SES211terms final Flashcards
Environment
The sum of all external conditions and influences affecting the life, development, and survival of organisms.
Environmental Science
The interdisciplinary study of how humans interact with their environment, encompassing natural and social sciences.
Ecology
The branch of biology that studies the relationships between living organisms and their environment.
Ecosystem
A community of living organisms interacting with each other and their nonliving environment within a specific area.
Environmentalism
A social movement dedicated to protecting the earth’s life support systems for humans and other species.
3 Principles of Sustainability
The three principles of sustainability are environmental, social, and economic development
Natural Capital
The world’s stock of natural assets, including geology, soil, air, water, and all living organisms.
Natural Resources/Ecosystem Services
Materials and services provided by nature, such as water, air, food, and pollination, vital for human survival that keep us and other species alive and support our economies
Nonrenewable Resources
Resources that exist in fixed amounts or are consumed faster than they are replenished, e.g., fossil fuels.
Renewable Resources
Resources that can be replenished naturally within a human lifetime, e.g., solar energy, wind energy, ocean energy
Inexhaustible Resources
Resources that are virtually unlimited, such as solar and wind energy.
Degradation of Resources
The depletion or destruction of natural resources due to human activities.
Ecological Footprint
A measure of human demand on Earth’s ecosystems in terms of the amount of natural resources consumed.
I=PAT
An equation (Impact = Population x Affluence x Technology) explaining the impact of human activity on the environment.
Causes of Environmental Problems
Factors such as population growth, wasteful resource use, and lack of full-cost pricing.
Environmental Worldviews
a set of values and assumptions that people form about how the world works and their place in it
Differing perspectives on the relationship between humans and nature, influencing policies and actions.
Science/Scientific Methods
A systematic approach to understanding the natural world through observation, experimentation, and hypothesis testing.
Limitations of Science
Constraints include bias, lack of resources, and limitations of measurement tools or human understanding.
Matter
Anything that occupies space and has mass, composed of atoms and molecules.
Cells
The basic structural, functional, and biological unit of all living organisms.
DNA
A molecule that carries genetic instructions used in the growth, development, and reproduction of organisms.
Chromosomes
Thread-like structures made of DNA and protein, found in the nucleus of cells, containing genetic information.
Genes
Segments of DNA that carry hereditary information and determine traits.
Physical Change
A change in a substance that does not alter its chemical composition, such as changes in state or shape.
Chemical Change
A transformation resulting in the formation of one or more new substances with different properties.
Atoms
The smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element.
Atomic Theory
The scientific theory that all matter is composed of atoms.
Law of Conservation of Matter
A principle stating that matter cannot be created or destroyed in an isolated system.
Law of Conservation of Energy
A principle stating that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed or transferred.
Second Law of Thermodynamics
Energy transfers result in less usable energy and increase entropy in a closed system.
System
A set of interacting or interdependent components forming an integrated whole.
Feedback Loop
A process where the output of a system influences its own input, either amplifying (positive) or stabilizing (negative) effects.
Energy (2 types)
Kinetic energy (energy of motion) and potential energy (stored energy based on position or configuration).
Ecological Tipping Point
A critical threshold where an ecosystem undergoes a significant and often irreversible change.
4 Spherical Systems
The four main components of Earth’s system: atmosphere (air), hydrosphere (water), lithosphere (land), and biosphere (life).
Trophic Level
The hierarchical levels in a food chain, categorized by how organisms obtain their energy (e.g., producers, consumers).
Producers
Organisms, such as plants, that create their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis.
Consumers
Organisms that obtain energy by consuming other organisms, classified as primary, secondary, or tertiary consumers.
Decomposers
Organisms, like fungi and bacteria, that break down dead organic matter and recycle nutrients into ecosystems.
Food Chain
A linear sequence of organisms through which nutrients and energy pass as one organism eats another.
Food Web
A complex network of interconnected food chains in an ecosystem.
GPP (Gross Primary Productivity)
the rate at which plants capture solar energy and convert it into carbon dioxide (CO2) through photosynthesis
NPP (Net Primary Productivity)
In other words, it’s the rate at which energy is stored as biomass by plants or other primary producers and made available to the consumers in the ecosystem.
Nutrient Cycling (C, N, Water, P)
The circulation of essential elements (carbon, nitrogen, water, phosphorus) through ecosystems.
Studying Ecosystems
Research methods to analyze interactions between organisms and their environment, including field and lab studies.
Biodiversity
The variety of life in all forms, levels, and combinations within ecosystems.
Species Diversity
The variety and abundance of species within a particular habitat or ecosystem.
Genetic Diversity
The total number of genetic characteristics within a species’ population.
Ecosystem Diversity
The variety of ecosystems in a particular area, each with its own organisms and environments.
Generalist Species
Species with broad niches, able to survive in a wide range of environments and use a variety of resources.
Specialist Species
Species with narrow niches, specialized in particular habitats or resources.
Habitat
The natural environment where an organism lives and grows.
Native Species
Species that naturally occur in a specific ecosystem without human introduction.
Nonnative Species
Species introduced to an ecosystem through human activity, intentionally or accidentally.
Invasive Species
Nonnative species that disrupt ecosystems, often outcompeting native species.
Indicator Species
Species that serve as a measure of the environmental conditions in an ecosystem.
Keystone Species
Species that play a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecosystem.
Evolution
The process by which species change over time through genetic variation and natural selection.
Natural Selection
The process where organisms better adapted to their environment survive and reproduce.
Myths Regarding Natural Selection
Misconceptions about evolution, such as the belief it produces perfect organisms or occurs in response to needs.
Mutations
Changes in the DNA sequence that can result in genetic diversity and evolutionary changes.
Adaptations
Traits developed through natural selection that enhance an organism’s survival and reproduction.
Speciation
The formation of new and distinct species through evolution.
Geographic Isolation
A type of speciation where physical barriers prevent populations from interbreeding.
Reproductive Isolation
a set of barriers that prevent different species from breeding and producing healthy offspring
Extinction
The permanent loss of a species from Earth.
Niche
The role or function of an organism within its ecosystem, including resource use and interactions.
Monarch Butterflies
A species known for its long migrations and importance as pollinators, often considered an indicator species.
Serengeti Video
A reference to a video demonstrating biodiversity and ecological interactions in the Serengeti ecosystem.
Life Expectancy
The average period an individual is expected to live.
Infant Mortality Rate
The number of infant deaths per 1,000 live births in a given population.
Migration
The movement of organisms from one area to another, often seasonally or for survival.
Age Structure
The distribution of a population across various age groups, affecting growth trends and resource needs.
a graphical representation that shows the distribution of a population by age and gender, typically with the youngest age group at the bottom and the oldest at the top
American Baby Boom
A significant increase in births in the U.S. following World War II, impacting population growth and economy.
Population Growth & Decline
Changes in population size influenced by birth rates, death rates, immigration, and emigration.
Educating Women
An approach to reduce birth rates and improve economic and social outcomes by increasing women’s access to education.
Urban Sprawl
The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into rural or natural lands.
Urbanization
The process by which more of a population lives in urban areas, leading to changes in infrastructure and environment.
Mexico City
An example of a highly urbanized area facing challenges such as pollution, congestion, and resource management.
Eco-City/Smart Growth
Sustainable urban planning practices aimed at reducing environmental impact and improving quality of life.
Weather
The short-term atmospheric conditions in a specific area, such as temperature and precipitation.
Climate
The long-term patterns and averages of weather in a region over extended periods.
Ocean Currents
Large-scale movement of water in the oceans, influencing climate and ecosystems globally.
Global Air Circulation
Patterns of air movement driven by solar energy and Earth’s rotation, affecting climate and weather.
Latitude/Longitude
A coordinate system used to locate places on Earth, with latitude indicating north-south and longitude east-west.
El Niño
A climate pattern characterized by warming of the Pacific Ocean, impacting global weather systems.
Rain Shadow Effect
A phenomenon where one side of a mountain receives precipitation while the other remains dry.
Biomes
Large ecological areas with distinct climate, flora, and fauna, such as forests, deserts, and grasslands.
Edge Effect
The increased biodiversity and ecological interactions found at the boundaries between ecosystems.
Types of Grasslands
tropical grasslands, temperate grasslands, and montane grasslands
Types of Deserts
hot deserts, cold deserts, and coastal deserts.
Types of Forests
boreal, temperate, and tropical
Mountains
Elevated landforms that host unique ecosystems and impact climate and weather patterns.
Importance of Marine Ecosystems
Marine environments provide food, oxygen, climate regulation, and support biodiversity.
Global Ocean
The interconnected system of Earth’s oceanic waters, influencing climate and supporting marine life.
Coastal Zones
Areas where land meets the ocean, rich in biodiversity and vital for fisheries and human settlements.
Coral Reefs/Polyps/Zooxanthellae
Coral reefs are biodiverse marine systems formed by polyps that host algae called zooxanthellae for energy.
Human Activities and Marine Ecosystems
Actions such as pollution, overfishing, and climate change that impact marine biodiversity and health.
Open Sea
The vast open ocean beyond coastal zones, characterized by lower biodiversity compared to coastal ecosystems.
Freshwater Ecosystems
Aquatic systems with low salt content, such as rivers, lakes, and wetlands, critical for biodiversity and resources.
Lakes
Large bodies of standing freshwater formed by geological or climatic processes.
Oligotrophic Lakes
Freshwater lakes with low nutrient levels, clear water, and minimal biological productivity.
Eutrophic Lakes
Freshwater lakes with high nutrient levels, often resulting in algae blooms and reduced oxygen levels.
Cultural Eutrophication
The process where human activities increase nutrient levels in water bodies, causing excessive algae growth.
Surface Water
Water that collects on the surface of the ground, such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
Runoff
Water that flows over the land surface, often carrying pollutants into water bodies.
Human Activities and Freshwater Ecosystems
Human impacts such as pollution, dam construction, and water diversion that alter freshwater habitats.
Drainage Basin
The area of land where precipitation collects and drains into a common outlet, such as a river.
Wetlands
Land areas saturated with water, supporting diverse species and providing ecosystem services like water filtration.
Floodplains
Flat areas of land adjacent to rivers that flood periodically, providing fertile soil and biodiversity.
Food Security
Access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to maintain a healthy life.
Food Insecurity
Lack of reliable access to enough food for an active, healthy life.
Undernutrition
Inadequate intake of nutrients and calories necessary for health and development.
Malnutrition
A condition caused by imbalanced or insufficient nutrition, leading to health problems.
Overnutrition
Excessive intake of calories and nutrients, often leading to obesity and related health issues.
Irrigation
The artificial application of water to land for agricultural purposes.
Types of Agriculture
Includes industrialized agriculture (high-input, large-scale), traditional agriculture (low-input, small-scale), and organic agriculture (avoids synthetic inputs).
Polyculture
Agricultural practice of growing multiple crops in the same space to enhance biodiversity and resilience.
Green Revolution
A period of agricultural advancement characterized by high-yield crop varieties and increased use of fertilizers and pesticides.
Due to technology advancements
Organic Food/Agriculture
Farming practices that rely on natural processes and avoid synthetic inputs like pesticides and GMOs.
GMOs
Genetically Modified Organisms, whose DNA has been altered for specific agricultural benefits.
Crossbreeding
The process of breeding two different species or varieties to produce offspring with desired traits.
Food Production’s Harmful Effects
Includes soil degradation, water pollution, deforestation, and greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural activities.
Aquaculture
The cultivation of aquatic organisms such as fish, shellfish, and seaweed for food production.
Soil Erosion
The removal of the top layer of soil due to water, wind, or human activity, reducing soil fertility.
Soil and Its Importance
Soil provides nutrients, water, and support for plant growth and is critical for ecosystems and agriculture.
Desertification
The degradation of land in arid areas, often due to overgrazing, deforestation, and poor agricultural practices.
Salinization
The accumulation of salts in soil, reducing its fertility and agricultural productivity.
which can come from seawater flooding, brackish groundwater, or seawater seepage
Waterlogging
The saturation of soil with water, hindering plant growth and damaging crops.
Animal Feedlots
Confined spaces where large numbers of livestock are raised for meat, often contributing to pollution and health issues.
Synthetic Pesticides
Chemicals used to kill pests that damage crops, but often harm beneficial species and the environment.
Soil Conservation (4 Methods)
Techniques such as contour plowing, terracing, crop rotation, and maintaining vegetative cover to prevent soil erosion.
Soil
A natural resource composed of minerals, organic matter, air, and water, essential for plant growth.
Risk
The probability of an adverse outcome resulting from exposure to a hazard.
Risk Assessment
The process of identifying, evaluating, and estimating the risks associated with a particular hazard.
Risk Management
Strategies and actions taken to minimize or mitigate the risks identified in a risk assessment.
Types of Hazards
Categories of hazards, including biological (diseases), chemical (toxins), physical (natural disasters), and cultural (lifestyle risks).
Infectious Disease
Illnesses caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, often transmissible between organisms.
Transmissible Disease
Diseases that can be spread from one individual to another, such as the flu or COVID-19.
Nontransmissible Disease
Diseases that cannot be spread between individuals, such as diabetes or cancer.
Epidemic
A widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a specific community or region.
Mercury
A toxic heavy metal that can accumulate in living organisms, causing neurological and developmental harm.
Malaria
A mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions.
Carcinogens
Substances that can cause cancer by altering cellular processes.
Mutagens
Agents that cause genetic mutations, which may lead to cancer or other health issues.
Teratogens
Substances that can cause birth defects during embryonic development.
Neurotoxins
Chemicals that disrupt the nervous system, leading to adverse effects like tremors, paralysis, or death.
Hormone Disruptors
Chemicals that interfere with endocrine system functions, affecting growth, reproduction, and metabolism.
Toxicity
The degree to which a substance can harm organisms.
Persistence
The ability of a substance to remain in the environment without breaking down for extended periods.
Harmful Chemicals at Home
Common household chemicals, such as cleaners and pesticides, that pose health risks if misused or overexposed.
Endocrine System
A network of glands and hormones that regulate various physiological processes in the body.
Toxicology
The scientific study of the harmful effects of chemicals on living organisms.
Environmental Justice
A movement aimed at ensuring fair treatment of all people in environmental policies and practices.
Environmental Discrimination
Unequal exposure to environmental hazards and unequal access to environmental resources based on race or socioeconomic status.
Basel Convention
An international treaty aimed at reducing the movement of hazardous waste between nations, particularly from developed to less developed countries.
Tsunamis
Large, powerful ocean waves caused by underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.
CA Tectonics (Basics)
The study of the movement of tectonic plates in California, which explains the region’s earthquakes and geology.
Water Footprint
The total volume of freshwater used directly and indirectly by an individual, community, or business.
Virtual Water
The amount of water embedded in the production and trade of goods and services.
Issues Related to Water Access
Challenges such as scarcity, pollution, and inequitable distribution affecting global water availability.
Freshwater Availability
The limited amount of freshwater accessible for human use, impacted by pollution, climate change, and overuse.
Carbon Cycle
The natural process of carbon moving between the atmosphere, organisms, soil, and oceans.
Nitrogen Cycle
The process by which nitrogen is converted between its various chemical forms, essential for life on Earth.
Water Cycle
The continuous movement of water through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.
Phosphorus Cycle
The movement of phosphorus through the environment, crucial for DNA and energy transfer in living organisms.
Greenhouse Effect
The natural process by which certain gases in the atmosphere trap heat, maintaining Earth’s temperature.
