APES Loss of Biodiversity from Climate Change
36 flashcards covering APES Loss of Biodiversity from Climate Change for the AP-ENVIRONMENTAL-SCIENCE Unit 9 section.
Loss of biodiversity due to climate change encompasses the decline in species variety and ecosystem health as a direct result of changing climate conditions. The College Board outlines this topic in the AP Environmental Science curriculum, emphasizing the importance of understanding the interactions between climate change and biodiversity loss. Key factors include habitat destruction, altered species distribution, and increased extinction rates.
In practice exams and competency assessments, questions on this topic often involve case studies or data interpretation related to species decline and ecosystem changes. Common traps include confusing the effects of climate change with other environmental stressors, such as pollution or invasive species. It's crucial to differentiate between direct and indirect impacts of climate change on biodiversity, as this distinction can be the basis for multiple-choice or free-response questions.
One practical tip to keep in mind is to pay attention to local species and ecosystems that may be particularly vulnerable to climate change, as real-world examples can help clarify theoretical concepts.
Terms (36)
- 01
What is the primary cause of biodiversity loss attributed to climate change?
The primary cause of biodiversity loss due to climate change is habitat alteration, which includes changes in temperature and precipitation patterns affecting ecosystems and species distributions (College Board AP CED).
- 02
How does climate change impact species extinction rates?
Climate change increases species extinction rates by disrupting habitats, altering food availability, and increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, which can outpace species' ability to adapt (College Board AP CED).
- 03
Which of the following is a direct effect of climate change on biodiversity?
A direct effect of climate change on biodiversity is the shifting of species' ranges towards higher altitudes or latitudes as they seek suitable climate conditions (College Board AP CED).
- 04
What role does ocean acidification play in biodiversity loss?
Ocean acidification, resulting from increased CO2 absorption by oceans, negatively affects marine biodiversity by harming calcifying organisms and disrupting marine food webs (College Board AP CED).
- 05
Under the Convention on Biological Diversity, what is required to mitigate biodiversity loss?
The Convention on Biological Diversity requires parties to develop national strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity to mitigate biodiversity loss (College Board AP CED).
- 06
How often should biodiversity assessments be conducted to monitor climate change impacts?
Biodiversity assessments should be conducted regularly, ideally every 5-10 years, to effectively monitor and respond to climate change impacts on ecosystems (College Board AP CED).
- 07
What is the impact of climate change on migratory species?
Climate change can disrupt migratory patterns of species by altering the timing of migrations and the availability of food resources along migratory routes (College Board AP CED).
- 08
A habitat is altered due to climate change. What is the expected ecological response?
The expected ecological response to habitat alteration from climate change is a shift in species composition, with some species declining and others potentially thriving (College Board AP CED).
- 09
What is the maximum temperature increase that could lead to significant biodiversity loss?
A temperature increase of more than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels is projected to lead to significant biodiversity loss globally (College Board AP CED).
- 10
Which ecosystems are most vulnerable to climate change and biodiversity loss?
Ecosystems such as coral reefs, wetlands, and alpine regions are among the most vulnerable to climate change and subsequent biodiversity loss due to their sensitivity to temperature and precipitation changes (College Board AP CED).
- 11
What is the effect of climate change on freshwater ecosystems?
Climate change affects freshwater ecosystems by altering water temperatures, flow patterns, and nutrient cycling, which can lead to reduced biodiversity and ecosystem health (College Board AP CED).
- 12
How does climate change influence invasive species?
Climate change can facilitate the spread of invasive species by creating more favorable conditions for their establishment and growth, further threatening native biodiversity (College Board AP CED).
- 13
What is the significance of genetic diversity in the context of climate change?
Genetic diversity is significant in the context of climate change as it enhances a species' ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions, thus supporting biodiversity conservation (College Board AP CED).
- 14
How can protected areas help mitigate biodiversity loss from climate change?
Protected areas can help mitigate biodiversity loss from climate change by preserving critical habitats and providing refuges for species to adapt to changing conditions (College Board AP CED).
- 15
What strategies can be employed to enhance ecosystem resilience to climate change?
Strategies to enhance ecosystem resilience to climate change include restoring degraded habitats, promoting connectivity between ecosystems, and implementing sustainable land-use practices (College Board AP CED).
- 16
What is the relationship between climate change and habitat fragmentation?
Climate change can exacerbate habitat fragmentation by altering species distributions and creating barriers to movement, which can further isolate populations and reduce genetic diversity (College Board AP CED).
- 17
How does climate change affect pollinator populations?
Climate change affects pollinator populations by altering flowering times and plant-pollinator interactions, which can lead to declines in pollinator diversity and abundance (College Board AP CED).
- 18
What is the impact of climate change on agricultural biodiversity?
Climate change impacts agricultural biodiversity by altering growing conditions, which can lead to reduced crop diversity and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases (College Board AP CED).
- 19
Under what conditions can climate change lead to ecosystem collapse?
Ecosystem collapse can occur under conditions of extreme climate change, such as rapid temperature increases and significant habitat loss, leading to a failure of ecological functions (College Board AP CED).
- 20
What is the role of climate change in altering species interactions?
Climate change alters species interactions by changing the timing of life cycle events, such as breeding and migration, which can disrupt predator-prey dynamics and mutualistic relationships (College Board AP CED).
- 21
How does climate change affect the distribution of terrestrial species?
Climate change affects the distribution of terrestrial species by shifting suitable habitats poleward or to higher elevations as temperatures rise (College Board AP CED).
- 22
What is the significance of ecosystem services in the context of biodiversity and climate change?
Ecosystem services are significant as they provide essential benefits to humans, and their loss due to climate change can have profound implications for human well-being and biodiversity (College Board AP CED).
- 23
How can climate adaptation strategies support biodiversity conservation?
Climate adaptation strategies can support biodiversity conservation by integrating ecological considerations into planning and management, ensuring that ecosystems can withstand climate impacts (College Board AP CED).
- 24
What is the expected outcome of increased extreme weather events on biodiversity?
Increased extreme weather events, such as storms and droughts, are expected to lead to habitat destruction and increased mortality rates for many species, resulting in biodiversity loss (College Board AP CED).
- 25
How does climate change influence the timing of seasonal events in ecosystems?
Climate change influences the timing of seasonal events, such as flowering and breeding, leading to mismatches between species that rely on each other for survival (College Board AP CED).
- 26
What is the impact of climate change on soil biodiversity?
Climate change impacts soil biodiversity by altering moisture levels and temperature, which can affect microbial communities and nutrient cycling essential for ecosystem health (College Board AP CED).
- 27
How can reforestation efforts help combat biodiversity loss due to climate change?
Reforestation efforts can combat biodiversity loss by restoring habitats, improving carbon sequestration, and enhancing ecosystem resilience to climate impacts (College Board AP CED).
- 28
What is the relationship between climate change and ocean currents regarding biodiversity?
Climate change can alter ocean currents, which affects nutrient distribution and marine biodiversity, potentially disrupting food webs and species distributions (College Board AP CED).
- 29
How does climate change affect the phenology of species?
Climate change affects the phenology of species by causing shifts in the timing of life cycle events, which can lead to mismatches in ecological interactions (College Board AP CED).
- 30
What is the significance of preserving genetic diversity in the face of climate change?
Preserving genetic diversity is significant as it provides populations with the variability needed to adapt to changing environmental conditions, thus supporting long-term survival (College Board AP CED).
- 31
How does climate change contribute to the spread of zoonotic diseases?
Climate change contributes to the spread of zoonotic diseases by altering habitats and increasing the range of vectors, which can expose new populations to diseases (College Board AP CED).
- 32
What is the impact of climate change on amphibian populations?
Climate change significantly impacts amphibian populations, leading to habitat loss, altered breeding patterns, and increased susceptibility to disease (College Board AP CED).
- 33
How does climate change affect the resilience of coral reefs?
Climate change affects the resilience of coral reefs by increasing sea temperatures and ocean acidification, leading to coral bleaching and loss of biodiversity (College Board AP CED).
- 34
What is the role of climate change in the decline of pollinator species?
Climate change plays a role in the decline of pollinator species by disrupting their habitats and food sources, which can lead to reduced populations and biodiversity (College Board AP CED).
- 35
How can community-based conservation efforts address biodiversity loss from climate change?
Community-based conservation efforts can address biodiversity loss by involving local stakeholders in management practices that enhance ecosystem resilience and sustainability (College Board AP CED).
- 36
What is the effect of climate change on the distribution of fish species?
Climate change affects the distribution of fish species by altering water temperatures and salinity levels, which can lead to shifts in fish populations and biodiversity (College Board AP CED).