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Environmental Science Alevel > Transfer PPQs > Flashcards

Transfer PPQs Flashcards

(69 cards)

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1
Q

Explain one way the amount of carbon may have changed since 1850

A
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2
Q

Give two other methods for sustainable management of the carbon cycle

A
  1. Reforestation
  2. Carbon capture and storage
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3
Q

Define ‘tipping point’

A

A tipping point is a critical threshold at which a small change can lead to significant and often irreversible effects.

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4
Q

Why are scientists concerned about tipping points

A
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5
Q

Compare the effects of organic and inorganic nutrient pollutant

A

Organic pollutants can decompose and may be biodegradable, while inorganic pollutants often persist in the environment and can accumulate.

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6
Q

Describe two chemical properties of CFCs which the Rowland-Molina hypothesis is based

A
  1. CFCs are stable in the lower atmosphere.
  2. They release chlorine atoms when they reach the stratosphere.
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7
Q

Outline how the Montreal Protocol (1987) has contributed to an increase in the concentration of ozone in the stratosphere since 2001

A
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8
Q

Explain one possible effect of ozone depletion on living organisms

A

Ozone depletion can lead to increased UVB radiation, which can cause skin cancer and cataracts in humans.

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9
Q

Outline how the following layers of the atmosphere are heated by electromagnetic radiation

A
  1. The troposphere is heated by the Earth’s surface radiating heat.
  2. The stratosphere absorbs UV radiation, warming it.
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10
Q

Outline how a country like India could use named methods to manage its water resources sustainably

A
  1. Rainwater harvesting to collect and store rainwater.
  2. Drip irrigation to minimize water wastage.
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11
Q

Explain three ways in which named agricultural practices may increase soil erosion

A
  1. Overgrazing removes vegetation, exposing soil.
  2. Monoculture depletes soil nutrients, leading to erosion.
  3. Tilling disturbs soil structure, making it prone to erosion.
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12
Q

Outline one method that can be used to test for nitrates in water

A

The colorimetric method can be used to test for nitrates in water.

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13
Q

Explain how one farming activity other than the application of fertilisers can affect the nitrate concentration in soil

A

Crop rotation can enhance or reduce nitrate levels depending on the types of crops grown.

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14
Q

Explain why rising sea levels may influence the distribution and survival of species

A

Rising sea levels can lead to habitat loss for coastal species and alter ecosystems, affecting species survival.

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15
Q

State one remote sensing system that may be used to estimate the volume of ice in Antarctica

A

Satellite altimetry can be used to estimate the volume of ice in Antarctica.

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16
Q

Explain how new technologies to extract metals from low grade ores may reduce environmental impacts

A

These technologies can lower the energy consumption and waste production associated with metal extraction.

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17
Q

Describe one method to remove salt from water

A

Desalination through reverse osmosis is a method to remove salt from water.

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18
Q

Describe one technique that may be used for monitoring changes in water turbidity

A

Using a turbidity meter can help monitor changes in water turbidity.

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19
Q

What is a habitat where human activity has prevented the ecosystem from developing further

A

Urban areas are habitats where human activity has prevented ecosystem development.

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20
Q

What is a gene pool

A

A gene pool is the total collection of genes in a population.

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21
Q

Suggest three reasons why animals are culled

A
  1. To control population size.
  2. To prevent disease spread.
  3. To protect habitats.
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22
Q

Describe how one change in net design and one change in fishing method can reduce bycatch

A

Using square mesh nets allows smaller fish to escape, and employing selective fishing methods can target specific species.

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23
Q

Describe two environmental impacts of trawling

A
  1. Destruction of seabed habitats.
  2. High levels of bycatch.
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24
Q

Describe how named methods of conservation protect Antarctica

A
  1. The Antarctic Treaty regulates human activity.
  2. Marine protected areas help conserve biodiversity.
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25
Other than pH how can acid mine drainage affect one other aspect of river water quality
Acid mine drainage can increase metal concentrations in river water.
26
How can a change in pH make it more suitable or less suitable for wildlife
A lower pH can harm aquatic life by increasing toxicity of metals.
27
Describe two climactic features of temperate broadleaf forests
1. Moderate temperatures throughout the year. 2. Seasonal rainfall patterns.
28
Explain how one named biotic factor affects the soil characteristics in a temperate broadleaf forest
Decomposing leaf litter from trees enriches the soil with organic matter.
29
Suggest two ways that deforestation may modify local hydrology
1. Increased runoff due to lack of vegetation. 2. Reduced groundwater recharge.
30
Explain how the magnetosphere helps create suitable conditions for life on earth
The magnetosphere protects Earth from solar radiation and cosmic rays.
31
How would the earth's temperature be affected if the speed of its rotation was slower
A slower rotation could lead to more extreme temperatures between day and night.
32
Describe how changes in research methods have improved our understanding for conditions for life on earth
Advancements in technology allow for more precise measurements and observations of environmental conditions.
33
What is a keystone species
A keystone species is one that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
34
What is a flagship species
A flagship species is a species chosen to represent an environmental cause.
35
What does EDGE mean
EDGE stands for Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered.
36
What does critically endangered mean
Critically endangered refers to a species facing an extremely high risk of extinction.
37
Suggest two ways that a mammal in the forests of South East Asia may be directly exploited by humans
1. Hunting for bushmeat. 2. Illegal wildlife trade.
38
How may habitat destruction contribute to the decrease of Owsten civets?
1. Loss of food sources. 2. Fragmentation of habitat. 3. Increased human-wildlife conflict.
39
How may information collected by motion sensitive cameras be used in conservation?
1. Monitoring species populations. 2. Understanding behavior patterns. 3. Assessing habitat use.
40
Give a method other than motion sensitive cameras that could be used to collect data?
Using GPS collars can help track animal movements.
41
Suggest reasons for conservation
1. Biodiversity preservation. 2. Ecosystem services. 3. Cultural and aesthetic values.
42
Describe how CITES protects endangered species
CITES regulates international trade in endangered species to prevent exploitation.
43
Describe how legislation aims to conserve biodiversity in the UK
1. The Wildlife and Countryside Act protects habitats. 2. The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations safeguard species.
44
State two other abiotic factors that mangroves are adapted to
1. Salinity. 2. Waterlogged soils.
45
Explain two ways that the conservation of mangroves can benefit coral reef ecosystems
1. Mangroves provide nursery habitats for fish. 2. They reduce sedimentation in coastal waters.
46
What is a suitable designation for the protection of mangroves?
47
Describe two methods of pest control that rely on the use of other organisms
1. Biological control using natural predators. 2. Use of parasitoids to control pest populations.
48
Explain how pesticides can reduce the availability of soil nutrients
Pesticides can kill beneficial organisms that contribute to nutrient cycling in the soil.
49
How may commercial forestry be managed to reduce the impacts on the local environment
1. Implementing selective logging practices. 2. Maintaining buffer zones around water bodies.
50
What does a surber sampler do?
51
What does a light trap do?
52
What does a sweep net do?
A sweep net is used to collect insects from vegetation.
53
What is used to collect insects in overhead vegetation?
A beating tray is used to collect insects from overhead vegetation.
54
What does a tullgren funnel do?
A tullgren funnel is used to separate small invertebrates from soil or leaf litter.
55
Outline two ways introduced species may threaten indigenous wildlife
1. Competition for resources. 2. Predation on native species.
56
Why might a reduction in light levels caused by a dense canopy affect the biodiversity of invertebrates
Reduced light levels can limit plant growth, affecting food availability for invertebrates.
57
Define the term carrying capacity
Carrying capacity is the maximum population size that an environment can sustain.
58
Describe two advantages of using eDNA instead of traditional methods for monitoring aquatic species
1. Non-invasive sampling allows for easier collection. 2. eDNA can detect rare or elusive species.
59
Describe two disadvantages of using eDNA instead of traditional methods for monitoring aquatic species
1. eDNA can degrade quickly in the environment. 2. It may not provide information on population size.
60
Explain how the use of electronic monitoring technology may provide information that is useful for the conservation of wildlife
Electronic monitoring can track animal movements and behaviors, informing conservation strategies.
61
What feature of the earth makes it suitable for the retention of an atmosphere?
62
How does the speed of the earth's rotation make it suitable for life?
The rotation helps distribute solar energy evenly, moderating temperatures.
63
How does the presence of a magnetic field make it suitable for life?
The magnetic field protects the planet from harmful solar and cosmic radiation.
64
How does high atmospheric pressure make it suitable for life?
High atmospheric pressure allows for the retention of gases necessary for respiration.
65
What feature of earth causes seasonal climatic changes?
The tilt of the Earth's axis causes seasonal climatic changes.
66
Why does primary productivity vary between open oceans and continental shelves?
67
Describe how a positive feedback mechanism involving a change in albedo may lead to a tipping point for global climate change
Decreased ice cover reduces albedo, leading to more heat absorption and further warming.
68
State one type of proxy data that can be obtained from ice cores to estimate past climatic conditions
Gas bubbles trapped in ice cores provide proxy data for past atmospheric composition.
69
Give one limitation of using proxy data to estimate past climates
Proxy data may not provide a complete picture of past climatic conditions.

Environmental Science Alevel (8 decks)

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