155 Ways to go APE(S) Flashcards
(161 cards)
1
Q
What is Ionizing Radiation?
A
Energy capable of dislodging electrons from atoms, forming ions and causing cancer (gamma, X-rays, UV).
2
Q
Define High Quality Energy.
A
Organized and concentrated energy that can perform useful work (e.g., fossil fuels and nuclear energy).
3
Q
What characterizes Low Quality Energy?
A
Disorganized and dispersed energy (e.g., heat in ocean or air, wind, or solar).
4
Q
What is the First Law of Thermodynamics?
A
Energy is neither created nor destroyed, but may be converted from one form to another (Law of Conservation of Energy).
5
Q
What does the Second Law of Thermodynamics state?
A
When energy is changed from one form to another, some useful energy is always degraded into lower quality energy, usually heat.
6
Q
What is Natural Radioactive Decay?
A
The process by which unstable radioactive substances release gamma rays, alpha particles, and beta particles (e.g., Radon).
7
Q
Define Half-Life.
A
The time it takes for half the mass of a radioactive isotope to decay.
8
Q
How long must a radioactive isotope be stored until it decays to a safe level?
A
Approximately 10 half-lives.
9
Q
What is Nuclear Fission?
A
The process where the nuclei of isotopes split apart when struck by neutrons.
10
Q
Define Nuclear Fusion.
A
The process of forcing two isotopes of light elements (H) together at high temperatures to form a heavier nucleus (He).
11
Q
What is an Ore?
A
A rock that contains a large enough concentration of a mineral making it profitable to mine.
12
Q
What is a Mineral Reserve?
A
Identified deposits that are currently profitable to extract.
13
Q
What is the best solution to the energy shortage?
A
Conservation, increase efficiency, explore alternative energy options.
14
Q
Define Organic Fertilizer.
A
Fertilizer that is slow-acting and long-lasting because organic remains need time to decompose.
15
Q
What is Surface Mining?
A
A cheaper method that can remove more minerals and is less hazardous to workers.
16
Q
What is Humus?
A
Organic, dark material remaining after decomposition by microorganisms.
17
Q
Define Leaching.
A
The removal of dissolved materials from soil by water moving downwards.
18
Q
What is Illuviation?
A
The deposit of leached material in lower soil layers (B Horizons).
19
Q
What is Loam?
A
Perfect agricultural soil with optimal portions of sand, silt, clay (40%, 40%, 20%).
20
Q
List some Soil Conservation Methods.
A
- Conservation tillage
- Crop rotation
- Contour plowing
- Organic fertilizers.
21
Q
What is Soil Salinization?
A
In arid regions, water evaporates leaving salts behind (e.g., Fertile Crescent in southwestern US).
22
Q
Define Conservation.
A
Allowing the use of resources in a responsible manner.
23
Q
What is Preservation?
A
Setting aside areas and protecting them from human activities.
24
Q
What is Water Logging?
A
When water completely saturates soil and starves plant roots of oxygen, leading to root rot.
25
List the components of the Hydrologic Cycle.
* Evaporation
* Transpiration
* Runoff
* Condensation
* Precipitation
* Infiltration.
26
What is a Watershed?
All of the land that drains into a body of water.
27
Define Aquifer.
Underground layers of porous rock that allow water to move slowly.
28
What is a Cone of Depression?
The lowering of the water table around a pumping well.
29
What is Salt Water Intrusion?
Near the coast, overpumping of groundwater causes saltwater to move into the aquifer.
30
What does ENSO stand for?
El Niño Southern Oscillation.
31
What occurs during an El Niño year?
Trade winds weaken and warm water moves towards South America, causing diminished fisheries and increased precipitation in southwestern North America.
32
What are the effects of El Niño?
* Upwelling decreases, disrupting food chains
* Northern US has mild winters
* Southwest US has increased rainfall
* Fewer Atlantic hurricanes.
33
Define La Nina.
A 'normal' year where easterly trade winds and ocean currents pool warm water in the western Pacific, allowing upwelling of nutrient-rich water off the West Coast of South America.
34
What is Nitrogen Fixation?
The process where atmospheric nitrogen is converted into ammonia by bacteria.
35
What is Ammonification?
The process by which decomposers convert organic waste to ammonia.
36
What is Nitrification?
The conversion of ammonia to nitrate ion (NO3-1).
37
What is Assimilation?
The conversion of inorganic nitrogen into organic molecules such as DNA, amino acids, and proteins.
38
What is Denitrification?
The process by which bacteria convert nitrate (NO3-1) and nitrite (NO2-1) back into nitrogen gas (N2).
39
Why does phosphorus not circulate as easily as nitrogen?
It does not exist as a gas and is released by weathering of phosphate (PO4-3) rocks.
40
What characterizes the Phosphorous Cycle?
A slow cycle that is not atmospheric.
41
Why is phosphorus a major limiting nutrient?
It limits the growth of plants.
42
How is phosphorus added to aquatic ecosystems?
* Runoff of animal wastes
* Fertilizer
* Discharge of sewage.
43
Define Sustainability.
The ability to meet current needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their needs.
44
What is Photosynthesis?
The process by which plants convert CO2 into complex carbohydrates (sugars) like glucose (C6H12O6).
45
What is Aerobic Respiration?
The process where oxygen-consuming producers, consumers, and decomposers break down complex organic compounds and convert carbon back into CO2.
46
What are the largest reservoirs of Carbon (C)?
* Carbonate (CO3)2- rocks
* Oceans.
47
Define Biotic.
The living component of an ecosystem.
48
Define Abiotic.
The non-living component of an ecosystem.
49
What is a Producer/Autotroph?
Organisms that make their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis.
50
What are Trophic Levels?
The hierarchy in food chains: producers → primary consumers → secondary consumers → tertiary consumers.
51
What percentage of usable energy is transferred to the next trophic level?
Only 10% due to energy loss as heat.
52
Define Succession in ecology.
The gradual colonization of a habitat after an environmental disturbance.
53
What is Primary Succession?
Development of communities in a lifeless area not recently inhabited by life, beginning with lichen action.
54
What is Secondary Succession?
Life progresses where soil remains after a disturbance (e.g., clear cut forest, fire).
55
What is a Climax Community?
The stable, final community that develops from ecological succession.
56
Define Symbiosis.
When members of two different species live in close physical contact with each other.
57
What is Mutualism?
A symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit.
58
What is Commensalism?
A symbiotic relationship in which one organism benefits and the other is unaffected.
59
Define Parasitism.
A relationship where one organism (the parasite) obtains nutrients at the expense of the host.
60
What are Biomes?
Large distinct terrestrial regions with similar climate, soil, plants, and animals.
61
What is Carrying Capacity?
The number of individuals that can be sustained in an area.
62
Define R strategist.
A reproductive strategy where organisms reproduce early and bear many small, unprotected offspring.
63
Define K strategist.
A reproductive strategy where organisms reproduce late in life and care for few offspring.
64
What is Positive Feedback?
When a change in some conditions triggers a response that intensifies the change.
65
What is Negative Feedback?
When a change in some condition triggers a response that counteracts the change.
66
What is Natural Selection?
The process where organisms with favorable adaptations have higher reproductive success.
67
Define Exotic Species/Invasive Species.
Non-native species that disrupt the ecosystem balance.
68
What is Doubling Time?
The time it takes for a population to double, calculated as 70 divided by the percent growth rate.
69
What is Replacement Level Fertility?
The number of children a couple must have to replace themselves (averages 2.1 in developed nations).
70
What is the World Population?
Approximately 6.7 billion.
71
What are the characteristics of the Preindustrial Stage of the Demographic Transition Model?
* High birth and death rates
* Population grows slowly
* High infant mortality.
72
What characterizes the Transitional Stage of the Demographic Transition Model?
* Lower death rates
* High birth rates
* Better health care leading to fast population growth.
73
What occurs in the Industrial Stage of the Demographic Transition Model?
A decline in birth rates and slowed population growth.
74
What characterizes the Postindustrial Stage of the Demographic Transition Model?
Low birth and low death rates.
75
What does a broad base in an Age Structure Diagram indicate?
Rapid growth.
76
What does a narrow base in an Age Structure Diagram indicate?
Negative growth.
77
List the top four most populated nations.
* China
* India
* United States
* Indonesia.
78
What is the most important factor affecting population growth?
Low status of women.
79
List methods to decrease birth rate.
* Family planning
* Contraception
* Economic rewards and penalties.
80
What is the composition of water on Earth?
97.5% seawater; 2.5% freshwater.
81
List ways to conserve water in Agriculture.
Drip/trickle irrigation.
82
What is Gray Water?
Any wastewater from a house except toilet water.
83
Define Aquaculture.
Farming aquatic species, commonly salmon, shrimp, tilapia, and oysters.
84
What is a Point Source?
A source of pollution from a specific location, such as a pipe or smokestack.
85
Define Non-point Source.
A pollution source spread over an area, such as agricultural runoff.
86
What is Primary Sewage Treatment?
The first step of sewage treatment that eliminates most particulate material from raw sewage.
87
What is Secondary Sewage Treatment?
The second step of sewage treatment where bacteria break down organic waste.
88
What does BOD stand for?
Biological Oxygen Demand.
89
Define Eutrophication.
Rapid algal growth caused by excess nitrogen and phosphorus, leading to decreased oxygen levels.
90
What is Hypoxia?
Water with very low dissolved oxygen levels, resulting from eutrophication.
91
What is Fecal coliform?
Indicator of sewage contamination (e.g., Enterococcus bacteria).
92
What are the pros and cons of Chlorine in water treatment?
Good for disinfection; bad because it forms trihalomethanes, known carcinogens.
93
What is Minamata Disease?
Mental impairments caused by methylmercury poisoning.
94
What are CAFÉ standards?
Fuel efficiency standards enacted into law in 1975 for passenger cars and light trucks.
95
List Primary Air Pollutants.
* CO
* CO2
* SOx
* NOx
* Hydrocarbons
* Particulates.
96
What are Secondary Pollutants?
Pollutants formed by the reaction of primary pollutants.
97
What is Particulate Matter?
Pollutants from burning fossil fuels and diesel exhaust that reduce visibility and cause respiratory irritation.
98
What are Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)?
Pollutants from auto exhaust that cause acidification of lakes and respiratory irritation.
99
What are Sulfur Oxides (SOx)?
Pollutants from coal burning that cause acid deposition and respiratory irritation.
100
What is Carbon Dioxide (CO2)?
A greenhouse gas produced by the combustion of fossil fuels contributing to global warming.
101
What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)?
A pollutant from incomplete combustion of fossil fuels that binds to hemoglobin.
102
What is Ozone (O3)?
A secondary pollutant formed by reactions involving NO2 and UV light.
103
What is Radon (Rn)?
A naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into homes and cause lung cancer.
104
What is Photochemical Smog?
Smog formed by chemical reactions involving sunlight and primary pollutants.
105
What is Acid Deposition?
Caused by sulfuric and nitric acids resulting in lower pH of surface waters.
106
What are Greenhouse Gases?
Gases that trap outgoing infrared energy, causing Earth to warm.
107
List some effects of Global Warming.
* Rising sea level
* Extreme weather
* Drought
* Famine
* Extinctions.
108
What is the Greenhouse Effect?
A vital process for life on Earth that, if accelerated, leads to global warming.
109
What causes Ozone Depletion?
CFCs, methyl chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, halon, and methyl bromide.
110
What are the effects of Ozone Depletion?
* Increased UV
* Skin cancer
* Cataracts
* Decreased plant growth.
111
What is the Greenhouse Effect?
A vital process required for life to exist on Earth; if accelerated, it leads to global warming.
## Footnote
Global warming is a significant environmental concern associated with climate change.
112
What causes Ozone Depletion?
CFCs, methyl chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, halon, methyl bromide.
## Footnote
These substances attack the stratospheric ozone layer.
113
What are the effects of Ozone Depletion?
Increased UV, skin cancer, cataracts, decreased plant growth.
## Footnote
These effects pose risks to both human health and ecosystems.
114
What was Love Canal, NY known for?
Chemicals buried in an old canal; caused birth defects and cancer.
## Footnote
This incident highlighted the dangers of hazardous waste sites.
115
What are the main components of Municipal Solid Waste?
Mostly paper, primarily disposed of in landfills.
116
What is a problem associated with sanitary landfills?
Leachate.
## Footnote
A linear collection system is a proposed solution.
117
What is a solution for the problem of methane gas in landfills?
Collect gas and burn it.
118
What is the primary advantage of incineration?
Volume of waste is reduced by 90%, and waste heat can be used.
## Footnote
The process that uses waste heat to generate electricity is called Cogeneration.
119
What are the disadvantages of incineration?
Toxic emissions, need for scrubbers and electrostatic precipitators, ash disposal containing heavy metals.
120
What is the best way to solve waste problems?
Reduce the amounts of waste at the source.
121
What does 'True Cost' or 'External Cost' refer to?
Harmful environmental side effects not reflected in the product’s price.
122
What is a Brownfield?
An abandoned industrial site.
123
What is a Keystone Species?
A species whose role in an ecosystem is more important than others.
## Footnote
Examples include Sea Otter, Sea Stars, Grizzly Bear, Prairie Dogs.
124
What is an Indicator Species?
Species that serve as early warnings that an ecosystem is being damaged.
## Footnote
An example is trout.
125
What methods control 50-90% of pests in natural ecosystems?
Predators, Disease, Parasites.
126
Name the major insecticide groups.
* Chlorinated hydrocarbons (e.g., DDT)
* Organophosphates (e.g., malathion)
* Carbamates (e.g., aldicarb)
127
What is a pro of pesticides?
Saves lives from insect-transmitted diseases, increases food supply, increases profits for farmers.
128
What are the cons of pesticides?
Genetic resistance, ecosystem imbalance, pesticide treadmill, persistence, bioaccumulation, biological magnification.
129
What are some methods of Natural Pest Control?
* Better agricultural practices
* Genetically resistant plants
* Natural enemies
* Biopesticides
* Sex attractants
130
What are Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)?
New organisms created by altering the genetic material (DNA) of existing organisms.
131
What is the primary method of electric generation?
Steam from water boiled by fossil fuels or nuclear energy, or falling water to turn a turbine.
132
How is petroleum (crude oil) formed?
Microscopic aquatic organisms in sediments are converted by heat and pressure into hydrocarbons.
133
What are the pros of petroleum?
Cheap, easily transported, high-quality energy.
134
What are the cons of petroleum?
Reserves will be depleted soon, pollution during drilling, transport, and refining, burning creates CO2.
135
How is coal formed?
Prehistoric plants buried un-decomposed in oxygen-depleted water, converted by heat and pressure.
136
List the ranks of coal from best to worst.
* Anthracite coal
* Bituminous coal
* Lignite
* Peat
137
What are the major components of a nuclear reactor?
Core, control rods, moderator, steam generator, turbine, containment building.
138
What were the two most serious nuclear accidents?
Chernobyl (1986) and Three Mile Island (1979).
139
Name some alternative energy sources.
* Wind
* Solar
* Waves
* Biomass
* Geothermal
* Fuel cells
140
What is remediation?
Return a contaminated area to its original state.
141
What does LD 50 (LD-50) refer to?
The amount of a chemical that kills 50% of the animals in a test population.
142
What is a mutagen?
A substance that causes changes to DNA that may result in hereditary changes.
143
What is a teratogen?
A substance that causes fetal deformities (birth defects).
144
What is a carcinogen?
A substance that causes cancer.
145
What is a threshold dose?
The maximum dose that has no measurable effect.
146
What is a major source of sulfur?
Burning coal.
147
What are sources of mercury?
Burning coal, compact fluorescent bulbs.
148
Where do volcanoes and earthquakes occur?
At plate boundaries.
149
What is the Tragedy of the Commons?
Global commons such as atmosphere and oceans are used by all and owned by none.
150
What are the types of forest fires?
* Surface fires
* Crown fires
* Ground fires
151
What crops provide more than half of the calories consumed worldwide?
Wheat, rice, and corn.
152
What is monoculture?
Cultivation of a single crop, usually in a large area.
153
What is temperature inversion?
A layer of dense, cool air trapped under a layer of warm air, causing pollution to build up.
154
What is transpiration?
Process where water is absorbed by plant roots and evaporates into the atmosphere.
155
What is the troposphere?
The first layer of the atmosphere, 0-10 miles above Earth’s surface.
156
What is the stratosphere?
The second layer of the atmosphere, 10-30 miles above Earth’s surface.
157
What is dioxin?
One of the most toxic human-made chemicals; a by-product of herbicide production.
158
What are PCBs?
Polychlorinated Biphenyls; stable, long-lived, carcinogenic chlorinated hydrocarbons.
159
What are Multiple Use Public Lands?
National Forest and National Resource Land.
160
What are Moderately Restricted Use Public Lands?
National Wildlife Refuges.
161
What are Restricted Use Public Lands?
National Parks and National Wilderness Preservation System.
