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 process of ozone depletion by CFCs?
CFCs reach stratosphere, UV breaks them down releasing Chlorine, Chlorine prevents ozone reformation.
Describe the process of ocean acidification.
Atmospheric CO2 increases, ocean absorbs more CO2, carbonic acid forms, pH decreases.
Outline the Greenhouse Effect.
Solar radiation enters atmosphere, some is absorbed, some is reflected, greenhouse gases trap heat.
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.