Prep 1: What is Climate Change?

Rank the following levels of biological organization, beginning with the most inclusive (largest) at the top.

1. Biosphere 2. Ecosystem 3. Community 4. Species 5. Population

Organize the following events to explain how ocean pH is reduced. Place the first event at the top.

1. Carbon dioxide dissolves in water. 2. Carbonic acid forms. 3. The hydrogen ion concentration of the oceans increases. 4. Ocean pH is decreased; the oceans are acidified.

Rank the following levels of biological organization, beginning with the least inclusive (smallest) at the top.

1. Organism 2. Population 3. Species 4. Community 5. Ecosystem 6. Biosphere

Match each step to a number to indicate the order of the process of the greenhouse effect.

Step 1: Solar energy strikes the earth. Step 2: Solar energy is absorbed or reflected, depending on where it hits. Step 3: Solar energy is released as heat. Step 4: Some energy is trapped by gases in the atmosphere and some escapes the planet.

Which of these is part of the process by which oceans acidify? a. Carbon dioxide dissolves in water to form carbonic acid. b. Carbonic acid increases ocean pH. Carbon dioxide dissolves in water c. to form bicarbonate.

a. Carbon dioxide dissolves in water to form carbonic acid.

Select the descriptions of an ecosystem and its place in the ecological levels of biological organization. a. Less complex than the biosphere b. More complex than a population c. The interaction of populations of different species d. Less complex than a species e. The interaction of a community and the physical environment

a. Less complex than the biosphere b. More complex than a population e. The interaction of a community and the physical environment

The changes in weather at different times of the year that we call seasons, like sunny, warm summers and cold, snowy winters, can be attributed to the fact that our planet is tilted on its _____

axis

Populations of different species interacting in a given area are referred to collectively as a. a community. b. an ecosystem. c. the biosphere.

a. a community.

Which of these accurately describes Earth's biosphere? a. Earth's biosphere is a limited area of water and land that is dependent of Earth's climate. b. All aspects of Earth's biosphere are dependent on Earth's climate. c. Earth's biosphere remains the same, regardless of changes to Earth's climate.

b. All aspects of Earth's biosphere are dependent on Earth's climate.

Organisms of the same species in a particular area are referred to as a(n) a. ecosystem. b. population. c. community.

b. population.

Which of these is part of the process by which oceans acidify? a. Carbonic acid removes hydroxide ions, increasing pH. b. Carbonic acid adds hydroxide ions, increasing pH. c. Carbonic acid adds hydrogen ions to the ocean, lowering pH. d. Carbonic acid removes hydrogen ions from the ocean, lowering pH.

c. Carbonic acid adds hydrogen ions to the ocean, lowering pH.

Select all of the characteristics of methane. a. Stable b. Abundant in the atmosphere c. Rare in the atmosphere d. Retains less heat than carbon dioxide e. Unstable f. Retains more heat that carbon dioxide

c. Rare in the atmosphere e. Unstable f. Retains more heat that carbon dioxide

If the ocean becomes a long-term heat sink, this could influence the _____ of surrounding land masses in new ways.

climate

The average weather patterns in a given area over time is called _____

climate

Distinguish between global warming and climate change by categorizing the descriptions of each provided here. Climate Change a. Primarily concerned with surface temperatures of the planet b. Refers to a general increase in temperature in the last few decades c. Evidence includes 1.8°F increase in the Earth's surface temperatures d. Refers to a change in average temperatures and precipitation e. Associated with extreme weather events like heat waves and coastal flooding f. Associated with droughts and extreme precipitation

d. Refers to a change in average temperatures and precipitation e. Associated with extreme weather events like heat waves and coastal flooding f. Associated with droughts and extreme precipitation

Our planet is warm enough for living organisms to inhabit because the _____ _____ warms the planet as gases in the atmosphere trap heat energy.

greenhouse effect

Recent increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide can be attributed to _____ activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation.

human

The climate of the planet is changing and _____ activity is the major contributing factor to these changes.

human

As compared to the heat retention of carbon dioxide, _____ retains 30 times the amount of heat.

methane

In biology, all of the populations of organisms that are similar in appearance and are capable of interbreeding are referred to as a _____

species

The two characteristics used to define climate are _____ and precipitation.

temperature

Distinguish between global warming and climate change by categorizing the descriptions of each provided here. Global Warming a. Primarily concerned with surface temperatures of the planet b. Refers to a general increase in temperature in the last few decades c. Evidence includes 1.8°F increase in the Earth's surface temperatures d. Refers to a change in average temperatures and precipitation e. Associated with extreme weather events like heat waves and coastal flooding f. Associated with droughts and extreme precipitation

a. Primarily concerned with surface temperatures of the planet b. Refers to a general increase in temperature in the last few decades c. Evidence includes 1.8°F increase in the Earth's surface temperatures

Select all of the choices that describe the biosphere and its place in the ecological levels of biological organization a. Regions of the the planet where living organisms are found b. Is more complex than an ecosystem c. Is less complex than an ecosystem d. Includes water, land, and the atmosphere e. Is primarily on land but also includes some aquatic ecosystems

a. Regions of the the planet where living organisms are found b. Is more complex than an ecosystem d. Includes water, land, and the atmosphere

Which of these best summarizes the evidence that the climate of the planet is changing? a. There is evidence that the climate of our planet is changing in the form of increases in extreme weather events, rising temperatures over land, and decreased snow and ice coverage. b. The increase in sea ice and snow coverage, as well as decreased sea levels provide evidence that the climate of our planet is changing. c. Weather events like tornados and hurricanes provide evidence that the climate of the planet is changing.

a. There is evidence that the climate of our planet is changing in the form of increases in extreme weather events, rising temperatures over land, and decreased snow and ice coverage.

Select the two characteristics used to define climate. a. average rainfall b. high and low temperatures c. chance of rain d. average temperature

a. average rainfall d. average temperature

Select the gases with a complex structure that can contribute to the greenhouse effect. a. chlorofluorocarbons b. carbon dioxide c. nitrous oxide d. oxygen

a. chlorofluorocarbons b. carbon dioxide c. nitrous oxide

A species is a a. group of populations that are similar-looking that can interbreed. b. group of organisms that look alike. c. population of three or more.

a. group of populations that are similar-looking that can interbreed.

The increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations from below 300 ppm to over 417 ppm since the 1950s can be attributed to a. human changes to agricultural practices. b. fires and volcanic activity. c. human activities like the use of oil and coal. d. human deforestation practices.

a. human changes to agricultural practices. c. human activities like the use of oil and coal. d. human deforestation practices.

Which of these are ways that carbon dioxide is produced? a. in agricultural practices b. through the use of fossil fuels c. as a by-product of digestion d. through photosynthesis

a. in agricultural practices b. through the use of fossil fuels c. as a by-product of digestion

A biological community is a. more complex than a species. b. more complex than an ecosystem. c. less complex than a species.

a. more complex than a species.

A population is a. organisms of the same species in a particular area. b. a group of similar, interbreeding organisms. c. groups of different species in a given area.

a. organisms of the same species in a particular area.

Which of the following are classified as gases that can contribute to the greenhouse effect? a. ozone b. methane c. oxygen d. water

a. ozone b. methane d. water

Which of the following factors are increasing to indicate climate change? a. sea level b. glaciers c. snow coverage d. humidity e. coastal flooding

a. sea level d. humidity e. coastal flooding

The sum of the regions of the Earth (water, surface, atmosphere) where living things are found is called a. the biosphere b. an ecosystem c. the atmosphere d. the canopy

a. the biosphere

Methane is a relatively ______ greenhouse gas that, once created, remains in the atmosphere for around ______. a. unstable; 10 years b. stable; 10 years c. unstable; 100 years d. stable; 100 years

a. unstable; 10 years

Select all of the ways that carbon dioxide is produced. a. volcanos b. fires c. habitat conservation d. deforestation e. burning coal

a. volcanos b. fires d. deforestation e. burning coal

Temperatures on earth's surface and the lower atmosphere are affected most by the greenhouse effect because a. water vapor is usually found close to the surface. b. methane is found close to the surface. c. nitrous oxides are found close to the surface. d. carbon dioxide is usually found close to the surface.

a. water vapor is usually found close to the surface. d. carbon dioxide is usually found close to the surface.

Heat retention in methane is __ that of carbon dioxide. a. practically the same as b. 30 times c. three times d. significantly less than

b. 30 times

Why does the greenhouse effect impact temperatures in the lower atmosphere and on Earth's surface the most? a. Because this is where the highest concentration of living things are. b. Because water vapor and carbon dioxide are usually found in the lower atmosphere and close to the surface c. Because every surface on earth absorbs solar energy.

b. Because water vapor and carbon dioxide are usually found in the lower atmosphere and close to the surface

Which of these statements accurately identify trends in the levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide over time? a. Carbon dioxide were below 100 from 400,000 years ago until the 1900s. b. Carbon dioxide levels remained below 300 ppm for centuries. c. Carbon dioxide levels have increased annually since the 1950s. d. Carbon dioxide levels have risen from around 300 ppm to 417 pm (in 2021).

b. Carbon dioxide levels remained below 300 ppm for centuries. c. Carbon dioxide levels have increased annually since the 1950s. d. Carbon dioxide levels have risen from around 300 ppm to 417 pm (in 2021).

Which of these is the primary characteristic that distinguishes global warming from climate change? a. Global warming concerns temperatures and precipitation. b. Global warming is concerned primarily with the surface temperatures of the earth. c. There is no distinguishing between the two: these terms mean the same thing. d. Climate change has caused tornadoes and hurricanes.

b. Global warming is concerned primarily with the surface temperatures of the earth.

What is happening to the surface temperatures of the planet's oceans? a. It fluctuates regularly around the same base temperature. b. It is increasing. c. It is decreasing.

b. It is increasing.

How does heat retention in methane compare to that of carbon dioxide? a. Carbon dioxide and methane retain roughly the same amount of heat. b. Methane retains almost 30 times the amount of heat as carbon dioxide. c. Carbon dioxide retains three times the amount of heat as methane.

b. Methane retains almost 30 times the amount of heat as carbon dioxide.

Which of these would you include in a summary of the evidence that the climate of the planet is changing? a. Temperatures near the planet's surface are decreasing. b. Temperatures near the planet's surface are increasing. c. Glaciers, sea ice, and snow coverage are decreasing. d. The oceans are getting colder and more shallow. e. Extreme weather events like droughts, heat waves, and coastal flooding are increasing.

b. Temperatures near the planet's surface are increasing. c. Glaciers, sea ice, and snow coverage are decreasing. e. Extreme weather events like droughts, heat waves, and coastal flooding are increasing.

Select the statements that align with the general consensus of the scientific community regarding climate change and humans. a. The climate of the earth is not changing significantly. b. The climate of earth is changing. c. Human activity is only a minor factor in the changes in earth's climate. d. Human activity is the major contributing factor to changes in earth's climate.

b. The climate of earth is changing. d. Human activity is the major contributing factor to changes in earth's climate.

Which of these provides an explanation for the seasons on Earth? a. The distance of the Earth from the sun creates days of differing lengths. b. The tilt of the Earth on its axis along with its orbit around the sun. c. The topography of different regions of the planet varies.

b. The tilt of the Earth on its axis along with its orbit around the sun.

The interaction of a biological community and the physical environment, such as the climate, is referred to as a. a population. b. an ecosystem. c. the biosphere.

b. an ecosystem.

Which of these are the main factors that determine climate in an area? a. the area's altitude b. average precipitation over time c. the number of seasons in the area d. average temperature over time

b. average precipitation over time d. average temperature over time

Since the 1950s, levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide have a. remained close to 300 ppm. b. increased annually to beyond 400 ppm. c. fluctuated between 350 and 400 ppm.

b. increased annually to beyond 400 ppm.

Which of the following factors are decreasing to indicate climate change? a. extreme precipitation b. sea ice c. snow coverage d. glaciers e. heat waves

b. sea ice c. snow coverage d. glaciers

All of the regions of the planet where living things can be found are collectively referred to as the _____

biosphere

The planet's _____ can be described as the sum of all of the regions where living organisms can be found.

biosphere

Which of these statements best explains how certain gases are having a negative impact on the planet? a. A lack of crucial gases in the atmosphere creates negative issues related to climate. b. The homeostasis between helpful and harmful gases is unbalanced, which is creating negative issues related to climate. c. High concentrations of certain gases create negative issues related to climate.

c. High concentrations of certain gases create negative issues related to climate.

Which of these best explains how certain gases adversely impact the climate of the planet? a. Natural gases present in the atmosphere are important sources of energy for the planet from the sun. Human-created gases are causing global warming. b. Gases other than water and oxygen, when present in the atmosphere at any concentration, cause problems because they warm the planet too much. c. Some gases are normally present in the atmosphere and are important because they create a climate that supports living inhabitants. Certain gases are problematic because there is too much of them in the atmosphere, which is warming the planet too much.

c. Some gases are normally present in the atmosphere and are important because they create a climate that supports living inhabitants. Certain gases are problematic because there is too much of them in the atmosphere, which is warming the planet too much.

Though the ocean acting as a heat sink is normal under some circumstances, when the ocean becomes a long-term heat sink it a. can cause sea levels to rise as they hold excess carbon. b. can make nearby land much cooler than average. c. can influence the climate of surrounding land masses in new ways.

c. can influence the climate of surrounding land masses in new ways.

When ocean pH is reduced, oceans become more acidic and the concentration of carbonate in the oceans a. remains unchanged. b. increases. c. decreases.

c. decreases.

A temporary storage location for heat energy is called a a. heat source. b. thermolocation. c. heat sink. d. thermal vent.

c. heat sink.

Since the 1980s, average global temperatures on earth have been a. unchanged. b. impossible to track. c. increasing. d. decreasing.

c. increasing.

Surface temperatures of the ocean are a. stagnant. b. decreasing. c. increasing.

c. increasing.

Acidification, or reduced ocean pH, has effects on the formation of crab, lobster, and clam shells, which a. has no effect on unshelled animals. b. results in fish kills. c. ripples out into the entire food chain.

c. ripples out into the entire food chain.

A group of similar-looking populations that can interbreed is a ____. a. community b. population c. species

c. species

From when do we usually discuss the rapid increase in global temperatures? a. the late 1800s b. the 1950s c. the 1980s d. the year 2000

c. the 1980s

Which of these ecological phenomena warms the planet, making the planet liveable, as gases in the atmosphere trap heat energy? a. global warming b. climate change c. the greenhouse effect

c. the greenhouse effect

Which of these greenhouse gases, produced by natural events such as fires and volcanic activity, is a large contributor to the greenhouse effect because of its special ability to absorb infrared energy? a. methane b. nitrous oxide c. ozone d. carbon dioxide

d. carbon dioxide

Carbon dioxide is a large contributor to the greenhouse effect because of its ability to absorb ______ ______. a. gamma energy b. visible light c. ultraviolet light d. infrared energy

d. infrared energy