Ch 6 Vocab Flashcards
Pollutant
Anything that causes pollution
Pollution
An unwanted change in the environment caused by substances or forms of energy
Deforestation
The clearing of forested lands
Habitat
Where an organism lives
Point source pollution
When pollution is caused by a specific source, like smokestacks, pipes, or ships
Non- point source pollution
Pollution caused by snow or rain that was carrying pollutants
Biodegradable
Something that can be broken down by organisms, like bacteria
Resource recovery
When waste is used to create energy or new substances, like using garbage to creat electricity
Endangered species
Organisms that are protected because of their low number
Overpopulation
When the number of individuals becomes so large that they can’t get the resources they need to survive
Renewable resource
A resource that can be replaced at the same rate that it’s used
Biodiversity
The number or variety of organisms in a habitat
Non-renewable resource
A resource that can’t be replaced or takes thousands/millions of years to replace
Conservation
The preservation and wise use of resources
Recycling
The recovery of materials from waste
