All Flashcards
Ozone layer significance?
Absorbs harmful UV radiation, protecting life on Earth.
Greenhouse effect importance?
Natural process that keeps Earth warm enough to support life.
Why is biodiversity important?
Provides ecosystem services, genetic resources, and resilience.
Impact of CFCs on ozone?
CFCs release chlorine, which destroys ozone molecules.
How does CO2 impact oceans?
Increased atmospheric CO2 leads to ocean acidification.
Why are specialist species vulnerable?
Narrow niches make them susceptible to habitat changes.
Why are K-selected species vulnerable?
Low reproductive rates hinder recovery from population declines.
What is the role of greenhouse gases?
Trap heat in the atmosphere, influencing global temperatures.
What is the impact of invasive species?
Disrupt ecosystems, outcompete native species, reduce biodiversity.
Why is the Montreal Protocol important?
Successful example of international environmental cooperation.
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 are the effects of ozone depletion?
Increased UV radiation, skin cancer, cataracts.
What are the consequences of increased greenhouse gases?
Global warming, climate change, sea level rise.
What are the impacts of ocean acidification?
Shellfish decline, coral bleaching, food web disruption.
What are the effects of habitat destruction?
Biodiversity loss, species extinction, ecosystem disruption.
What are the consequences of invasive species?
Ecosystem imbalance, competition with native species, economic damage.
What is the impact of overexploitation?
Depletion of resources, endangerment of species, ecosystem collapse.