecosystem services, such as soil formation and nutrient cycling (College Board AP CED).
- 20
How can urban areas impact local biodiversity?
Urban areas can impact local biodiversity through habitat destruction, pollution, and the introduction of invasive species, often leading to declines in native species (College Board AP CED).
- 21
What is the significance of wetlands in biodiversity?
Wetlands are critical for biodiversity as they provide habitat for a wide range of species, improve water quality, and offer flood protection (College Board AP CED).
- 22
What is the relationship between ecosystem diversity and species diversity?
Ecosystem diversity refers to the variety of ecosystems within a region, while species diversity refers to the variety of species within those ecosystems; both are interconnected and vital for overall biodiversity (College Board AP CED).
- 23
What actions can be taken to conserve biodiversity?
Actions to conserve biodiversity include establishing protected areas, restoring habitats, implementing sustainable practices, and reducing pollution (College Board AP CED).
- 24
How does deforestation impact ecosystem services?
Deforestation negatively impacts ecosystem services by reducing carbon storage, disrupting water cycles, and decreasing biodiversity, which all contribute to ecosystem health (College Board AP CED).
- 25
What is the role of ecological succession in biodiversity?
Ecological succession is the process by which ecosystems change and develop over time, leading to increased biodiversity as new species colonize and establish (College Board AP CED).
- 26
What is an example of a cultural ecosystem service?
An example of a cultural ecosystem service is recreational activities such as hiking and birdwatching, which provide enjoyment and well-being to individuals (College Board AP CED).
- 27
How does overfishing affect marine biodiversity?
Overfishing can lead to the depletion of fish stocks, disrupt marine food webs, and reduce overall biodiversity in marine ecosystems (College Board AP CED).
- 28
What is the importance of pollinator diversity?
Pollinator diversity is important because different pollinators contribute to the reproduction of various plants, enhancing ecosystem resilience and food production (College Board AP CED).
- 29
What is the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems?
Climate change impacts marine ecosystems through ocean acidification, rising sea temperatures, and altered species distributions, threatening biodiversity (College Board AP CED).
- 30
What is a common strategy for restoring degraded ecosystems?
A common strategy for restoring degraded ecosystems is ecological restoration, which aims to return ecosystems to their original structure and function (College Board AP CED).
- 31
How do ecosystem services relate to human health?
Ecosystem services are directly linked to human health by providing clean air, water, food, and recreational opportunities that contribute to overall well-being (College Board AP CED).
- 32
What is the significance of biodiversity corridors?
Biodiversity corridors are areas that connect fragmented habitats, allowing for species movement and gene flow, which enhances biodiversity conservation (College Board AP CED).
- 33
How does agricultural biodiversity contribute to food security?
Agricultural biodiversity contributes to food security by providing a variety of crops and livestock that can withstand pests, diseases, and changing climate conditions (College Board AP CED).
- 34
What is the role of ecosystem services in sustainable development?
Ecosystem services play a critical role in sustainable development by supporting economic growth while ensuring environmental protection and social equity (College Board AP CED).
- 35
What is the effect of pollution on biodiversity?
Pollution can lead to habitat degradation, species decline, and loss of biodiversity by contaminating air, water, and soil (College Board AP CED).
- 36
What is the role of conservation biology?
Conservation biology is a field that focuses on the study and preservation of biodiversity, aiming to protect species and their habitats (College Board AP CED).
- 37
How does urbanization impact ecosystem services?
Urbanization can reduce ecosystem services by replacing natural landscapes with impervious surfaces, leading to habitat loss and decreased biodiversity (College Board AP CED).
- 38
What is the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem productivity?
Higher biodiversity often leads to increased ecosystem productivity, as diverse species can utilize resources more efficiently and contribute to ecosystem functioning (College Board AP CED).
- 39
What are the consequences of species extinction on ecosystems?
Species extinction can disrupt food webs, reduce ecosystem resilience, and lead to further biodiversity loss, impacting ecosystem services (College Board AP CED).