3.2 Flashcards
What do bogs do to nitrate?
They reduce its concentration by 80%
What are bigs commonly used for by humans?
To grow and harvest blueberries and cranberries.
What is happening to the bogs because of human expansion?
They are being transferred into parking lots, subdivisions, garage dumps, agricultural land, and shopping malls.
What does the word sustainability mean? (in chapter 3 biology context)
The ability of an ecosystem to sustain ecological processes.
Why is sustainability of an ecosystem important?
It is important to biological diversity and ensure the continuation of the ecosystem over time
What is another definition for sustainability? (in the context of humans)
Using the resources of an ecosystem to meet our needs today without reducing the function and the health of that ecosystem or the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
What is land use?
The way we use the land around us for urban development, agriculture, industry, mining, and forestry.
What are resources?
Naturally occurring materials such as soil, wood, water, gas, oil and minerals.
What is resources use?
The ways we obtain and use resources
What is habitat loss?
The destruction of habitats, usually because of human activities.
What is habitat fragmentation?
The division of habitats into smaller, isolated fragments.
What does habitat fragmentation effect?
Plant pollination, seed dispersal, wildlife movement, and plant and animal reproduction.
What is deforestation?
The practice in which forests are logged or cleared for human use.
What effects does deforestation have on ecosystems?
Decreases the amount of trees, reduces the number of plants and animals living in an ecosystem, and results in soil erosion.
What is soil degradation?
When water and wind erosion removes topsoil from bare ground.