Unit 7 APES Practice Quiz

An ecosystem consists of both living organisms and nonliving physical components that interact as a system. This interaction supports life and maintains balance within the environment.

Solar energy is naturally replenished and virtually inexhaustible, making it a renewable resource. Unlike fossil fuels, its use does not deplete the earth's resources.

Biodiversity refers to the range of different species and genetic variations present within an ecosystem. High biodiversity is a sign of a healthy, resilient environment.

Sunlight is the base energy source for nearly all ecosystems through the process of photosynthesis. It converts solar energy into chemical energy that sustains life.

Decomposition breaks down dead organic matter, returning essential nutrients to the soil for use by plants. This process is fundamental for recycling materials within an ecosystem.

Photosynthesis is the method by which plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. This reaction is a key component of the carbon cycle, reducing atmospheric CO2.

Deforestation leads to the loss of habitat, which in turn reduces biodiversity as species lose their homes. Additionally, removal of trees decreases the absorption of CO2, increasing carbon emissions.

Agricultural run-off often contains fertilizers rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, leading to nutrient pollution in water systems. This excess of nutrients can result in harmful algal blooms and ecosystem disruption.

Sustainability is about balancing current resource use with the needs of future generations. It emphasizes responsible management of the environment to support long-term ecological health.

Acid rain decreases the pH of lakes and rivers, making the water more acidic. This change in pH can be harmful to aquatic life, particularly sensitive species like fish and amphibians.

Eutrophication occurs when an overabundance of nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, enters a water body. This excess leads to rapid algae growth, which can deplete oxygen and harm aquatic organisms.

Wind energy converts the kinetic energy of wind into electricity using wind turbines. It is a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from burning fossil fuels and deforestation, are the key contributors to global climate change. These emissions trap heat in the atmosphere, disrupting the planet's energy balance.

Keystone species exert a significant influence on the structure and balance of their ecosystem, often affecting many other organisms. Their removal can lead to dramatic shifts and a loss of ecosystem stability.

Biomagnification occurs when toxins accumulate in organisms at lower trophic levels and become more concentrated as they move up the food chain. This process can result in harmful effects for predators at the top of the food web.

The ecological footprint provides a metric for assessing how much natural resource consumption a population requires compared to what the Earth can renew. It is a critical tool for understanding environmental sustainability.

Carrying capacity refers to the upper limit of population size that an ecosystem can support without environmental degradation. It is determined by factors like available resources, habitat, and environmental conditions.

The Precautionary Principle emphasizes taking proactive measures to prevent environmental damage when scientific evidence is incomplete. It aims to minimize risk and prevent irreversible harm.

Invasive species can upset the balance of local ecosystems by outcompeting native species for essential resources. Their presence often leads to altered food webs and diminished biodiversity.

Bioindicators are species whose status reflects the health of their environment, making them useful in assessing ecological conditions. They help scientists detect changes and potential risks in an ecosystem.