Human Impact on the Environment Flashcards
3rd Unit
Pollution
Any harmful/dangerous substance that is released into the environment
Conservation
Using resources at a minimum so that they can last longer
Sustainability
The ability to reuse materials so they don’t run out
Examples of our limiting factors
Food, water, space, oxygen
Direct Harvesting
Organisms are removed from the environment and NOT replaced
Deforestation
Decreases biodiversity by habitat destruction
Overpopulation
Created by improved health care and hygiene
Carrying capacity
Amount of organisms that can be supported by the habitat
Limiting Factors
Are factors in the environment that limit the size of populations
What are some of the detrimental effects of overpopulation
Technology, Waste Disposal, Over Consumption, Overcrowding, Habitat Destruction, Industrialization
Other names for Imported Species
Non-native or Invasive species
Imported species
Animal and vegetation species that are introduced into environments.
They become pests & disrupt the ecosystem by reducing biodiversity
How do ecologists solve the pest problems?
Diseases created specifically for the pest, use of pesticides or insecticides or Biological Control
Biological Control
The release of natural predators of a pest species
Water Pollution
Introduction of harmful chemicals into lakes, rivers, oceans
Examples of what pollutes the water
Sewage, wastes from homes & factories, animal wastes from farm, fertilizers
Toxic Wastes
Can cause environmental problems. When they are disposed the cells of the organisms that live there can collect it
Biological Magnification
The increase in the concentration of toxic substances as they move through the food chain
Thermal contamination
Power plants and industries use water to cool down their machines and then release it to a river or lake. The warm water cannot hold much oxygen and some species may suffocate.
Contaminant
Any dangerous/hazardous substance that is contaminating a certain space