chapter 1 Flashcards
describes living (biotic) and nonliving
(abiotic) surroundings relevant to organisms
Environment
A group of sciences that attempt to explain how life
on the Earth is sustained, what leads to
environmental problems, and how these
problems can be solved
* Interdisciplinary in nature which integrates many
disciplines
Environmental Science
study of the place we live. it examines the relationship between the living and non-living at scales ranging from individual organism to the biosphere
Ecology
A diverse range of life indicates ecological health and often drives ecological studies
Biodiversity
type of interactions include predation, mutualism, parasitism, commensalism, and competition
species interactions
energy from the sun is transformed and moves through the ecosystem in a process illustrated by the food web
energy flow
over time, an ecosystem experiences changes in biodiversity and nutrient availability
succession
refers to concern
about and action to protect the
environment
It encompasses ethical, political, and
scientific questions about the nature of
the environment, the purpose of
protection, and the establishment of
harm.
Environmentalism
refers to an individual’s beliefs and
values regarding their relationship with the environment.
Environmental worldviews
This concept encompasses how people perceive their _______ in the
natural world, the ________ they place on environmental
issues, and their understanding of ecological systems.
role, importance
Places humans at the center of
importance, viewing nature primarily
in terms of its utility to human
beings
* Leads to the belief that human needs
and interests should take precedence
over those of other species.
anthropocentrism
- Extends intrinsic value to all living
beings, arguing that all forms of life
have a right to exist and that humans
are just one part of a larger
ecological community - It emphasizes the interconnectedness
of life and the importance of
preserving biodiversity
biocentrism
- Goes further by valuing ecosystems
as a whole, including both living and
non-living components - It advocates for the health of the
entire ecological system rather than
focusing solely on individual species
or human interests
ecocentrism
a set of
components, or parts, that
function together as a whole.
* In its relation to the rest of
the environment, a system
can be _____ or ______
System approach, open, close
is a holistic way
of understanding and analyzing
complex entities by viewing them as
interconnected and interdependent
components rather than as isolated
parts.
system approach
A systematic process through which
researchers and scientists discover the
truth about the natural world
scientific method
To analyze and evaluate
information, reasoning and situations,
according to appropriate standards, for
the purpose of constructing sound and
insightful new knowledge,
understandings, hypotheses and beliefs
Critical thinking
Critical thinking disposition
inquisitiveness
truth-seeking
self-confidence
open-mindedness
systematicity
analyticity
cognitive maturity
importance of critical thinking
analyzing complex issues
evaluating evidence
generating solutions
making informed decisions
promoting engagement and advocacy
Critical thinkers can better
evaluate options, assess
consequences, and balance
sustainability with economic and
social needs, crucial for
addressing environmental
challenges
Making informed decision
Critical thinking catalyzes the
generation of creative and innovative
solutions to environmental challenges,
fostering a paradigm shift towards
sustainable practices, conservation
initiatives, and technological
advancements
generating solutions
Conducting a rigorous
assessment of data source
credibility, c
evaluating evidence
Critical thinking enables
problem decomposition,
causal analysis, and
interdependence identification
of complex environmental
problems
analyzing complex issues
The willingness to pick apart
your own and others’ logic
analyticity
Being persistent in seeking the
truth
cognitive maturity
Flexibility in considering
alternative viewpoint
open-mindedness
Willingness to face one’s own biases
and reconsider views
truth-seeking
Concern to become and remained
well-informed
inquisitiveness
