Revising paper 2 Flashcards
(16 cards)
What are ozone-depleting substances?
Human-made chemicals that break down ozone (O₃) in the stratosphere
Includes CFCs, HCFCs, and halons which release chlorine and bromine, respectively.
What is the Montreal Protocol?
A 1987 international treaty to phase out ozone-depleting substances
Entered into force in 1989 and led to a 99% reduction in ODS.
What is the significance of the 2016 Kigali Amendment?
It added HFCs to the list of substances to be phased out under the Montreal Protocol
It is considered a model of global environmental cooperation.
What is the ozone hole?
A seasonal thinning of the ozone layer over Antarctica
Measured in Dobson Units; below 220 indicates a hole.
What are the effects of acid deposition on water?
Lowers pH, kills aquatic life
Acid deposition can have detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems.
How does acid deposition affect plants?
Damages leaves, reduces growth
Plants are sensitive to changes in pH and nutrient availability.
What are the effects of acid deposition on soil?
Leaches nutrients, releases toxic metals like aluminum
Soil health is critical for ecosystem productivity.
What is the Simpson Diversity Index?
A biodiversity measure calculated as D = N(N - 1) / Σn(n - 1)
Lower D indicates higher diversity, combining species richness and evenness.
What is an S-shaped growth curve?
Also called logistic growth; shows slow, rapid, then leveling off growth
It reflects carrying capacity due to environmental resistance.
What characterizes a J-shaped growth curve?
Exponential growth without limits followed by a population crash
Typical for invasive species or organisms in ideal conditions.
What are key properties of soil?
Texture, pH, fertility, and structure
These properties affect root growth, water retention, and productivity.
What is biomass?
The dry mass of living or recently living organisms in an area
Measured in g/m²; reflects stored energy but is not energy itself.
What is the difference between biomass and energy?
Biomass is the mass of organic material; energy is the chemical potential stored in it
Biomass holds energy, but they are not the same.
What is Gross Primary Productivity (GPP)?
The total energy captured by producers through photosynthesis before respiration
GPP is like total income before expenses.
What does ‘per unit area and per unit time’ mean?
Standardizes measurement for comparisons across ecosystems
Helps track productivity accurately over different sizes and times.
What is the ecological footprint?
The amount of land and water needed to supply a population’s resources and absorb its waste
Based on lifestyle and consumption levels.
