Ecosystem Stability & Environmental Change (TEKS 12E)

Ecological Stability

Multiple Choice

The meaning of "equilibrium" is most similar to -

• dysfunction

• content

• complicated

• balanced

ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES

The Greenhouse Effect

What is the greenhouse effect?

• Sun produces solar radiation

• Some is reflected back into space by Earth's atmosphere

• Some passes through atmosphere & is absorbed by Earth's surface

• More greenhouse gases released 🢂 Greater gas layer & more thermal energy absorbed

Multiple Choice

What happens to the temperature of the atmosphere if more greenhouse gases are added? (Hint: think about Venus)

• The temperature goes up

• The temperature goes down

Multiple Choice

What happens to the temperature of the atmosphere if there were no greenhouse gases? (Hint: think about Mars)

• The temperature goes up

• The temperature goes down

Greenhouse gases make up the earths atmosphere and are essential for regulating the temperature.

​

Without any greenhouse gases, the temperature would drop to -200 degrees like it does on the moon!!​

​There is more water in the air when it is warmer. This causes floods, hurricanes, and even snow storms to be more intense.

​Effects of a warmer earth

​

​Some species have very specific temperature requirements and will migrate or die if it is too hot

​

How does Air Get Polluted?

The substances which contaminate the

air are called air pollutants.

The sources of air pollutants

• Natural sources

• Human activities.

Air pollutants.

• Carbon monoxide -It is produced due to improper combustion of fuels

• Smog-It is a combination of fog and smoke

• Sulphur dioxide -Produced mainly due to the combustion of coal

• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)-Produced from air conditioners, refrigerators and aerosols

• Deteriorate the Ozone Layer

Multiple Choice

What is "overfishing"?

• Fishing out of season

• Catching fish faster than they can replenish

• Catching fish from the top of the food chain

• Catching more fish than what people eat