Climate Change and Its Impact on Ecosystems and Biodiversity

Mr. Anderson discusses how ecosystems are affected by environmental changes, focusing on human impacts like contrails and global warming. He explains feedback loops, the effects of climate change on ecosystems, and the role of continental drift in species distribution. The video also covers meteorological changes, such as El Nino, and their impact on ecosystems.

What is the primary effect of contrails on the climate?

• They cool the atmosphere by reflecting sunlight.

• They increase precipitation by forming rain clouds.

• They trap heat, contributing to warming.

• They have no significant effect on the climate.

Which gas is released from melting permafrost and contributes to the greenhouse effect?

• Carbon dioxide

• Methane

• Ozone

• Nitrous oxide

What is the predicted impact on coral reefs with a one-degree Celsius temperature increase?

• Coral reefs will decrease in biodiversity.

• Coral reefs will become bleached.

• Coral reefs will thrive and expand.

• Coral reefs will remain unaffected.

What is the consequence of a two-degree Celsius temperature rise on global ecosystems?

• Ecosystems will become more diverse.

• Ecosystems will experience no significant changes.

• A sixth of all ecosystems will transform.

• All ecosystems will adapt without any issues.

What is the main reason species cannot adapt quickly enough to rapid climate changes?

• Lack of genetic diversity

• Slow evolutionary processes

• Abundance of food resources

• Stable environmental conditions

What was the supercontinent called before it split into Gondwana and Laurasia?

• Atlantis

• Gondwana

• Pangaea

• Eurasia

Which type of mammals are primarily found in Australia?

• Placental mammals

• Marsupial mammals

• Monotreme mammals

• Marine mammals

How often does El Nino typically occur?

• Every 10 to 15 years

• Every 2 to 7 years

• Every year

• Every 20 years

What happens to marine iguanas during El Nino?

• They grow larger due to increased food supply.

• They migrate to colder regions.

• They shrink in size due to less available algae.

• They become more aggressive.

What is a significant effect of El Nino on marine ecosystems?

• Increased biodiversity

• Decreased water temperatures

• Reduced algae availability

• Increased coral growth