Unit 7 Climate Feedback Loops

Which atmospheric gas is responsible for increasing the acidity of the oceans?

• Nitrogen

• Oxygen

• Carbon Dioxide

• Water Vapor

Answer explanation

Carbon dioxide (CO2) dissolves in ocean water, forming carbonic acid, which increases ocean acidity. This process is a significant factor in ocean acidification, affecting marine life.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-6

In a positive feedback loop, each action creates a consequence that _____________________ the other action.

• decreases

• has no effect on

• amplifies

Answer explanation

In a positive feedback loop, each action creates a consequence that amplifies the other action. This means that the effects of the actions grow stronger over time, leading to an escalating cycle.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-2

In a negative feedback loop, each action creates a consequence that _____________________ the other action.

• decreases

• has no effect on

• amplifies

Answer explanation

In a negative feedback loop, each action creates a consequence that decreases the other action. This mechanism helps maintain stability by counteracting changes, ensuring that the system returns to its set point.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-3

A ________________ feedback loop makes a system more stable.

• Positive

• Neutral

• Negative

• Circular

Answer explanation

A negative feedback loop reduces the effects of changes in a system, promoting stability. In contrast, positive feedback amplifies changes, making the system less stable. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Negative'.

A _________________ feedback loop moves a system to an extreme.

• Positive

• Neutral

• Circular

• Negative

Answer explanation

A positive feedback loop amplifies changes, pushing a system toward extremes. Unlike negative feedback, which stabilizes a system, positive feedback enhances deviations, making it the correct choice for this question.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

A wolf population is introduced into an ecosystem, causing the deer population to decrease. The wolf population then decreases as the deer population decreases, allowing the deer population to begin increasing again. This is an example of what type of feedback?

• Neutral

• Ecosystem

• Positive

• Negative

Answer explanation

This scenario illustrates negative feedback, where the increase in wolves decreases the deer population, which in turn leads to a decrease in wolves. This cycle allows the deer population to recover, demonstrating a stabilizing effect.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-6

NGSS.HS-LS4-5

The polar ice caps are melting due to an increase in Earth's temperature. This lowers Earth's albedo, which in turn increases Earth's temperature. This is an example of what type of feedback?

• Negative

• Neutral

• Positive

• Ecosystem

Answer explanation

This scenario illustrates positive feedback. As the ice caps melt, the Earth's albedo decreases, leading to more heat absorption and further temperature rise, which accelerates ice melting.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-2

Does the graph show positive or negative feedback?

• Positive

• Negative

Answer explanation

The graph shows positive feedback because it indicates a process where the output enhances or amplifies the initial stimulus, leading to an increase in the effect. This is characteristic of positive feedback systems.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-2

NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

Higher temperatures cause more evaporation, which leads to more water vapor in the atmosphere. Water vapor is a greenhouse gas, so it will trap more heat, causing the atmosphere to warm even more.

• Positive Feedback

• Negative Feedback

Answer explanation

The process described is an example of positive feedback. Higher temperatures increase evaporation, leading to more water vapor, which traps heat and further warms the atmosphere, creating a reinforcing cycle.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-2

NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

As carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere rise, the temperature of the Earth increases. As the Earth warms, the rate of photosynthesis in plants increases. More carbon dioxide is therefore removed from the atmosphere by plants, reducing the greenhouse effect and lowering global temperatures.

• Positive Feedback

• Negative Feedback

Answer explanation

This scenario describes negative feedback. As CO2 levels rise, temperatures increase, boosting photosynthesis, which removes CO2 from the atmosphere, ultimately reducing the greenhouse effect and stabilizing temperatures.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-5