Introduced (non-native) species sometimes become invasive because

Answer: They outcompete native species without their natural predators or pathogens to keep them in check Released from co-evolved enemies, invasives can explode in numbers and disrupt ecosystems.

Greenhouse gases (CO₂, CH₄, water vapor)

Answer: Trap infrared radiation in the atmosphere, warming the planet Greenhouse gases let visible light in but absorb outgoing IR, warming the surface and lower atmosphere.

Anthropogenic climate change is causing

Answer: Rising sea levels, shifting species ranges (often poleward), increased extreme weather, ocean acidification Multiple cascading impacts on ecosystems. Marine species are particularly affected by acidification (CO₂ + H₂O → H₂CO₃).

AP Biology · Topic 8.7

Disruptions to Ecosystems Practice

Part of Ecology.(SYI-3.B)

Practice questions

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Sample questions

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Sample 1difficulty 2/5
$Introduced (non-native) species sometimes become invasive because$
- A
  $They outcompete native species without their natural predators or pathogens to keep them in check$
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- B
  $Native species cooperate with them through mutualisms that boost both populations equally$
- C
  $They have lower reproductive rates but extremely strong defenses against native predators$
- D
  $They cannot adapt to local conditions but compensate by occupying broader thermal niches$
Why
$Released from co-evolved enemies, invasives can explode in numbers and disrupt ecosystems.$
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Sample 2difficulty 2/5
$Greenhouse gases (CO₂, CH₄, water vapor)$
- A
  $Reflect incoming solar radiation back into space, cooling the planet$
- B
  $Absorb visible light at the surface, dimming sunlight reaching the planet$
- C
  $Block ultraviolet radiation in the stratosphere, protecting the planet$
- D
  $Trap infrared radiation in the atmosphere, warming the planet$
  check_circle
Why
$Greenhouse gases let visible light in but absorb outgoing IR, warming the surface and lower atmosphere.$
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Sample 3difficulty 2/5
$Anthropogenic climate change is causing$
- A
  $Rising sea levels, contracting species ranges (often equatorward), reduced storm intensity, ocean deoxygenation$
- B
  $Rising sea levels, shifting species ranges (often poleward), increased extreme weather, ocean acidification$
  check_circle
- C
  $Stable sea levels, contracting species ranges (mostly downslope), fewer extreme weather events, ocean freshening$
- D
  $Falling sea levels, shifting species ranges (often equatorward), reduced extreme weather, ocean alkalinization$
Why
$Multiple cascading impacts on ecosystems. Marine species are particularly affected by acidification (CO₂ + H₂O \to H₂CO₃).$
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Sample 4difficulty 3/5
$The lag-explosive-saturation pattern shown is characteristic of:$
- A
  $Native species at equilibrium$
- B
  $Many invasive species after introduction$
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- C
  $Endangered species in steep decline$
- D
  $Species undergoing genetic drift$
Why
$Successful invaders often show an initial lag (low density, adaptation), then explosive growth as populations expand, then saturation at carrying capacity.$
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Sample 5difficulty 3/5
$Biomagnification refers to$
- A
  $Increasing diversity of microbial species in nutrient-enriched aquatic ecosystems$
- B
  $Increasing concentration of persistent toxins (e.g., DDT, mercury) at higher trophic levels$
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- C
  $Increasing population sizes of predators that consume contaminated prey species$
- D
  $Increasing reproductive rates of organisms exposed to low-level environmental toxins$
Why
$Toxins that resist degradation accumulate over time and become more concentrated as they pass up the food chain.$
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