AP Environmental Science Flashcards: Ocean Warming
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
A scientist observes a fish population is struggling to reproduce successfully. Based on the text, what environmental stressor could be responsible for these reproductive changes?
Ocean warming is a likely cause, as it is known to lead to reproductive changes in marine species.
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A scientist observes a fish population is struggling to reproduce successfully. Based on the text, what environmental stressor could be responsible for these reproductive changes?
Ocean warming is a likely cause, as it is known to lead to reproductive changes in marine species.
What is the specific connection between ocean warming and coral bleaching?
Ocean warming is the environmental stressor that causes coral bleaching to occur.
Besides habitat loss, what are two physiological changes marine species might experience due to ocean warming?
Marine species may experience metabolic and reproductive changes due to ocean warming.
If a government aims to reduce coral bleaching, what atmospheric components should its policies target, according to the provided text?
The policies should target the reduction of greenhouse gases, as their increase is the root cause of the ocean warming that leads to coral bleaching.
Explain the relationship between atmospheric greenhouse gases and coral bleaching.
Increased greenhouse gases cause ocean warming, which in turn causes the loss of algae within corals, leading to coral bleaching.
Term: Ocean Warming
The increase in ocean temperature caused by rising levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, leading to negative effects on marine life.
What is coral bleaching?
Coral bleaching occurs when the loss of algae within corals cause the corals to bleach white.
What is the direct cause of corals turning white during bleaching?
The direct cause of corals turning white is the loss of the algae that live within them.
What is the primary cause of ocean warming?
Ocean warming is caused by the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
List three ways ocean warming affects marine species.
Ocean warming can affect marine species through loss of habitat, and metabolic and reproductive changes.