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Ch. 56 - Conservation Biology and Global Change
All textbooksCampbell 12th EditionCh. 56 - Conservation Biology and Global ChangeProblem 2
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Chapter 56, Problem 2

The main cause of the increase in the amount of CO2 in Earth’s atmosphere over the past 170 years is


A. increased worldwide primary production.
B. increased worldwide fertilizer production.
C. increased infrared radiation absorption by the atmosphere.
D. the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Carbon Dioxide Emissions

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere. Its levels have significantly increased due to human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, which release CO2 as a byproduct. Understanding the sources of CO2 emissions is crucial for addressing climate change and its impacts.
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Deforestation

Deforestation refers to the large-scale removal of trees from forested areas, which reduces the number of trees available to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. This process not only contributes to increased CO2 levels but also disrupts ecosystems and biodiversity. The loss of forests exacerbates climate change by diminishing a natural carbon sink.
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Greenhouse Effect

The greenhouse effect is a natural process where certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap heat, keeping the planet warm enough to support life. However, human activities have intensified this effect by increasing the concentration of greenhouse gases, such as CO2, leading to global warming and climate change. Understanding this concept is essential for evaluating the impact of increased CO2 levels.
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Textbook Question

One characteristic that distinguishes a population in an extinction vortex from most other populations is that a. it is a rare, top-level predator. b, its effective population size is lower than its total population size. c. its genetic diversity is very low. d. it is not well adapted to edge conditions.

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Textbook Question

What is the single greatest threat to biodiversity? a. overharvesting of commercially important species b. habitat alteration, fragmentation, and destruction c. introduced species that compete with native species d. novel pathogens

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Textbook Question

If you applied a fungicide to a cornfield, what would you expect to happen to the rate of decomposition and net ecosystem production (NEP)? a. Both decomposition rate and NEP would decrease. b. Neither would change. c. Decomposition rate would increase and NEP would decrease. d. Decomposition rate would decrease and NEP would increase.

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Textbook Question

Which of the following strategies would most rapidly increase the genetic diversity of a population in an extinction vortex? a. Establish a reserve that protects the population's habitat. b. Introduce new individuals transported from other populations of the same species. c. Sterilize the least fit individuals in the population. d. Control populations of the endangered population's predators and competitors.

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