Question 1

Which of the following best explains the tight correlation between atmospheric CO2 and global temperature observed in historical data?

Accepted Answer

CO2 acts as a greenhouse gas, trapping heat in the atmosphere and raising global temperatures.

Question 2

Based on the CO2 and temperature graphs, what is the most likely consequence of the current rapid increase in atmospheric CO2?

Accepted Answer

A significant rise in global average temperature.

Question 3

Which equation represents the carbonate balance in the ocean, contributing to ocean acidification?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

What is the primary mechanism by which global warming causes sea level rise?

Accepted Answer

Thermal expansion of seawater as it warms.

Question 5

Which of the following is a predicted ecological consequence of melting polar ice caps?

Accepted Answer

Reduced habitat for polar bears and a northern shift in fish distributions.

Question 6

How does ocean acidification affect coral reefs, according to projections from 1990 to 2100?

Accepted Answer

It decreases coral calcification rates by up to 30%.

Question 7

Which scenario is most likely to lead to emergent diseases in terrestrial ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Warming land temperatures and increased flooding.

Question 8

What is the expected impact of climate change on the distribution of malaria by 2050?

Accepted Answer

Expansion of malaria into regions that were previously unsuitable due to warmer climates.

Question 9

Which of the following is a direct consequence of increased ocean temperatures?

Accepted Answer

Bleaching and death of coral reefs.

Question 10

A coupled ocean-climate model predicts a doubling of atmospheric CO2. What is a likely effect on sockeye salmon distribution?

Accepted Answer

A shift in seasonal distribution, with salmon moving further north in July.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the process of coral bleaching?

Accepted Answer

Loss of endosymbiotic zooxanthellae, dinoflagellates that 'feed' coral.

Question 12

What is the relationship between atmospheric CO2 and foliar fungal disease severity?

Accepted Answer

Higher CO2 and ozone levels increase foliar fungal disease severity.

Question 13

Which equation would you use to calculate the change in sea surface pH due to increased CO2?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{CO_2$ + H_2O \rightarrow H_2CO_3 \rightarrow H^+ + $$HCO_3$$^-}$$

Question 14

Which of the following is a likely outcome of more extreme hurricanes due to climate change?

Accepted Answer

Increased flooding and droughts in affected regions.

Question 15

If the average global temperature increases by 4°C this century, which of the following is NOT a predicted consequence?

Accepted Answer

Expansion of polar ice caps.

Question 16

What is the main reason estuaries and low-lying coasts are at risk from sea level rise?

Accepted Answer

Flooding due to thermal expansion and melting ice caps.

Question 17

Which of the following is a plausible effect of declining Antarctic krill populations?

Accepted Answer

Decline in penguin populations due to less food and longer foraging trips.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the predicted change in terrestrial Net Primary Productivity (NPP) due to climate change?

Accepted Answer

NPP changes vary by region, with some areas increasing and others decreasing.

Question 19

Which of the following is a likely impact of climate change on human populations?

Accepted Answer

Creation of climate refugees due to flooding and habitat loss.

9.2 Ecology and Climate Change: Impacts on Terrestrial and Marine Systems

Study Guide - Practice Questions