All Flashcards
Montreal Protocol purpose?
Phase out ozone-depleting chemicals like CFCs.
Endangered Species Act (ESA) purpose?
Protects endangered and threatened species and their habitats.
Kyoto Protocol purpose?
International agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
National Invasive Species Act (NISA) purpose?
Prevents the introduction of invasive species through ballast water.
Paris Agreement purpose?
International agreement to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
What is the Greenhouse Effect?
Natural process where certain gases trap heat in Earth's atmosphere.
Why is the Ozone Layer important?
Absorbs harmful UV radiation, protecting life on Earth.
Explain the Montreal Protocol's significance.
Successful international agreement phasing out ozone-depleting substances.
Describe the impact of CFCs on the ozone layer.
CFCs release chlorine, preventing ozone reformation and depleting the layer.
What is the role of greenhouse gases?
Trap heat in the atmosphere, influencing Earth's temperature.
Explain the impact of increased atmospheric CO2.
Leads to both global warming and ocean acidification.
How does ocean acidification affect marine life?
Makes it difficult for organisms to build shells and impacts food chains.
Why are specialist species more vulnerable?
They have narrow niches and struggle to adapt to change.
Explain the concept of HIPPCO.
Major drivers of biodiversity loss: Habitat destruction, Invasive species, Population growth, Pollution, Climate change, Over-exploitation.
What is the significance of Biodiversity?
Variety of life on Earth, essential for ecosystem stability and human well-being.
Define Stratosphere.
Atmospheric layer above the troposphere, containing the ozone layer.
Define Ozone Layer.
Region in the stratosphere with high ozone (O3) concentration, absorbing harmful UV radiation.
Define Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
Stable compounds used in refrigerants and propellants that deplete the ozone layer.
Define Global Warming Potential (GWP).
Measure of how much heat a gas traps in the atmosphere compared to CO2.
Define Ocean Acidification.
Decrease in ocean pH due to increased absorption of atmospheric CO2.
Define Specialist Species.
Species with a narrow niche, vulnerable to environmental changes.
Define Generalist Species.
Species with a broad niche, adaptable to various environments.
Define K-selected Species.
Species with low reproductive rates and long lifespans.
Define r-selected Species.
Species with high reproductive rates and short lifespans.
Define Invasive Species.
Non-native species that disrupt ecosystems.