Climate Change Biodiversity & Ecosystem Protection 2

Question 1

Which ocean phenomenon, intensified by climate change, causes mass coral bleaching events?

Accepted Answer

El Niño-driven marine heatwaves

Answer

Marine heatwaves associated with El Niño events, now more intense due to climate change, raise sea surface temperatures enough to trigger widespread coral bleaching.

Question 2

What is 'range shift' in the context of climate change and biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Species moving to higher latitudes or elevations as temperatures rise

Answer

Range shift describes the movement of species toward cooler poles or higher altitudes in response to warming temperatures.

Question 3

Which U.S. law provides the primary legal framework for protecting species threatened by climate-driven habitat loss?

Accepted Answer

Endangered Species Act

Answer

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) requires federal agencies to protect listed species and their critical habitats, including from climate-related threats.

Question 4

How does ocean acidification most directly threaten marine biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

It dissolves calcium carbonate shells and skeletons of marine organisms

Answer

Rising CO₂ dissolves into seawater forming carbonic acid, lowering pH and corroding the shells and skeletons of mollusks, corals, and other calcifying organisms.

Question 5

What is a 'biodiversity hotspot' and why are they particularly vulnerable to climate change?

Accepted Answer

Regions with high species endemism that are losing habitat rapidly

Answer

Biodiversity hotspots are regions with exceptional concentrations of endemic species already facing habitat loss, making climate-driven shifts especially devastating.

Climate Change Practice Test

Climate Change Practice Test

Climate Change Biodiversity & Ecosystem Protection 2