#AP Environmental Science: Biodiversity & Conservation - The Night Before 🌃

Hey there, future AP Environmental Science master! Feeling a bit overwhelmed? Don't worry, we've got you covered. This guide is designed to be your quick, high-impact review for tonight. Let's dive in!

#Introduction: Why Biodiversity Matters 🌍

Key Concept

Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth, encompassing species, ecosystems, and genetic diversity. It's crucial for ecosystem health and provides essential services like food, medicine, and climate regulation. Human activities are causing biodiversity loss at an alarming rate.

Human population growth is a major driver of biodiversity loss. As we expand, we need more land for housing, agriculture, and industry. This often leads to habitat destruction, pollution, overconsumption, and the introduction of invasive species. Climate change, driven by human activities, further disrupts ecosystems. Remember, everything is connected!

#The Big Picture

What is Biodiversity? The variety of life on Earth - species, ecosystems, and genes.
Why is it important? Provides essential ecosystem services and resources.
The Problem? Human activities are causing a rapid loss of biodiversity.

Memory Aid

Think of biodiversity like a complex puzzle. Each piece (species) is important, and if we lose too many, the whole picture (ecosystem) falls apart.

#Palm Oil & Rainforests 🌴

One of the most significant examples of biodiversity loss is the destruction of tropical rainforests for palm oil plantations. Rainforests are biodiversity hotspots, home to countless species found nowhere else. Monoculture plantations can't support this diversity, leading to massive habitat loss.

Quick Fact

Rainforests are home to about 50% of all plant and animal species on Earth.

Exam Tip

#Other Threats

Overfishing: Depletes fish populations and disrupts marine ecosystems.
Pollution: Harms wildlife through toxic chemicals, plastics, etc.
Invasive Species: Outcompete native species and disrupt ecosystems.
Climate Change: Alters habitats and makes it hard for species to adapt.

#HIPPCO: The Culprits Behind Biodiversity Loss 😠

Remember HIPPCO - the major factors causing biodiversity loss. This is a high-yield topic for both MCQs and FRQs.

Memory Aid

HIPPCO = Habitat Destruction, Invasive Species, Population Growth, Pollution, Climate Change, Overexploitation.

#Habitat Destruction 🚧

Destruction, fragmentation, or degradation of natural habitats. Think deforestation, urbanization, agriculture.

Example: Tropical rainforest destruction for agriculture (soybeans, palm oil, beef). Leads to species extinction, carbon release, soil erosion.

Exam Tip

When describing habitat destruction, be specific about the type of habitat and the cause of the destruction. This shows deeper understanding.

#Invasive Species 🐍

Non-native species that harm native ecosystems. They outcompete native species for resources and spread diseases.

Example: Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades. They have no natural predators, leading to a population explosion and decline of native species.

Common Mistake

Don't just say "invasive species are bad." Explain how they cause harm (competition, predation, disease).

#Population Growth 📈

Increased human population leads to increased resource use, urbanization, and habitat destruction.

Example: Overpopulation of cities leads to habitat loss, pollution, and strain on resources.

#Pollution 🏭

Release of toxic substances, plastics, and other pollutants that harm or kill species.

Example: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch. A massive collection of plastic debris that harms marine life.

Quick Fact

Microplastics are a major concern, as they can be ingested by small organisms and move up the food chain.

#Climate Change 🔥

Changes in temperature, precipitation, and weather patterns that disrupt ecosystems.

Example: Melting of Arctic sea ice. Loss of habitat for polar bears and other species, contributing to a feedback loop of warming.

Exam Tip

Be prepared to discuss the specific impacts of climate change on different ecosystems and species.

#Overexploitation 🎣

Overuse of natural resources, including overharvesting of wild animals and plants.

Example: Overfishing of cod in the North Atlantic. Led to population declines, ecosystem disruption, and economic consequences.

markdown-image

#Image courtesy ofxa0Wikimedia

#Conservation: Protecting Biodiversity 💪

Conserving biodiversity requires a multifaceted approach:

Habitat Protection: Preserving natural habitats and ecosystems.
Genetic Diversity: Protecting genetic diversity through captive breeding and reintroduction programs.
Sustainable Use: Promoting sustainable use of natural resources.
Climate Change Mitigation: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting adaptation.
Community Involvement: Working with local communities in conservation efforts.

Key Concept

Conservation is not just about protecting individual species; it's about maintaining healthy, functioning ecosystems.

#Key Strategies

Captive Breeding: Breeding endangered species in controlled environments.
Reintroduction: Returning species to their natural habitats.
Protected Areas: Establishing national parks and reserves.
Sustainable Practices: Promoting sustainable agriculture, fishing, and forestry.

Memory Aid

Think of conservation as a team effort. It needs scientists, policymakers, local communities, and everyone doing their part.

#Final Exam Focus 🎯

HIPPCO: Know each factor and be able to provide specific examples.
Ecosystem Services: Understand how biodiversity supports human well-being.
Climate Change Impacts: Be prepared to discuss specific impacts on different ecosystems.
Conservation Strategies: Know different approaches and their effectiveness.
FRQs: Practice explaining complex relationships and providing solutions.

#Last Minute Tips

Time Management: Don't spend too long on any one question. Move on and come back if you have time.
Read Carefully: Pay close attention to the wording of each question.
Be Specific: Use specific examples and terminology in your answers.
Stay Calm: Take deep breaths and trust your preparation.

Practice Question

#Multiple Choice Questions

Which of the following is the primary cause of habitat destruction? (a) Invasive species (b) Climate change (c) Human activities (d) Pollution
Which of the following is NOT a consequence of overfishing? (a) Decline in fish populations (b) Disruption of marine ecosystems (c) Increased biodiversity (d) Economic consequences for coastal communities
What is the main goal of captive breeding programs? (a) To introduce invasive species (b) To increase the population of endangered species (c) To cause habitat destruction (d) To overexploit natural resources

#Free Response Question

Prompt:

Discuss the impact of human activities on biodiversity, focusing on two specific examples of habitat destruction and one example of pollution. For each example, explain the specific cause and the effects on the ecosystem. Finally, propose two conservation strategies that could mitigate the negative impacts of human activities on biodiversity.

Scoring Rubric:

(2 points): Identification of two specific examples of habitat destruction.
(2 points): Explanation of the specific causes of each example.
(2 points): Explanation of the effects on the ecosystem for each example.
(2 points): Identification of one example of pollution.
(2 points): Explanation of the specific cause of the pollution.
(2 points): Explanation of the effects of the pollution on the ecosystem.
(2 points): Proposal of two conservation strategies.
(2 points): Justification of how these strategies could mitigate the negative impacts of human activities on biodiversity.

#Answer Key

Multiple Choice Answers:

Free Response Answer:

Habitat Destruction Examples:
- Example 1: Deforestation of the Amazon rainforest for cattle ranching and agriculture. This is caused by the clearing of trees for land use. The effects include loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, and increased greenhouse gas emissions.
- Example 2: Urban sprawl leading to the destruction of wetlands. This is caused by the expansion of cities and infrastructure development. The effects include loss of habitat for wetland species, decreased water filtration, and increased flooding.
Pollution Example:
- Example: Plastic pollution in the ocean. This is caused by the improper disposal of plastic waste. The effects include entanglement and ingestion by marine animals, disruption of food chains, and harm to human health.
Conservation Strategies:
- Strategy 1: Establishing protected areas such as national parks and reserves. These areas can help to preserve natural habitats and protect biodiversity. This would mitigate the negative impacts by preventing further habitat destruction and allowing species to thrive in their natural environment.
- Strategy 2: Promoting sustainable agriculture and forestry practices. This includes reducing the use of pesticides and fertilizers, and promoting the use of sustainable forestry practices. This would mitigate the negative impacts by reducing pollution and habitat destruction associated with these practices.