Chapter 1 (Midterm)

Question 1

sustainability

Answer 1

nature’s resources are finite/the use of these resources shouldn’t outpace nature’s ability to replenish nor diminish needs of future generations

Question 2

ecosystem

Answer 2

environmental system that includes 1+ communities and their nonliving environments: abiotic, biotic, physical

Question 3

biodiversity

Answer 3

diversity of life, importance of life together

Question 4

ecosystem services

Answer 4

services upheld by the environment

Question 5

anthropogenic threats

Answer 5

humans living unsustainability

Question 6

ecological footprint

Answer 6

all pollution humans create or the amount of productive land, freshwater, ocean, etc. required to supply one person with life

Question 7

POPs + effects

Answer 7

persistent organic pollutants: DDT, mercurcy
-linked to hormonal disruptions, changes in reproductive system, neuro/learning disabilities, and cancer

Question 8

biomagnification

Answer 8

increase in concentration of substance as it moves up levels of the food chain

Question 9

bioaccumulation

Answer 9

accumulation of substances into living things

Question 10

biosphere

Answer 10

all of the world’s living organisms

Question 11

carbon dioxide

Answer 11

the most abundant of the greenhouse gases, which enhance climate change; released by burning of fossil fuels and by respiration.

Question 12

populations

Answer 12

Groups of individuals of the same species living in a particular geographical area.

Question 13

greenhouse gas

Answer 13

A gas (i.e., carbon dioxide) that contributes to the greenhouse effect by absorbing infrared radiation and trapping heat in the atmosphere.

Question 14

acid rain

Answer 14

Rainfall that is more acidic than normal; it has a pH value of five or less. (sulfur dioxide)

Question 15

ecosystem

Answer 15

An environmental system that includes one or more communities and their non-living environments.

Question 16

communities

Answer 16

Groups of two or more species interacting together.

Question 17

provisioning services

Answer 17

supply food, fresh water, timber coal, etc

Question 18

regulating services

Answer 18

regulate climate, disease, water

Question 19

cultural services

Answer 19

spiritual, religious, inspirational value

Question 20

frontier mentality

Answer 20

natural resources were unlimited

Question 21

main environmental issues today (5)

Answer 21

overpopulation, climate change, pollution, habitat degradation/destruction/fragmentation, loss of biodiversity

Question 22

positive feedback

Answer 22

output of system becomes input and signals process to continue

Question 23

negative feedback

Answer 23

output becomes input and inhibits

Question 24

throughput

Answer 24

movement of energy through a system

Question 25

full-cost pricing

Answer 25

The price of a product that reflects direct costs, the impact the product has on the environment, and any remediation costs.

Question 26

Millennium Assessment

Answer 26

The first assessment of the world’s ecosystems.

Question 27

sustainable development goals

Answer 27

Global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity of all people by 2030.

Question 28

eco-labeling

Answer 28

informs shoppers of product’s env. impact/helps customers be env. informed before making a purchase

Question 29

grasshopper effect

Answer 29

warm air rises, creates parcel of air, goes towards poles, takes pollution with it

Question 30

Spheres of Earth

Answer 30

lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere, cryosphere