Summary
Climate change is the long-term alteration of Earth's climate patterns, primarily caused by human activities like burning fossil fuels. Evidence includes increased CO2 levels and rising temperatures. The greenhouse effect, driven by gases like CO2 and methane, leads to global warming, affecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Climate Change — long-term alteration of Earth's climate patterns. Example: Rising global temperatures and melting ice caps.
- Anthropogenic Climate Change — climate change caused by human activities. Example: Increased greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels.
- Greenhouse Effect — warming of Earth's surface due to trapped heat by greenhouse gases. Example: Carbon dioxide and methane trapping heat in the atmosphere.
- Global Warming — increase in Earth's average surface temperature. Example: More frequent extreme weather events like storms and droughts.
- Carbon Cycle — process of carbon exchange among the atmosphere, oceans, and living organisms. Example: Carbon dioxide absorbed by plants during photosynthesis.
- Dendrochronology — study of tree rings to understand past climate conditions. Example: Tree ring width indicating historical rainfall patterns.
- Extrapolation — predicting future climate based on past data trends. Example: Climate models forecasting temperature changes.
- Enzyme Denaturing — loss of enzyme structure due to high temperatures. Example: Enzymes losing function above their optimum temperature.
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Climate Change
- Anthropogenic Climate Change
- Greenhouse Effect
- Global Warming
- Carbon Cycle
- Dendrochronology
- Extrapolation
- Enzyme Denaturing
Common Confusions
- Confusing the greenhouse effect with global warming.
- Misunderstanding the role of human activities in climate change.
Typical Exam Questions
- What is the greenhouse effect? The greenhouse effect is the warming of Earth's surface due to trapped heat by greenhouse gases.
- How does deforestation contribute to climate change? Deforestation reduces the number of trees that absorb CO2, increasing atmospheric CO2 levels.
- What is the role of enzymes in biological reactions? Enzymes act as catalysts to accelerate chemical reactions without being consumed.
What Examiners Usually Test
- Understanding of how human activities contribute to climate change.
- Ability to explain the consequences of global warming on ecosystems.
- Knowledge of how temperature affects enzyme activity and organism development.