Impact of Human Activities on Earth's Ecosystems

Front

Marine scientists monitor atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide. As atmospheric levels rise, more of the gas dissolves in the oceans. Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) dissolves as more carbon dioxide enters the oceans. Marine organisms such as clams need CaCO3 to build their exoskeletons. Based on this information, what is the change most likely to be a direct result of increasing levels of oceanic carbon dioxide?

Back

Shelled animals can't make shells, decreasing the population.

Answer explanation

As carbon dioxide levels rise, more dissolves in oceans, leading to lower calcium carbonate availability. This weakens marine organisms like clams, making it difficult for them to produce and maintain their shells.

Front

What is the best conclusion from the graph about atmospheric carbon dioxide levels since 1960?

Back

atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have increased steadily since 1960

Answer explanation

The graph shows a clear upward trend in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels since 1960, indicating that they have increased steadily over this period. The other options do not accurately reflect this trend.

Front

Why does cutting down trees increase global warming?

Back

trees soak up CO2.

Answer explanation

Cutting down trees increases global warming because trees absorb CO₂, a major greenhouse gas. When trees are cut down, less CO₂ is absorbed, leading to higher concentrations of CO₂ in the atmosphere, which contributes to global warming.

Front

Why is the increase of Greenhouse gasses a big issue?

Back

It causes an increase in the global average temperatures which leads to climate change.

Answer explanation

The increase of greenhouse gases is a major issue because it leads to higher global average temperatures, resulting in climate change. This affects weather patterns, sea levels, and ecosystems, posing significant risks to life on Earth.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

Front

The graph below shows CO2 emissions and temperatures from 1984 to 2009. What conclusion is best supported by the graph?

Back

As carbon dioxide concentrations increase, temperatures increase

Answer explanation

The graph shows a clear trend where increases in carbon dioxide concentrations correspond with rising temperatures, supporting the conclusion that as CO2 levels rise, temperatures also increase.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

Front

The illustration provided shows a river and four cities on that river. When the water from the river was sampled at location X, it was determined to be polluted with various chemicals. What would be the most likely source for this pollution? Options: City 1 and City 2, City 2 and City 3, City 3 and City 4, City 1 and City 4

Back

City 1 and City 2

Answer explanation

City 1 and City 2 are likely sources of pollution as they are upstream from location X. Pollutants from these cities can flow into the river, affecting water quality at the sampling point.

Front

The greatest reduction in carbon dioxide emissions could be achieved if it were possible to reduce, by half, which source of emissions? Options: Land use, Energy production, Waste, Industrial processes

Back

Energy production

Answer explanation

Energy production is typically the largest source of CO2 emissions. Reducing it by half would lead to the greatest overall decrease in emissions compared to other sectors, making it the most impactful choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

Front

What is the role of photosynthesis in the carbon cycle?

Back

It moves carbon from the air through photosynthesis

Front

What is a consequence of ocean acidification?

Back

Coral bleaching

Front

How does deforestation contribute to climate change?

Back

By reducing the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by trees