Chapter 18: The Ocean and the Environment Flashcards
human demand has exceeded Earth’s ability to regenerate resource since at least the early ____
1980s
what is marine pollution?
the introduction into the ocean of substances or energy that changes the quality of the water or affects the physical, chemical, or biological environment
what is a pollutant?
causes damage by interfering directly or indirectly with the mechanical or biochemical processes of an organism
in most cases, an organism’s response to a particular pollutant depends on its sensitivity to the combination of _____ and ____ of that pollutant
quantity, toxicity
what does it mean for something to be biodegradable?
it can be broken down by natural processes into simpler compounds
is crude oil ultimately biodegradable?
yes
what are chlorinated hydrocarbons?
the most abundant and dangerous halogenated hydrocarbons
what happens in the process of biomagnification?
when organisms at higher levels in the food chain concentrate toxic substances in their flesh
what is eutrophication?
a set of physical, chemical, and biological changes that take place when excessive nutrients are released into the water
what is hypoxia?
depletion of free oxygen content of surface water
what are introduced species?
organisms that are introduced to a non-native territory that can sometimes outcompete native species and reduce biological diversity in their new habitats
what are marine protected areas (MPAs)?
regions in which human activity is restricted to protect the natural environment
what is the greenhouse effect?
the trapping of heat by the atmosphere
what are examples of greenhouse gases?
water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, CFCs
is the greenhouse effect detrimental?
no, the greenhouse effect is a natural process and is necessary for life. however, its current enhancement through human activity is what is becoming dangerous.
