Chapter 1 (Midterm) Flashcards
sustainability
sustainability
nature’s resources are finite/the use of these resources shouldn’t outpace nature’s ability to replenish nor diminish needs of future generations
ecosystem
environmental system that includes 1+ communities and their nonliving environments: abiotic, biotic, physical
biodiversity
diversity of life, importance of life together
ecosystem services
services upheld by the environment
anthropogenic threats
humans living unsustainability
ecological footprint
all pollution humans create or the amount of productive land, freshwater, ocean, etc. required to supply one person with life
POPs + effects
persistent organic pollutants: DDT, mercurcy
-linked to hormonal disruptions, changes in reproductive system, neuro/learning disabilities, and cancer
biomagnification
increase in concentration of substance as it moves up levels of the food chain
bioaccumulation
accumulation of substances into living things
biosphere
all of the world’s living organisms
carbon dioxide
the most abundant of the greenhouse gases, which enhance climate change; released by burning of fossil fuels and by respiration.
populations
Groups of individuals of the same species living in a particular geographical area.
greenhouse gas
A gas (i.e., carbon dioxide) that contributes to the greenhouse effect by absorbing infrared radiation and trapping heat in the atmosphere.
acid rain
Rainfall that is more acidic than normal; it has a pH value of five or less. (sulfur dioxide)
ecosystem
An environmental system that includes one or more communities and their non-living environments.