Question 1

Which of the following best explains the relationship between atmospheric CO$$_2$$ and global temperature over the past 650,000 years, as shown in the provided graphs?

Accepted Answer

There is a tight correlation between atmospheric CO$$_2$$ and global temperature, with both rising and falling together.

Question 2

Which of the following is a direct consequence of increased atmospheric CO$$_2 as $$predicted by climate models?

Accepted Answer

Increased bleaching and death of coral reefs.

Question 3

What is the primary chemical equation describing ocean acidification due to increased atmospheric CO$$_2$$?

Accepted Answer

$$ \mathrm{CO_2 + H_2O \rightleftharpoons H_2CO_3 \rightleftharpoons H^+ + HCO_3^- \rightleftharpoons H^+ + CO_3^{2-}} $$

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a predicted ecological consequence of melting polar ice caps?

Accepted Answer

Increased production of northern shrimp.

Question 5

A 1 meter rise in sea level is most likely to result in which of the following outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Flooding of estuaries and low-lying coasts.

Question 6

Which process is responsible for most of the observed sea level rise due to global warming?

Accepted Answer

Thermal expansion of seawater.

Question 7

How does ocean acidification affect coral reefs, according to the study materials?

Accepted Answer

It decreases coral calcification rates by up to 30% from 1990 to 2100.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the predicted impact of climate change on the distribution of malaria by 2050?

Accepted Answer

The possible extent of malaria will expand into new regions with suitable climate.

Question 9

Which of the following is a likely consequence of increased ocean temperatures on marine species?

Accepted Answer

Emergence of new marine diseases.

Question 10

A coupled ocean-climate model predicts a doubling of atmospheric CO$$_2. $$What is a likely effect on sockeye salmon distribution?

Accepted Answer

Sockeye salmon will shift their seasonal distribution northward.

Question 11

Which of the following is a multi-step effect of increased atmospheric CO$$_2 on $$terrestrial ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Increased CO$$_2$$ can alter plant disease severity, which may affect ecosystem productivity and species interactions.

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why coral bleaching occurs?

Accepted Answer

Loss of endosymbiotic zooxanthellae due to warmer waters.

Question 13

Which of the following is a likely outcome of more frequent and intense hurricanes due to climate change?

Accepted Answer

Increased damage to both terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

Question 14

Which of the following is a plausible reason for the observed increase in locust swarms in some regions?

Accepted Answer

Wet years and warm winters.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the trend in global surface mean temperature anomalies since 1880?

Accepted Answer

Temperatures have generally increased, especially since the mid-20th century.

Question 16

Which of the following is a predicted effect of climate change on Antarctic ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Decline in penguin populations due to less food and shifting ice.

Question 17

Which of the following is a likely impact of sea level rise on human populations?

Accepted Answer

Flooding of low-lying coastal areas, leading to displacement of people.

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why ocean acidification decreases coral calcification rates?

Accepted Answer

Increased CO$$_2$$ decreases carbonate ion concentration, making it harder for corals to build skeletons.

Question 19

Which of the following is a multi-step effect of climate change on disease outbreaks?

Accepted Answer

Climate change can alter temperature and precipitation patterns, which can expand the range and severity of diseases like malaria and cholera.

9.2 Ecology and Climate Change: Biological Impacts and Mechanisms

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