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  1. AP Environmental Science
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Define biodiversity.

Variety of life on Earth: species, ecosystems, genes.

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Define biodiversity.

Variety of life on Earth: species, ecosystems, genes.

Define habitat destruction.

Destruction, fragmentation, or degradation of natural habitats.

Define invasive species.

Non-native species that harm native ecosystems.

Define overexploitation.

Overuse of natural resources, like overfishing.

Define captive breeding.

Breeding endangered species in controlled environments.

What are ecosystem services?

Benefits humans receive from ecosystems (e.g., food, climate regulation).

What is genetic diversity?

The range of different inherited traits within a species.

Define reintroduction.

Returning species to their natural habitats.

Define monoculture.

The cultivation of a single crop in a given area.

Define sustainability.

Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

How can habitat protection help protect the environment?

Preserves natural habitats and ecosystems, providing refuge for species and maintaining biodiversity.

How can sustainable agriculture help protect the environment?

Reduces the use of pesticides and fertilizers, promotes soil health, and minimizes water pollution.

How can sustainable fishing help protect the environment?

Prevents overfishing, protects marine ecosystems, and ensures long-term availability of fish stocks.

How can reducing greenhouse gas emissions help protect the environment?

Mitigates climate change, reduces the impacts on ecosystems, and protects vulnerable species.

How can promoting renewable energy help protect the environment?

Reduces reliance on fossil fuels, decreases air pollution, and mitigates climate change.

How can reducing plastic consumption help protect the environment?

Decreases plastic pollution in oceans and landfills, protecting marine life and reducing harm to ecosystems.

How can promoting conservation education help protect the environment?

Increases awareness of environmental issues, encourages sustainable practices, and fosters a sense of responsibility towards nature.

How can establishing wildlife corridors help protect the environment?

Connects fragmented habitats, allowing for species movement and gene flow, increasing resilience to environmental changes.

How can implementing reforestation projects help protect the environment?

Restores degraded habitats, increases carbon sequestration, and provides habitat for wildlife.

How can supporting eco-tourism help protect the environment?

Provides economic incentives for conservation, promotes sustainable practices, and raises awareness of environmental issues.

Why is biodiversity important?

Provides essential ecosystem services like food, medicine, climate regulation, and resources.

What is the impact of palm oil plantations?

Destruction of tropical rainforests, leading to massive habitat loss and reduced biodiversity.

How does overfishing affect marine ecosystems?

Depletes fish populations, disrupts food webs, and can lead to the collapse of marine ecosystems.

How does human population growth drive biodiversity loss?

Increases demand for resources, leading to habitat destruction, pollution, and overexploitation.

How does climate change impact biodiversity?

Alters habitats, disrupts ecosystems, and makes it difficult for species to adapt, leading to potential extinctions.

Explain the concept of habitat fragmentation.

The division of large, continuous habitats into smaller, isolated patches, reducing biodiversity and species movement.

How do invasive species harm native ecosystems?

Outcompete native species for resources, spread diseases, and disrupt food webs, leading to population declines or extinctions.

What is the role of genetic diversity in conservation?

Provides resilience to environmental changes and diseases, increasing the chances of species survival.

Why is sustainable use of resources important?

Ensures that resources are available for future generations while minimizing environmental damage.

What is the importance of community involvement in conservation?

Engages local populations in conservation efforts, ensuring long-term sustainability and addressing local needs.