Environmental Science - Ch 1 Flashcards
Environment
All living things and the non living things around us
Environmental Science
The study of how the world works and how the environment affects humans/vice versa
Natural Resources
Substances and energy sources needed for survival
Renewable Natural Resources
Can be replenished
Which is the odd one out? (Sunlight, wind, water)
Water - It can be depleted while the other two are perpetual
Nonrenewable Natural Resources
Cannot be replenished once depleted
Ecosystem Services Examples
Air/water purification, nutrient cycles, climate regulation
Ecological Footprint
The environmental impact of an individual or a population
Overshoot
Using renewable resources faster than they can be replenished
Environmental Scientist
Uses science and the scientific method to understand the environment and come up with solutions, all while remaining objective and free of bias
Environmentalist
Uses social movements to raise awareness and to ultimately affect change
Science
A systematic process for learning about the world and testing our understanding
Observational Science
Information is gathered by observing organisms, systems, processes, etc.
Observational Science Examples
Astronomy, archaeology, molecular biology
Hypothesis - Driven Science
Uses experiments to test hypotheses
Hypothesis
A statement that tries to answer a scientific question
Experiments
Designed to test the hypothesis
Independent Variable
Controlled by the scientist
Dependent Variable
Affected by the independent variable
Control
Not subjected to the independent variable
Theory
Consolidates many related hypotheses that are supported by a large group of data
Law
Application of mathematical model to make predictions
Sustainability
Leaving future generations the world that is at least as rich as it is today
Components of Sustainability
Social, Environmental, Economical
