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.
What is soil compaction?
When soil particles are squeezed together and the air spaces between the particles are reduced.
What are the biggest contributors to soil compaction?
Farm vehicles and grazing animals.
What are the effects of soil compaction on an ecosystem?
Reduces the movement of air, water, and soil organisms between the particles. These are all essential for soil health.
What is aeration?
When small plugs of soil are mechanically removed.
What is resource exploitation?
Another term for resource use.
What is contamination?
The introduction of chemicals, toxins, wastes, or micro-organisms into the environment in concentrations that are harmful to living things.
What is mine reclamation?
The use of plants to restore the land and decontaminate soil and water.
What is overexploitation?
The use or extraction of a resource until it is depleted.
What is the result of overexploitation?
Extinction
