Revision: Unit 5: Environmental Impact

Imagine a volcanic eruption creating a new island. What process describes how this new island, initially barren and devoid of soil, develops its own ecosystem over time?

• The recovery of the island's ecosystem after a disturbance that leaves the soil intact, with Noah and Ethan documenting the changes.

• The development of an ecosystem on this new island, starting from bare rock without any previous life or soil, observed by Oliver.

• The introduction of invasive species to the new island by human activities, altering its initial ecological development.

• The cyclic process of energy flow through the island's developing ecosystem, studied by Noah.

Answer explanation

Primary succession in an ecosystem refers to the development of an ecosystem in an area previously uninhabited and lacking soil.

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Which of the following is an example of secondary succession?

• The growth of a forest in an area where Adan's family farm was located, after it was abandoned and left to natural processes

• The colonization of bare rock by lichens and mosses in Alden's backyard

• The recovery of a forest in Oliver's local park after a wildfire

• The initial formation of life in a volcanic island that Adan, Alden, and Oliver visited during a school trip

Answer explanation

Secondary succession refers to the process of ecological recovery following a disturbance, such as a wildfire. The recovery of a forest after a wildfire is an example of secondary succession.

Michael is investigating pollution sources in his town. What distinguishes the pollution from the local factory (a point source) from the runoff pollution after heavy rain (a non-point source)?

• A point source can be directly attributed to one location, while a non-point source is diffuse and comes from multiple locations.

• A point source is always natural, while a non-point source is always man-made.

• A point source is less harmful than a non-point source.

• A point source pollution is regulated by law, while non-point source pollution is not.

Answer explanation

A point source can be directly attributed to one location, while a non-point source is diffuse and comes from multiple locations.

Which of the following is an example of a point source of pollution?

• Runoff from agricultural fields

• Emissions from a factory smokestack

• Acid rain

• Urban runoff

Answer explanation

The correct choice is emissions from a factory smokestack, as it is a specific and identifiable source of pollution.

Which of the following is an example of a non-point source of pollution?

• A sewage treatment plant

• Oil spill from a tanker

• Pesticides washed into a river from multiple farms

• Waste discharge from a specific industrial plant

Answer explanation

The correct choice is pesticides washed into a river from multiple farms, as it is an example of non-point source pollution involving runoff from various locations.

What is a positive feedback loop in ecology, such as when increased temperatures lead to permafrost melting, which releases more methane and further increases temperatures?

• A process that decreases the effects of a change and stabilizes the system

• A process that increases the effects of a change and destabilizes the system

• A cycle where energy is conserved within an ecosystem

• A mechanism that eliminates pollutants from an ecosystem

Answer explanation

A positive feedback loop in ecology is a process that increases the effects of a change and destabilizes the system, leading to further amplification of the initial change.

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Imagine a forest where Carlo, Elijah, and Luis are studying the impact of wolves on deer populations. What would represent a negative feedback loop in this scenario?

• A process that increases the effects of a change and destabilizes the system

• A process that decreases the effects of a change and stabilizes the system, such as wolves preying on deer, which prevents overgrazing and preserves the forest ecosystem

• A cycle that introduces new species into an ecosystem

• A mechanism that promotes the accumulation of pollutants

Answer explanation

A negative feedback loop in ecology is a process that decreases the effects of a change and stabilizes the system, helping to maintain balance within the ecosystem.

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How does El Niño affect global weather patterns?

• It cools the Pacific Ocean, leading to increased rainfall in the western United States.

• It warms the Pacific Ocean, disrupting normal weather patterns and affecting global climate.

• It leads to a decrease in hurricane activity in the Atlantic Ocean.

• It stabilizes global temperatures, reducing the impact of global warming.

Answer explanation

El Niño warms the Pacific Ocean, disrupting normal weather patterns and affecting global climate, leading to changes in global weather patterns.

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During a geography class project, David and Amber are tasked with explaining the effects of La Niña on global climate. What should they include in their presentation?

• La Niña causes global temperatures to rise, exacerbating the effects of global warming.

• La Niña leads to warmer ocean temperatures in the Pacific, resulting in increased precipitation in South America.

• La Niña cools the Pacific Ocean, which can lead to colder winters in the northern hemisphere and drier conditions in the western United States.

• La Niña increases the salinity of the Pacific Ocean, leading to more frequent El Niño events.

Answer explanation

La Niña cools the Pacific Ocean, leading to colder winters in the northern hemisphere and drier conditions in the western United States.

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Imagine a group of environmental scientists, including Justin, Brian, and Kaye, are studying the impact of global warming on weather patterns. Which of the following best describes their findings regarding the impact of global warming on the frequency and intensity of El Niño and La Niña events?

• Global warming has no significant impact on the frequency or intensity of El Niño and La Niña events.

• Global warming is expected to decrease the frequency of El Niño events but increase their intensity.

• Global warming is expected to increase both the frequency and intensity of El Niño and La Niña events.

• Global warming primarily affects La Niña events, making them more frequent but less intense.

Answer explanation

Global warming is expected to increase both the frequency and intensity of El Niño and La Niña events.

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