AEP Ecological Systems & Biodiversity Flashcards
6 cards from real AEP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 AEP Ecological Systems & Biodiversity flashcards as text
What is 'edge effect' in landscape ecology?
Answer: The unique ecological conditions and often increased species diversity found at the boundary between two different habitat types
The edge effect refers to the increased species diversity and unique ecological conditions found at the ecotone — the transitional zone between two different habitat types or ecosystems.
Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), which activity is prohibited without a federal permit?
Answer: Taking, killing, or possessing migratory birds or their parts, eggs, or nests
The MBTA prohibits the taking, killing, capturing, selling, or possessing of migratory birds and their parts, nests, or eggs without authorization from the USFWS.
What is 'eutrophication' and what nutrient most commonly drives it in freshwater ecosystems?
Answer: Excess nutrient enrichment leading to algal blooms and oxygen depletion, driven primarily by phosphorus
Eutrophication is the enrichment of water bodies with excess nutrients — primarily phosphorus in freshwater — leading to algal blooms, oxygen depletion, and fish kills.
Which type of environmental impact is defined as occurring away from the direct action area but still caused by the action?
Answer: Indirect (secondary) impact
Indirect or secondary impacts are caused by a project but occur later in time or at a different location, such as urban sprawl induced by a new highway or downstream habitat degradation.
What is the significance of a species being listed as 'critically endangered' on the IUCN Red List?
Answer: The species faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
'Critically Endangered' is the IUCN Red List category for species facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild, the highest risk category before Extinct in the Wild.
In ecological risk assessment, what does the 'exposure assessment' component evaluate?
Answer: The likelihood and magnitude of contact between a stressor and ecological receptors
Exposure assessment in ecological risk assessment characterizes the likelihood, frequency, duration, and magnitude of contact between a chemical stressor and ecological receptors in the environment.