Enviromental Science FINAL Flashcards
(422 cards)
1
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Environmental Science
A
The study of interactions of humans with the natural enviroment
2
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Enviroment
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Includes all conditions that surround living organisms
3
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Biotic factors (give examples)
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Living components of the enviroment, ex:plants,animals
4
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Abiotic factors (give examples)
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Non living components of the environment, ex:climate,weather,sunlight,air
5
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Atmosphere
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The gaseous part of earth, which is concentrated mainly within 10km of the surface, but also extends hundreds of kilometres higher
6
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Geosphere
A
The solid, mainly rocky part of the earth
7
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Hydrosphere
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All of water (and ice) that exists on and within the geosphere
8
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Biosphere
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All of the area that are inhabited by support life
9
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Nutrients
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Are elements, chemical compounds and ions that all organisms need to survive and thrive
10
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Genetic diversity
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Refer to the variety of different versions of the same genes within individual species
11
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Species diversity
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Describes the number of different organisms within communities
12
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Carrying capacity
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The largest size of a population that it’s environment can support
13
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Ecological footprint
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A measure of the impact of a population (or an individual) on its environment
14
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Sustainability
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Refers to the idea of keeping natural resources and ecosystems healthy over a long period of time
15
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What are the parts of water cycle
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run off->oceans/lakes->evaporation->precipitation
16
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What are the steps in the carbon cycle
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CO2 in atmosphere->photosynthesis->animal respiration and burning of fossil fuels
17
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What are the steps of the nitrogen cycle
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Nitrogen atmosphere->fixation(lightning/bacteria)->animal waste/decay->run off
18
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What are the steps in the phosphorus cycle
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Short term-phosphorus in soil->animal consumption->death and decay
Long term-ocean->incorporated into limestone and sandstone->minerals washed into ocean
19
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How does the burning of fossil fuels by humans affect the carbon cycle
A
Fossil fuel produce a lot of carbon dioxide; hence, we are adding to the amount of carbon in the atmosphere, while reducing the amount of carbon in the Earth’s crust
20
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why is nitrogen important to organisms
A
Nitrogen is the core ingredient of proteins (amino acids), which are the building blocks of living things
21
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Why is phosphorus important to living things
A
Bone formation,protein growth,maintenance and repair of cell and tissues
22
Q
How do we make this cycle of production and waste actually work without destroying the environment? What do you think?Is it possible?Give Some solutions
A
We can reduce the amount of carbon emissions to help prevent the further damaging of the environment. The further research taken, the closer we are to find a sustainable solution to finding ways to prevent the damaging of the environment. I think anything is possible if you put your mind to it. There are always new innovations/inventions happening. Some sustainable solutions are electric cars (while it sustainable to extent, you have to use coal to provide electricity), wind and solar power
23
Q
What does it mean to say,”Environmental science is interdisciplinary”?
A
Many field are incorporated in this science (biology,chemistry,physics,geology,etc)
24
Q
The law of unintended consequences
A
States that the actions of people and governments always have unexpected effects
25
Unsustainability
A condition that cannot continue at its current rate
26
What is a commons
An area that belongs to no individual (shared by the entire society)
27
What is the tragedy of commons
Resources that are not privately owned or regulated will often be depleted
28
What is one ancient example of how the tragedy of the commons work?
A small village consists mostly of farmers that raise and sell shed at a nearby city. The only place for sheep to graze is in a commons. The villagers in the first village will have an incentive to obtain and graze as many sheep as possible. Over time, the commons will not be able to accommodate the continual increase in population and will become barren and unusable
29
Three modern examples of the tragedy of commons?
Climate change (the rapid increase of temperatures within a climate),water pollution (the pollution of water) and overfishing of international waters(greatly affects the food chain and can lead to extinction)
30
What great invention is the hallmark of the industrial revolution
Steam engine
31
How did the steam engine positively affect society (economically,industrially,etc)?
Launched the industrial revolution-have human beings enormous efficiencies in business and industry
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How did the steam engine negatively affect society?
Living condition and water pollution intensifies and carries disease
33
What’s what also began in this era? What did Charles Darwin,Alexander Von Humbolt and William Bartram do during this era?
Environmental science begins during this era. The three guys in question went on very long exploitation trips. Most notably, Charles Darwin explores and penned his most important biological theory-evolution
34
What is the green revolution
Refers to research and development initiative that increased agriculture production worldwide
35
Biodiversity
Acted to reduce agricultural biodiversity, as it relied on just a few high yield varieties of each crop. Land degradation and soil nutrients depletion significantly impacts wild diversity
36
Health impact
The consumption of pesticides may increase the likelihood of cancer. The use of fertilizers is known to greatly impact water systems
37
What’s the the benefits of fertilizers and pesticides
Fertilizers are responsible for increasing yields by 40-60%. Pesticides are responsible for increasing yields by roughly 5-13%
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What are the drawbacks of fertilizers and pesticides
Fertilizers greatly impact aquatic systems,causing sudden algae blooms that greatly decrease aquatic life. Pesticides have a long history of negatively impacting wildlife as well as human li fee
39
What is the enviromental movement? How have Canada respond to the movement
The environment movement is an increase in awareness of environment issues will have significant impacts on humans. This leads to formation of polices. Canada has created national and provincial parks to preserve natural wonders and wildlife. Also, Canada has established the Canadian Environment Protection ACT,which aims to regulate environmental pollution emissions
40
Environmental ethics
The moral relationship that human have with the environment
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Anthropocentrism
Human centred philosophy that protects and promotes human interests or well being at the expense of all other factors
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Biocentrism
A political or ethical stance which asserts the value of non human life in nature
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Ecocentrism
A nature centred philosophy that places intrinsic value on ecosystems regardless of their usefulness to humans
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Inexhaustible resources
Cannot be used up (sunlight)
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Renewable resources
Can be replaced, but the process may take a long time (timber,soil)
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Non renewable resources
Cannot be replaced, as their formation took millions of years (coal,oil,natural gas)
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Recyclable resources
Can be used more than once (iron,aluminum,copper)
48
Where did the air pollution incident occur
Denora, Pennsylvania
1948
Zinc plant leaked a dense smog that sickbed thousands
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Carcinogenic materials
In the Marshall Islands, radioactive fallout from nuclear bomb testing increased the local risk of cancer significantly
50
Water pollution
Santa Barbara,US- a major oil spill near the city led to contamination of lake, rivers, oceans and groundwater
51
Overhunting
The whooping crane was nearly hunted to extinction. Elevated rates of extinction reduces biodiversity. Recall the law of unintended consequences- the effects of overhunting can be drastic to human, particularly at a local level
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Deforestation
Between 1990-2005,Honduras’ forest cover has been reduced by 37%, Nigeria lost 36# and the Philippines lost 32%. Forests are essential part of the carbon cycle
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What is the difference between persistent and biodegradable pollutants?
Persistent pollutants:resist normal environmental degradation. Biodegradable pollutants will decompose over time
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What is extinction? On top of the notes, what else do you think cause the extinction of a species?
Extinction: the state or process of a species,family or larger group being or becoming extinct (dying out). Deforestation, overhunting,pollution,natural pressures are all cause of extinction
55
What is the gross domestic product (GDP)? Is it higher or lower in developing countries?
A measure of monetary value of the goods and services produced. It is lower in developing countries
56
What does the total fertility rate measure Is it higher or lower in developing countries
Measure the number of children born to an average women (higher in developing countries)
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What does life measure? Is it higher or lower in developing countries?
The number of years an average person will live (lower in developing countries)
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What is consumption? Is it higher or lower in developing countries?
The rate of use of natural resources. Higher in developing countries
59
What is the life expectancy USA compared to Haiti
79,62
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What is the total fertility rate USA vs Haiti
1.93,3.35
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GDP per person, USA vs Haiti
$49,040,$1,490
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What is the energy use USA vs Haiti
13,240,31
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Carbon dioxide production USA vs Haiti
17.0,0.2
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What is the principle of supply and demand?
Predicts the cost of resource will increase when demand is high or supply is low
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What is the goal of cost benefit analysis?
This question whether the benefit of doing something justifies the economic cost
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What is the planetary management worldview and is it anthropocentric or ecocentric
Take the perspective that humans should manage the earths resources to achieve the maximum benefit (anthropocentric)
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What is the stewardship worldview and how is it different from the planetary management worldview?
Believe that humans should manage the earth,but in a more ethical and sustainable way (anthropogenic)
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That is the environmental wisdom worldview. Is it anthropocentric or ecocentric?
Believes that we are totally dependant on nature and should preserve nature as much as possible to maintain our own species
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The earth is a closed system.What does this mean?
No matter in larger amounts either leave or enters the earth
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What is a system? Give some examples of systems
A set of interrelated elements that make a unified whole
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Boundaries
Defines the system. Open boundary is when material can enter and leave the system (lake) Closed boundary is when materials are contained within the system (Earth)
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Initial conditions
Describes the first characteristics of the system of concern (flow rate,pH,level of pollutants)
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Inputs and Outputs
Input-describes what is being put into the system (water,waste). Output- describes a what is exiting the system (clean water)
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Feedback loops
When your output becomes a new input(global warming)
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Energy flows
Transfer of energy due to interaction (heat is always lost or gained
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Mass transfers
Movement of mass/matter usually entering or leaving a system (waste water,solid waste disposal
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Regina Municipal Garbage Disposal: Is it an open or closed system?
The city is the boundary. This is an open system- material are constantly flowing into the city. Example:what you eat most likely comes from outside the city.
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What are the initial conditions
Rate of garbage production
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What are the inputs and outputs
Inputs- garbage
| Outputs-processed garbage
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How is energy and mass transferred through the system?
Mass flows into the system and accumulates in the landfill (goes for energy as well)
81
Atmosphere
The gases,droplets and particles surrounding Earth’s surface
82
Weather
Daily conditions of the atmosphere
83
Climate
The statistical properties of the atmosphere, including measures of average conditions, variability, etc
84
Climatology
The study of long term atmospheric conditions
85
Permanent gases
Those gases whose relative abundance is constant within the lowest 80km of the atmosphere (Stratosphere and Mesosphere
86
Variable gases
Gases present in amounts that vary greatly in abundance,either vertically,horizontally or seasonal. Even though they represent a tiny portion of the atmosphere as a whole, they exert a great control over climate
87
Troposphere
0-12km above the surface. All weather takes place in this layer. Temperature is the highest near the ground and decreases up to 12km. This allows convection to take place,which causes weather
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Tropopause
Transition zone where the temperature ceases to decrease
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Stratosphere
12-50km above surface. Very little weather occurs in this layer. This layer increases in temperature as altitude increases
90
Ozone layer
15-35km above the surface (inside the stratosphere).Ozone O3 absorbs UV light, which effectively heats this layer. At higher altitudes in the stratosphere, ozone very efficiently absorbs UV. As the UV passes through the stratosphere, it’s wavelength changes,and ozone less efficiently absorbs UV.Therefore, temperature increases in this range. Furthermore, this temperature inversion implies no convection and therefore no weather
91
Mesosphere
50-80km above the surface.Makes up 0.1% of the total mass of the atmosphere. Lower temperature with higher altitude
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Thermosphere
80-700km above the surface. Density is very low. The ISS orbits in this layer
93
Exosphere
709-10000km above the surface. This layer merges with outer space. Most satellites orbit the Earth
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Describe the difference in temperature as we go from an altitude of 0m to 10,000km
Troposphere and Mesosphere-temperature decreases with higher altitude
Stratosphere- temperature increase with higher altitude
Thermosphere-temperature is not very meaningful. It can be roughly 1500C though
Exosphere-Outer space (cold)
95
In which section of the atmosphere does all weather take place?Why?
Troposphere. Temperature decreases with higher altitude plus dense air makes for convection currents
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No weather occurs in the stratosphere. Why is this the case?Give a detailed response
This there is a temperature inversion, it is not possible for a convection current to exist. Therefore, there are no weather events
97
In which layers to all airplanes fly in? Why is this the case?
The troposphere. Planes require air resistance to stay flying
98
Nitrogen:Symbol,% of dry air, gas (and particles amount
N2,78.08%, Water vapour (H20)
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Oxygen: symbol,%of dry air, Gas (and particles)
O2,20.95%,Carbon dioxide (CO2)
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Argon:Symbol,% of dry air,gas (and particles)
Ar,0.93%,Methane(CH4)
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Neon:symbol,% of dry air, gas (and particles)
Ne,0.0018%,Dinitrogen monoxide(N2O)
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Helium:symbol,% of dry air,gas (and particles)
He,0.0005%,Ozone(O3)
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Hydrogen: symbol,% of dry air, gas (and particles)
H2,0.0006%,particles (dust,door,etc)
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Xenon:symbol, % of dry air, gas (and particles)
X2,0.000009%, Chloroflyorocarbons
105
Which gases (and/or particles) can exert a great deal of control over the climate?
The variable gases
106
In Canada, who writes the laws on environmental regulation?
The federal and provincial governments
107
Name and briefly a Canadian wife policy wide with regards to air pollution. Furthermore, what policy has Saskatchewan established with regards to air pollution.
Canadian Environmental Protection Act (1988,1999)-this federal legislation manages and controls toxic substances (SO2,SO3,CO,Pb,NO2 and PMs).
The clean air act (1989,2015)- this Saskatchewan legislation is intended to give the provincial government power to monitor and regulate air pollution in SK
108
Why did the metal plant in donor(as well as metal plants around the world) produce so much pollution?
To generate enough heat to process zinc, the plant burned coal, which produces a lot of pollution
109
What is thermal inversion?
Thermal inversion is when (in the troposphere) a pocket of cool air is trapped below a layer of warmer air. That is, the normal trend (temperature decreases with increased altitude) is inversed
DIAGRAM:(top to bottom) cool air,warm inversion layer air, cool air
110
What was the main source of pollution of the Donora smog disaster? Briefly explain what happened. Include the number of fatalities and wounded
The main source is fluoride poisoning. The thermal inversion continued to trap several poisonous gases. It lasted 5 days and 20 people died (thousands were sickened)
111
What was the main source of pollution for the London smog disaster? Briefly explain what happened. Include the number of fatalities and wounded
A temperature inversion (due to build of smog) trapped large amounts of sulfur dioxide. A cold winter forced many people to burn coal for heat. The coal in London at the time was high in sulfur. Around 4000 people died very quickly (later the number is about 12,000). Over 100,000 people became ill
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What is the clean air act? What was the first country to create a “Clean air act”? Why do you think this country was the first?
The clean air act(s) across the world all monitor and regulate the types of pollutants that can be put into the air and by how much. The first country to produce a Clean Air ACT was in the UK (1956)
113
What is air pollution? What are the two types of air pollution?
The presence of undesirable material in the air in quantized large enough to produce harmful effects,hazardous air pollutants and criteria pollutants
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Define hazardous air pollutants. What are some examples of hazardous pollutants and some serious health problems that they can cause?
Pollutants that humans have no tolerance for. Even small dosages lead to health damage. Examples: arsenic,hydrocarbons,DDR. Health risks include cancer,kidney and liver damage,et
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Define and name the eight criteria pollutants
These are pollutants that humans can tolerate to a certain level. Small dosages do not lead to health damage. Examples: sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide,ammonia,etc
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Describe the physical properties of sulfur dioxide. What is it’s chemical formula
It is a colourless gas with a strong rotten egg odour. Formula:SO2
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Why is sulfur dioxide a primary pollutant? What is the main source of it?
It is primary pollutant because it is released directly into the air. The main source is coal burning power plants
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What is a secondary pollutant
When a resultant chemical reaction that occurs in the atmosphere creates a pollutant
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What secondary pollutant does sulfur dioxide form when released in the atmosphere
SO2 reacts with water vapour to form sulfuric acid (acid rain)
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Describe the physical of nitrogen oxides? What are the two chemical formulas that are commonly found?
They have a reddish brown colour and a sharp sweet odour. NOz consists of NO2 and M2O
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What are the two largest sources of nitrogen oxide?
Synthetic nitrogen fertilizer and vehicle exhaust
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What secondary pollutant does nitrogen oxide form?
NO2 reacts with water vapour to produce nitric acid (acid rain)
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What pH must rain or snow have to be considered acid precipitation?
The pH must be in the range of 4.2-4.4
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What two ecological impacts does acid rain have?
Plants cannot absorb nutrients properly from acidic soil. Also, fish and amphibians have specific pH ranges they can tolerate
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How does acid rain affect human structures
Acid rain has corrosive effects on infrastructure
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Is acid rain still very prevalent today compared to how it was 30-40 years ago?
Acid rain has decreased significantly as regulations and policies have been implemented in most countries that control the emitters of SO2 and NO2
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Describe the physical properties of ammonia. What is it’s chemical formula
A colourless gas with pungent odour. NH3 is it’s chemical formula
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What are the two largest sources ammonia?
Livestock waste and fertilizers
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What are some of the affects that ammonia can cause on humans on ecosystems?
NH3 is poisonous if inhaled in great quantities and it’s irritating the eyes, nose, and throat in lesser amounts. It can also increase the available nutrients in aquatic systems, which can cause algae blooms. Ammonia is very toxic to fish
130
Describe the physical properties of carbon monoxide. What is it’s chemical formula?
CO is a colourless, odourless gas. It is extreme poisonous
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What is the largest source of carbon monoxide?
The largest source of carbon monoxide is vehicle exhaust
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Why is carbon monoxide so dangerous to human health
CO directly interferes with the ability of red blood cells to transport oxygen
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What is particulate matter (PMs)? What are some sources of PMs?
They are small, visible particles of dust, ash, door or any other visible material. PMs are emitted from fuel combustion, industrial processes, dust from roads and agriculture
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What effects do PMs have on human health?
PMs can be inhaled and embedded in lung and bronchial tissue
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What is lead? What is it’s chemical symbol
Lead(Pb) is a heavy metal element
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What was the primary source of lead pollution? How does lead affects human health?
The primary source of lead pollution was vehicle exhaust, before leaded gasoline was phased out. Lead is a neurotoxin that reduce overall brain function
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What are the volatile organic compounds?
They are carbon containing molecules that can evaporate easily
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What is ground level ozone? What is it’s chemical formula?
It is ozone (O3) found at ground level. It is invisible, but it smells similar to chlorine bleach
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How is ground level ozone produced
It is a secondary pollutant produced as a result of nitrogen oxides, VOCs, or carbon monoxide reacting to sunlight in the atmosphere
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What does the ozone layer do?
The ozone layer blocks some of the mutagenic UV radiation from the sun
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Where was a “hole” in the ozone layer discovered? What was the cause of the ozone hole? Why was the hole increase fastest in September and October?
The hole was above Antarctica. The cause was chlorofluorocarbons from aerosol can and refrigerarants. During sep and oct is the spring melt in Antartica. Therefore, more CFCs that are trapped in ice are released into the atmosphere
142
What are chlorofluorocarbons? Where were they used in industry?
CFC are any class of compounds of carbon,hydrogen,chlorine and fluorine. They release chlorine atoms upon exposure to UV radiation
143
How did the Montreal protocol change things?When is the ozone hole predicted to recover?
The Montreal Protocol (an international agreement) of 1987 aimed to phase out CFCs. It’s been fairly successful. The ozone layer is slowly returning to previous concentration. It should recover to its 1980 levels by 2050 and will continue to improve
144
What is solar radiation? Give two examples of radiation that are invisible to the human eye
Radiant energy emitted by sun from a nuclear fusion reaction that creates electromagnetic energy
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What is infrared radiation?
A type of electromagnetic radiation that is invisible to humans, but people can feel it as heat
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What is the greenhouse effect?What are the two main gases that are responsible for this effect?
The trapping of some of the IR within the atmosphere keeps the earths daily temperature fluctuations within a small,habitable range. Two main gases are methane and carbon dioxide
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How old is the earth? What was the first atmosphere primarily composed of?
Earth is roughly 4.4 billion years old. First atmosphere was primarily composed of hydrogen, water vapour, methane and ammonia
148
What two gases were present in the second atmosphere? Where did these gases come from?
Nitrogen and carbon dioxide. These gases came from out gassing from volcanism
149
What ability do Cyanobacteria have? What gas do they produce and why did this lead to one of the longest ice ages?
They can photosynthesize. Therefore, they produce oxygen. The influx of oxygen from the seas poisoned many of the other species of bacteria. CO2 dropped drastically in the atmosphere, reducing the greenhouse effect and causing a cooling of the earth
150
Define ice age. How many ice ages have occurred?
A period of time where the earths overall surface temperature is lowered enough that glaciers form at the poles and in the mountainous area. 5 have occurred
151
What occurs during a glacial period?
Glaciers are growing and advancing
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What occurs during an interglacial period?
Climate is warmer, leading the glaciers to retreat
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What period are we currently in?
We are currently in an interglacial period of an ice age
154
What are the five major greenhouse gases?
Carbon dioxide, methane,nitrous oxide and ozone
155
How are proxies used to measure historic temperature and atmospheric composition
They are indirect measurements. Climate proxies are preserved physical characteristics of the past that stand for the direct measurements to enable scientists to reconstruct the past climatic conditions
156
Is there a correlation between temperature,carbon dioxide and methane?
There a clear correlation between the three variables. All the graphs demonstrate that they all seem to follow each other’s pattern. They all have similar peaks and valleys in the data
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Define climate change
A change in statistical distribution of weather patterns when that change lasts for an extended period of time
158
The current trend of CO2
Steadily increasing
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Current trend of CH4 levels
Steadily increasing trend
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What are the current trend of Global land ocean temperatures
Steadily increasing trend since the industrial revolution
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What is the current trend of attic sea ice
Steadily decreasing
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Current trend of land ice
Rapid and steadily decreasing trend
163
Current trend of global sea level
Steadily increasing trend
164
What conclusions can you draw from the data supplied by NASA and the EPA. Explain.
Earths climate is warming. This is causing arctic sea ice and land ice to decrease
165
How has climate change altered growing season ? What are hardiness zone maps?
The growing seasons in northern regions have altered. A hardiness zone map is a geographically defined area in which a specific category of plant life is capable of growing, defined by climatic conditions, including its ability to withstands the minimum temperatures of the zone
166
How has climate change altered pest insects
Warmer temperatures have increased the range of many pest insects. Range boundaries are moving northward. As mentioned, spring events are taking place earlier, which favours the growth rate of mosquitoes
167
Which underwater current is most altered by climate change?Why?
The great ocean conveyor belt is most altered. It is the largest underwater current. An influx of cold freshwater from melting land ice, especially in attic and Greenland appears to be responsible of the variability and quick changes that are being observed in the conveyor belt
168
How is polar ice altered by climate change? What is the albedo effect?
Polar ice is decreasing rapidly. In 2007 and 2012, the September minimum extent of sea ice was low enough to open up the northwest passage. Albedo is a measurement of how reflective a surface is
169
How is the hydrologic cycle impacted by climate change? How does this affect weather
The more heat in the atmosphere leads to higher rate of evaporation and the atmosphere will be able to hold moisture. This has paradoxical effect of increasing the rate of both drought and flooding events. Dry places will be drier and wet places will experience floods.
170
How has climate change altered global sea level? Explain in detail.
Global sea level is increasing. This is the most costly impact of climate change. Global sea level is expected to rise about 26-59 by the end of the century
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What human populations will be most affected by rising sea levels?
Human populations that are close to the coasts will be most affected. Around 23% of the worlds population (1.6billion) lives in near coastal zones
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What are the three big consequences of rising sea levels
Billions of dollars will be spent on adaptation
Entire countries and cities will be lower than sea level
Rising oceans will contaminate both surface and underground fresh water supplies
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How do humans impacts the carbon cycle? What gases are we producing that contribute to greenhouse effect
Humans produce a lot of carbon. In fact humans have contributed roughly 10,000 millions tons of carbon in 2010 alone. Of the total greenhouse gas emissions by humans, CO2 is 76%,CH4-16%,N2O-6%,fluoridated gases-2%
174
Why is carbon dioxide such an important gas to the greenhouse effect? How does this point towards human contribution to climate change?
According to NASA, the EPA, and IPCC, the increase in CO2 is what is causing most of the warming. CO2 is responsible for 80% of radiative forcing that sustains the earths greenhouse effect. This points towards human contribution because we release millions of CO2 into the atmosphere each year
175
How did the carbon-13:carbon-12 change when the industrial revolution began? What caused this atmospheric change?
The ration began to shrink at the beginning of the industrial revolution. The burning of fossil fuels is strongly linked to this change
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State the IPCC’s conclusion that they made in their fifth report with regards to human contribution to climate change.
Ig is extremely likely that human activities have caused more than half of the observed increase in global average surface temperature since the 1950’s-IPCC(5th report)
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Describe the scientific consensus behind human caused global warming
97% of scientists have agreed with the IPCC conclusion (one survey). None have disagreed with the IPCC conclusions (another survey)
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Why doesn’t skepticism really matter when it comes to humanity’s energy production decisions moving forward?
Whether the burning of fossil fuels is causing global warming or not doesn’t change the fact that fossil fuels are non renewable and will eventually run out. Therefore, humanity must move swiftly towards relying primarily on renewable resources (wind,solar,hydro and geothermal)
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Carbon Sequestration
Removal and strong of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This is accomplished biologically (restoring bigs,forests and wetlands)
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Carbon capture and storage
The process of capturing carbon dioxide produced from large point sources, such as coal burning power plants and depositing it underground. Very expensive process
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Geoengineering
The study of intentionally and artificially changing natural processes of the earth. With regards to climate, one idea is to combat warming by blocking some of the sunlight entering earths atmosphere
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What is the long term solution to repairing the carbon imbalance. Also, how does this solution relates to renewable energy and sustainable transport?
Reduce fossil fuel consumption. This must include moving towards sustainable transport (electric car) and renewable energy (wind, solar,hydro and geothermal)
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Why is a carbon tax important moving forward?
Right now, there are no incentives for massive oil companies to move towards renewables. This carbon tax would penalize energy production that pollutes. This is critical and obvious m. It gives the little renewable companies an opening to actually compete with the big oil companies
184
What is the most important source renewable energy? Why do you think this type of renewable energy is so important moving forward?
The sun powers all life and is (for all intents and purposes) limitless in its energy production. Therefore, humanity’s future of energy production will most likely rely primarily on solar power
185
Plankton
Free floating or weakly swimming organisms
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Phytoplankton
Are plant like (algae)
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Zooplankton
Are animal like, which include organism like single felled Protozoa or jelly fish
188
Nekton
Aquatic animals that are able to swim
| And move independently of water currents
189
Benthos
Bottom dwellers, such as sea stars,coral crabs,lobsters,mussels,etc
190
Decomposers
Break down dead organisms and wastes into nutrients that can be reused (bacteria)
191
Define aquatic ecosystem. List the two main types of aquatic ecosystems
An aquatic ecosystem is an ecosystem in a body of water. The two main types are marine ecosystems and freshwater ecosystem systems
192
List the six main abiotic factors that influence life in aquatic ecosystems
```
Salinity (dissolved in salt in water)
Acidity (pH)
Amount of dissolved oxygen (DO)
Turbidity (cloudiness of water)
Nutrients (nitrates and phosphates)
Water temperature/sunlight exposure
```
193
Dissolve oxygen
Warmer water holds less DO than cold water
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Metabolic rates
Increases with higher temperatures resulting in even greater oxygen demands
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Respiration rates
Warmer water triggers higher plant growth and respiration rates
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Fish population
Tend to decrease in warmer weather. Also, fish are more susceptible to disease, parasites and the harmful effects of toxic waste when they are in warmer water
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How does turbidity affect photosynthesis
Higher turning means less light penetration through water. This results in less photosynthesis
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How does turbidity affect dissolved oxygen
Increased turbidity effectively decreases level of DO
199
What’s re some causes of causes of turbidity
Erosion from fields and construction sites, urban runoff from rainstorms and melting snow, eroding steam banks, larger number of bottom feeders, which stir up bottom sediments and excessive algae
200
What is the general amount of dissolved oxygen that should be present in water
5
201
What are some general sources of dissolved oxygen?
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Most of the DO comes from the air (in stream and rivers) and in lakes and ponds most DO comes
from plants (algae)
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What’s are five factors that increase D.O?
High atmospheric pressure clear water and low turbidity(clear and low turbidity water will allow more photosynthesis to occur), photosynthesis (produces oxygen),high turbulence/ wave action and cold water
203
What’s are six factors that decrease D.O
Animal respiration, chemical reaction of the decaying process, low atmospheric pressure, high levels of turbidity, very coloured water and excessive organic materials
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What is the relationship between dissolved oxygen and algae blooms?
Algae blooms are caused by sewage,manure and farm runoff, which adds nutrients to lakes and ponds, giving algae a lot of food. When the algae are alive, they produce O2. When algae die,bacteria feed the dead algae and use up oxygen that fish and other organisms need to live
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What pH range supports a well balanced fish population
pH between 6.7 and 8.6
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What are six factors that affect pH levels in aquatic systems
Living activity,bedrock,coal burning power plants,sewage,decay of sewage by bacteria,ocean acidification
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For the above abiotic factors above, describe how it is possible to conveniently acquire accurate measurement for each. What equipment(s) is necessary
Use an environment probe (HI9829) which can typically measure all the parameters.
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What are freshwater ecosystem defined by?
Defined by their very low salinity level
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What is a lentic system
Characterized by standing water(non moving). Pools,ponds and lakes make up most lentic systems
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Littoral zone
Near shore zone and contains shallow,sunlit water. Light reaches bottom. Producers are located her
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Limentic zone
Open water zone (also sunlit). Further away from shore than the littoral zone. Most of the photosynthesis occurs here. Plankton and nekton are located here
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Profundal zone
Deep water zone- lack of light. Life here is mostly decomposers feeding for detritus
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The three zones from top to bottom
Littoral zone, open water zone,deep water zone
214
Lakes are classified by what two parameters
Nutrient level and biological productivity
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Oligotrophic
These lakes are very low nutrients
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Eutrophic
These lakes have much greater concentration of nutrients (algae and plankton flourish)
217
Define stream
Narrow channels of water, often beginning in mountainous areas, where water (from melting snow or glaciers) moves rapidly across rocks and down waterfalls
218
How do rivers form?
There are formed when streams combine with runoff water from surrounding land
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Describes the temperature, oxygen level and nutrient level of water in the source zone
Generally cold, rich in oxygen and low in nutrients
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Describe the temperature,oxygen level and nutrient level of water in the transition zone
Slightly warmer with decreased oxygen level and increase in nutrients
221
Describes the temperature, oxygen level and nutrient leek of water in the flood plain zone
Water continues to warm, oxygen levels decrease and nutrients continue to increase
222
What happens at the mouth of the river? What type of what is formed here?
At the river mouth, freshwater mixes with saltwater, forming brackish water
223
Define wetland
Non permanent bodies of fresh water
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Swamp
Defined by their ability to support woods plants and trees
225
Marsh
Nutrient rich wetlands that support a variety of reeds and grasses
226
Bog
Characteristics by their poor soil and high peat content
227
Fen
Have less pest and more plant life than a bog
228
Three benefits of wetlands
Biodiversity- wetlands supports a lot of life
Prevent flooding- they tend to slow and hold influxes of water
Natural water cleanser- water that passes through wetlands tends to come out cleaner
229
What distinguishes marine ecosystems from freshwater ecosystems
They are distinguished by the presence of dissolved compounds,especially salts in the water
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Marine ecosystems cover approximately ____% of the earths surface and contain approximately ____% of the planet water
71% and 97%
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Oceanic zone
The vast open path of the ocean where animals such as whales,sharks and tuna live. Organisms living here must be able to travel great distance to find food
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Photic zone
Contains sufficient sunlight for photosynthesis
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Aphotic zone
Contains little to no sunlight
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Benthic zone
Is the ocean floor-no sunlight reaches here
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Intertidal zone
The gravitational pull of the moon and sun causes water to rise and fall about every six hours on coastal (tides). This zone is submerged during high tide and exposed during low tide
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Rocky shores
Are found in coasts with heavy wave activity
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Sandy shores
Found in areas with gentler wave action or that are sheltered
238
What are estuaries
Partially enclosed bodies of water where seawater mixes with freshwater
239
Define salt marsh
A type of coastal wetland. A salt marsh is regularly flooded by tides and is dominated by herbs,grasses and shrubs. Usually there is not very many trees present
240
Define coral reef. How do coral reefs form over time
A ridge of rock in the sea formed by growth and deposit of coral. Coral polyps are small animals that live in the warm coastal waters of the tropics. As they grow they develop an external Skelton. When they die, the skeltons are left behind and over time and form coral reefs
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What’s are mangrove swamps
Wetlands with trees that have evolved to survive in the high salt low oxygen water
242
What’s are lagoons
A shallow body of water separated from a larger body of water by barrier islands or reefs
243
What is the hydrologic cycle
Describes the mechanisms by which water moves throughout the earth
244
Evaporation
Heat from the sun causes water to evaporate (phase change) from rivers,lakes,oceans or the soil
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Transpiration
Plant roots extracts water from the soil and release some of it into the atmosphere through their leaves
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Condensation
An evaporated water moves up the atmosphere, it loses heats and condense (phase change) into clouds
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Precipitation
Water returns to earth as precipitation (phase change)
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Runoff
When water moves towards lower elevation and collects into bodies of surface water
249
Infiltration
When water soaked into the soil
250
Water distribution of salt and freshwater
97% and 3%
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Water distribution of frozen,groundwater,surface water
79%,20%,1%
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Water distribution of surface water: lakes,soil moisture,water vapor,rivers,living organisms
52%,38%,8%,1%,1%
253
Define water withdrawal
Measures the total amount of water or withdrawn from a source
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Define water consumption
Measures water permanent removed from a source.
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What makes up the majority of water withdrawal and consumption
Agriculture
256
Label zone of aeration,zone of saturation and water table (top to bottom)
Zone of aeration, water table, zone of saturation
257
What is an aquifer
Are underground regions of soil or porous rock that are saturated with water
258
What makes an aquifer confined? Where are aquifers refilled?
If the aquifer is physically separated from the groundwater. Aquifers are refilled where the water can infiltrate the soil and reach the aquifer (recharge zones)
259
What is desalination ? What is downside of using this as a source of freshwater
The removal of salt from saltwater. Expensive.
260
Define surface water. How is surface water replenished
Water on the surface of the planet such as lakes and rivers. Surface water is replenished by precipitation and by recruitment from ground water
261
Define drainage basin. Why are the locations of drainage basins/watersheds critical when establishing new developments/municipalities
Is an extent or area of land where are surface water from rain, melting snow, or ice converges to a single point at a lower elevation. Municipalities ideally should be situated close to a drainage basin
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Define water pollution
The addition of any substance that degrades or lowers the quality of the water for living organisms
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What is the most common source of nutrient pollution, what is the effect of excess nutrients in water?
Excess fertilizer typically causes nutrient pollution. This causes eutrophication (algae overgrowth)
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Explain how an algae bloom can actually reduce the dissolved oxygen level of a body of water
Algae blooms block sunlight. Therefore, many plants die and DO levels decline. This cause the suffocation of large organism, like fish
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What is biological oxygen demand a measurement of? What food source can cause an increase in BOD
The amount of oxygen consumed by bacterial decomposers. Food such as raw sewage or dead algae
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Give an example of non point source pollution
Fertilizer runoff
267
Give an example of point source pollution
Raw sewage discharged from pipe line
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Pathogens
Bacteria and parasites that cause disease
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Nutrient pollution
Fertilizer runoff
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Oxygen depleting pollution
Raw sewage
271
Polychlorinated Biphenyls
A group of man made compounds used in past electrical equipment. Most major countries have essentially banned PCBs
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Sediment pollution
Soil erosion
273
What are the two biggest sources of pollution in ocean
Oil petroleum based plastic
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List biggest sources of oil in the ocean. Which is the largest?
Natural seeps from oil deposits at the ocean floor
Runoff from land, including leaking cars and improper disposal of used motor oil (largest source)
Discharge from ships
Spills from offshore drilling
Spills from oil tanker accidents
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Describe the top three oil spills
Arabian Gulf (Gulf War)-1991 (380-520 million gallons
Gulf oil spill- 2010 (206 million gallons)
Ixtox 1 oil spill-1979 (140 million gallons)
276
Plastic is non degradable. What does this mean
It does not fully decompose in the environment
277
Where does plastic pollution in the ocean end up
In systems of rotating ocean currents called gyres
278
What happens during primary treatment of sewage? Where does the collected sludge go?
Holds the sewage in a large vessel. Heavy solids that sink to the bottom are removed as sludge. This sludge is often decomposed with bacteria or composted
279
How does secondary treatment remove additional organic matter from sewage
Adds bacteria to decompose the dissolved e organic matter. The bacteria must then be killed once the process is complete. This is usually done with chlorine
280
What contaminant are removed by tertiary treatment
Any additional treatment, such as the removal of nitrates and phosphates
281
Define soil
Soil is a dynamic, living system. It is a mixture of mineral, organic matter, gases,liquids and countless organisms that together support life on earth
282
What are the important functions of the soil?
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A medium for plant growth
Means of water storage
Supply and purification of water
A modifier of earths atmosphere
Means of carbon storage
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283
What does soil texture refer to? How does it affect soil quality
Refers to the proportion of sand,silt and clay particles present in soil. Texture is the determining factor for soil fertility and water holding capacity. This is how it affects soil quality
284
Clay
Very small particle size
285
Silt
Larger than clay particles makes soil feel slippery
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Sand
Largest particle size makes soil feel gritty
287
Loam
Mixture of clay,silt and sand; best suited for crops
288
Pores
The space between particles. Loam is the best for air and water movement and plant growth
289
Sandy soils
Have large pores, which allows for greater drainage and dries quickly
290
Silt soils
Medium pores. Drains fairly well. Holds more moistures than sandy soils. Easily compacted
291
Clay soils
Small pores. Drains slowly
292
Soil components diagram (top to bottom)
Sand,silt,clay
293
What are soil horizons
Distinct layers of soil
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What five primary factors form soil horizons
Parent material, climate, topography, vegetation and time
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O Horizon:Litter Layer
Loose leaves and organic debris that are beginning to decompose. Top layer
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A Horizon:Topsoil
Organic matter mixed with mineral. Relatively thicker in grassland soil. Highest nutrient availability. Abundant biological activity. Below the litter layer
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B horizon: Leaching or Accumulation Layer
Movement of minerals and organic matter both into and out of this layer, depending on climate and vegatation. This layer has various types of colours soil,etc. Below the topsoil
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C Horizon:Subsoil
Also referee to as parent material, which may have originated from glaciers,rivers,volcanic deposits or weathered bedrock. Highest concentration of clay. Acclamation of leached matter. Below the leaching layer
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D Horizon:Bedrock
Consolidated rock. Layer is too hard to dig with a spade (even when moist). Below the subsoil
300
Time
Soil formation is dependant on a dynamic mix of factors which influence the length of time it takes for soil to form. Soil formation may range from decades to thousands of years
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Parent material
The geological base of any site will influence the soil forming process and resulting soil characteristics such as fertility,texture and a resistance to erosion
302
Organism
Both plant and animal life influence the formation of soil,largely through additions and transfers of nutrients and energy
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Landscape
Hills,valleys,slips and parties will be affected by sun,wind and water runoff in different ways
304
Climate
Soils in different regions will be subject to varying degrees of temperature and moisture effects. The differences in the climate causes weathering of soil to occur at different rates
305
Weathering
Process that breaks down rocks and minerals. Physical weathering-wind,rain,freezing and temperature fluctuations. Chemical wearying- water,oxygen,etc
306
Erosion
The displacement of soil, sediment and rock fragments, in addition to a loss of nutrients and organic matter. Commonly a result of: abiotic factors and human activities
307
Decomposition
The breakdown of complex organic matter into its more basic nutrients that are recycled and taken up by plants
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Organic matter
Derived from living and decomposed organisms. Major source of nitrogen,phosphorus, and sulfur for soil. Humus is a main component of organic matter
309
Soil fertility
The nutrient content of the soil to produce and support a plant common it .Includes the soils capacity to supply nutrients to plants in both immediate and long term
310
Microorganisms
Decomposes organic matter. Add nutrients for plant uptake
311
Rhizobia
Soil bacteria that helps legumes use nitrogen from the atmosphere
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Mycorrhiza
Fungi that form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots to derive nutrients, but also acts as a root extension to promote plant growth and protection against stress
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Four negative results of erosion
Loss of fertile topsoil
Lower water holding capacity
Increased flooding
Increase in pollution and sediment in streams
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Water erosion
Water can erode soil on small to very large scales. Erosion occurs in an annual basis but can also occur through extreme weather events. Erosion by water along shores can move farther inland and form caves into seaside cliffs
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Wind erosion
Depends if the soil particle size and wind strength. Fine particles can be transported far distances, which can damage crops. The resulting loss of nutrients found in topsoil is detrimental to soil fertility
316
Tillage erosion
Tillage is the turning of soil. It loosens and lightens the soil, thereby facilitating seeding and germination. Also,it creates pores for air and water movement. Soil particles are more easily dislodged in rain when no vegetation is present. Therefore, this makes overly tilled soil more susceptible to erosion
317
Over irrigation
Over irrigation can increase the movement of soil particles and nutrients through runoff and leaching
318
Over grazing
When the carrying capacity of grazing land is exceeded, livestock feeds on grass faster than it can grow back. This results in a positive feedback loop that further degrades soil. Soil becomes compacted. It becomes susceptible to wind and water erosion as topsoil is exposed. It also reduces soil fertility
319
Conservation Tillage Benefits
Reduces erosion
Soil surface is not turned over year after year
Contributes organic matter to soil
320
Intercropping Benefits
Decreases erosion
Increase soil coverage
Replenishes nutrient levels in the soil
321
Crop Rotation Benefits
Helps prevent soil erosion
Renews soil nutrients and breaks cycles of returning pests and disease
Farmers alternate the types of crops grown in a field year to year
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Shelterbelts Benefits
Traps snow for additional moisture
Provide shelter for wild life
Reduce wind erosion
323
What is a plant?
A plant is a living organism that typically absorbs water and inorganic substances through its roots and synthesizes nutrient in its leaves by photosynthesis. This is facilitated using the green pig me to chlorophyll
324
What are three basic components that plants need to grow. Explain.
Energy- this is gained by absorbing sunlight through chlorophyll in their leaves
Carbon,oxygen and hydrogen for producing sugar, which they gain by absorbing carbon dioxide in the air air and water in the soil
Nitrogen,phosphorus and potassium, which they absorb through the soil
325
Give 5 key roles that plants play in ecosystems?
- As photosynthesizer, plants provide organic molecules for energy for entire ecosystem. They are the producers
- They produce oxygen, required by most organisms
- They help hold soil in place, which prevents soil degradations
- they provide shelter for many small organisms
- they can help filter the air and water removing certain contaminants
326
Where are plants found in an ecological energy pyramid? Which is the most important position in an ecological energy pyramid
They are found at bottom. The bottom is the key position in an ecological energy pyramid as it provides all of the energy for above the above tiers
327
What is agriculture
The science or practice of farming, including cultivation of the soil for the growing of crops and the reading of animals to provide food,wool and other products
328
Artificial selection and why is it important
The process by which humans selectively develop particular traits by choosing which plants will produce. It is important because it has allowed human to create”ideal” fruits and vegetables that pack the most energy per pound
329
How have machines revolutionized agricultural practices?
They have allowed farmers to more effectively and efficiently conduct highly difficult and precise farmer practices. Tractors and combines are some examples
330
What is irrigation? Explain.
The watering of land to make it ready for agriculture. Most irrigation systems are inefficient, with only 40% of the applied water actually reaching crops. This is due to surface runoff and deep percolation to soil layer below the root zone
331
Furrow irrigation
Works by delivering large amounts of water through small, parallel channels that run through the field (40-60%)
332
Drip irrigation
Uses porous tubes above or below ground that gradually delivers water to the roots of individual plants (90-95%)
333
Centre pivot irrigation
Involves a piece of equipment that rotates around a single point, creating a circle shaped irrigation field (80% efficient)
334
Staple crops
Are foods that are produced in large quantities to meet a steady demand
335
Explain the relationship between staple crops and economies of scale
Staple crops are key for our survival. As the population increase, we need to mass produce food. This is not efficient to do with a huge range of foods. It is mor efficient to do with a huge range of foods. It is more efficient to do this with only a few foods.
336
What three nutrients can slow plant growth
Nitrogen,phosphorus and potassium
337
What are inorganic fertilizers?list some
Synthetically made from mined minerals. Common inorganic fertilizers: CaCO3,NaNO3,NH4Cl,etc.
338
What are organic fertilizers? Describe the 2 types
Are serviced from plant and animal matter. Animal manure is the dung and urine of livestock. Compost is organic matter that had been decomposed by bacteria,fungi and other microorganisms
339
Pros and cons of organic fertilizer
Improves soil over time; food is more nutrient and flavour able and not toxic build up (pros). Nutrients are not immediately available. The amount of nutrients added is only an estimate (cons)
340
Pros and cons of inorganic fertilizer
Nutrients are available to plants right away (fast improvement). The exact ratio of nutrients being added is known (pros). The fertilizer does nothing to sustain/improve soil quality. Toxic chemicals building up happens. Food tends to be less nutrient and flavourful (cons)
341
What’s are biological pests
Are any organisms that damage crops and reduce yields
342
What are pesticides? List and describe the two types of pesticides
Are chemicals that kill or control population of these biological pests. The two type: Insecticides and herbicides
343
Describe pesticide residue and bioaccumaltion
Check make that remain on food they are applied are called pesticide residue. Bioaccumulation is when persistent pesticides for higher and higher concentrations in organisms over a long period of time
344
What are the dirty dozen and the clean fifteen
Dirty dozen- are foods that are more likely to absorb and retain pesticides
Clean fifteen foods that have a protective layer that prevents them from absorbing as much pesticide residue
345
How have pest responded to pesticides over the past 70-80 years
Pesticides have gradually become less effective as insect have evolved resistance to them
346
What are organic foods
Food that have been produced without any pesticides or fertilizers. They use first generation pesticides
347
Define GMO. Give 2 examples?
Is when DNA is implanted into crops from other species that are resistant to pesticides
Corn has been genetically modified to protect the corn from a type of bacteria
Round up ready corn is resistant to a glyphosate. The herbicide is sprayed on a field, killing undesired weeds but leaving the corn un damaged
348
Biome
A geographic area with its own unique climate,landform and biodiversity
349
What two sets of characteristics define biomes? Examples.
Abiotic factors: soil,temperature,sunlight
| Biotic factors,plants,animals,species of dogs
350
What two most significant abiotic factors
Average temperature and amount of precipitation
351
How does latitude affect temperature
As the latitude of an ecosystem increases, average temperature tends to decrease
352
How does altitude affect temperature
As the altitude increases, average temperature decreases
353
How does the proximity to bodies of water affect precipitation and temperature
Biomes located near a large body of water often have greater precipitation levels and milder, more stable temperatures. Water gains and loses heat much more slowly than air. The nearby water evaporates and fuels incoming storm systems
354
What is the rain shadow effect? Which side of the mountain receives more precipitation
As warm moist air travels up a mountain twinge, the air cools (due to altitude) and the moisture condenses. As a result, the windward dude of the mountain facing the incoming air currents receives disproportionately more precipitation than the opposite leeward side
355
What is a climatograph
A combination of a line/bar graph that displays precipitation and temperature
What does the line graph represent- average monthly temperature
What does the bar graph represent- the average monthly precipitation
356
Describe conditions that are true of all grassland
Grasslands receive more precipitation and cooler temperature than deserts. More biomass is found here than in deserts
357
Savanna tropical grassland
Located near the equator, they have high temperature. The seasons are based on precipitation. Tanzania,Africa
358
Prairie temperate grassland
Farther away from the equator and experience seasonal temperature shifts. South Dakota,USA
359
Tundra polar grassland
Below freezing most of the year. The limiting factor for biodiversity is temperature. Besides the top layer of soil, the rest is permanently frozen. Northern Canada
360
What conditions are found in a tropical rain forest
Receive more consistent precipitation than deserts and grasslands. They can support hardwood trees
361
Describe what is found in each layer of the rain forest
Emergent layer- the outermost of leaves (most animals found here). Also consists of the tallest trees that reach above the canopy
Understory- consists of vegetation below the canopy
Forest floor- mostly home to decomposers due to the lack of sunlight
362
What conditions are found in a temperate deciduous forest
Receive a comparable amount of precipitation to tropical ones, but are in higher latitudes
363
Why do deciduous trees shed their leaves in the winter?
Like rainforests, there mostly contain broadleaf trees, lose moisture rapidly through transpiration, so they will shed their leaves during winter
364
How are temperate rainforests different then tropical ones
Tropical rainforests receive the greatest amount t of rainfall of any other biome and are consistently warm. Seasons are non existent. Temperate forests are clearly defined seasons and much less rainfall and are not as consistently warm
365
Why does the northern pacific coast of North America have ideal conditions for temperate rainforests
The pacific coast receives quite a bit of rainfall. It is also higher up in latitude, therefore seasons will be based primarily on temperature. Both of these conditions allow for hardwood trees
366
What conditions are found in a boreal forest
Are found in northern latitudes. They are characterized by coniferous trees, which are needle shaped leaf bearing trees. Boreal forest receives less precipitation and colder temperatures
367
Describe the adaptations found in trees here that allows them to survive the long winters
The needle shaped leaves have a waxy coating that retain moisture in the winter. The cone shape of the trees allow accumulated snow to slide to the ground
368
Four stages of the circle of life
- Ecosystems derive their initial energy from the sun via plants (producers)
- Herbivores benefit from the oxygen as well as the food that plants produce
- The secondary and tertiary consumers eat these animals. They help control the pressure on plants by limiting the number of primary consumers
- Once the consumers die, decomposers begin breaking down the animals, which releases nutrients into the soil that plants use for growth
369
Define ecological niche? Why are they critical to understand when studying an ecosystem
The organisms place in the food web it habitat, breeding area, and the time of day that it is most active. Understanding the different niches that different organisms possess allows ecologists to better predict the future health of an ecosystem
370
What environment resistance factors were faced by humans during the hunter gatherer period?
Limited by competition for food and wager,predator and disease
371
What area of land was called the fertile Crescent? What favourable characteristics did this land have
Located in Northern Africa, southern parts of the Middle East and usually high amount of biodiversity
372
How did human society change during the agricultural revolution? What effect did this have on the population?
Developed irrigation. This allowed humans to move from a nomadic lifestyle to a settled lifestyle. Humans begin to grow and raise crops and food. This allowed for a noticeable growth in population
373
What density dependent limiting factors still affected the human population following the agriculture so revolution
Famines and disease
374
List five new technologies that emerged following the industrial revolution
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Electricity
The steam engine
Water treatment
Antibiotics
Vaccines
```
375
Define infant mortality
The death rate in newborns
376
What happened to infant mortality during the industrial revolution? How did it life expectancy?
A massive drop in infant mortality. This led to an increase in overall average life expectancy
377
What key medical advancement has been the most effective in increasing life expectancy? Why do you think this was/is the case
Vaccines have been one of the biggest factors in saving lives and increasing life expectancy
378
Define exponential growth
Exponential growth occurs when the population size and its rare of growth both increase
379
What is the common “equation” that can describe the components of human environmental impact? Explain the equation and it’s components
I=PAT.I=Human impact;P=Population;A=Affluence(economy);T=Technology. This equation offers a more qualitative understanding of what makes up human impact
380
List and describe three main environment impacts due to increased human population
Increased land use-results in habitat loss for other species
Increased resource use- results in changes in land cover
Increased pollution-can cause sickness and damages ecosystems (and ourselves)
381
Define demographics
The study of human populations, which includes comparing statistics, such as births,deaths,gender,race and economic status
382
Define carrying capacity. Why do you think this is an important and relevant idea when discussing human population growth?
The number of people, other living organisms, or crops that a region (in case the earth) can support without environmental degradation
383
Devolving countries tend to be
Younger
Poor
Growing in population
384
Developed countries tend to be
Older
Wealthily
Stable/Shrinking
385
Life expectancy
How long an average newborn will live in a society
386
Total fertility rate
The average number of children a women will have in her lifetime
387
Gross domestic product per capita
A measurement of standard of living
388
What is the correlation between life expectancy and GDP
The poorer the country, the greater the fertility rate and the greater the contribution to human population growth. Ex: higher education and personal freedom, more opportunities to earn a salary,higher socioeconomic status
389
Define pro naturalist pressure
Increase the likeliness of individuals within a population to have more children. Ex: social status, aid in supporting family income, source of support for elderly parents
390
Define anti natalist pressure
Decrease the likeliness of individuals within a population to have more children. Almost always involves women
391
Pre industrial stage
Death rates are very high. There are food shortages,malnutrition,etc.
392
What changes occur as countries enter early transition stage
Birth rate remain high. Access to food and medicine improve, leading to rapid drop in death rates
393
What changes occur as countries enter the Late transition stage
Here, efforts are made to reduce birth rate. Birth control and sex education gain greater acceptance. Women play a greater role in family planning
394
What change occurs as countries enter the industrial stage
Birth rates fall back into balance with death rates. Population stabilizes
395
What happens to the populations of countries in the post industrial stage
Birth rates continue to fall due to anti natalist pressures. The population size decreases
396
Give the maximum population size projections
Low:9.5 billion
Medium: 11.2 billion
High:13.3 billion
397
What is the key to reducing the growth rates of humans? What steps are developed countries taking to help these developing countries out of poverty?
The key to reducing the growth rate of humans is to get each nation to the industrial stage and beyond
398
What happens to waste that is produced in a natural ecosystem
It cycles back through the system. In a closed ecological system, any waste products produced by one other species
399
What is the waste stream
The sum total of all waste produced by individuals, industries,mining and agricultural practices
400
Agricultural waste
Includes left over plant material,manure,pesticides and herbicides
401
Mining waste
Includes ore gravel and wastewater from mining operation
402
Industrial waste
Includes material and waste chemical from manufacturing and processing
403
Municiple solid waste
Includes garbage from households,business,school,etc
404
Biodegradable waste
Material that can be broken down by naturally occurring decomposers
405
Non degrable waste
Material that is synthetic or not able tomato be broken down
406
What is an open dump
Waste that is shared in an open area
407
Why are open dumps illegal in most developed countries?
Because the waste is exposed,attracting wildlife,producing fumes and aesthetically upleasant
408
What is the purpose of the clay and plastic lining at the bottom of sanitary landfills
They prevent the escape of water that drains through the landfill
409
Landfills have been the most popular solution for solid waste. Why are they becoming more expensive
Landfills are places to dispose of waste by burying it and covering with soil. Costs are increasing due to the need to construct new landfills farther way in major cities
410
What is incineration? How much does incineration reduce the volume of waste
The burning of solid waste. They have the advantage of reducing the volume of solid waste by about 70%
411
What are tipping fees? How do incineration tipping fees compare to those landfills
The charge levied upon a given quantity of waste received at a waste processing facility. Incineration tipping fees are typically higher than this of landfills
412
What is refused derived fuel
A fuel produced by shredding and dehydrating solid waste
413
What is mass burn incineration? What are the environmental problems with mass burn
Everything is smaller than major furniture and appliance are loaded into a furnace. This creates air pollution and the residual ash contains toxic materials
414
4 benefits of recycling
Less expensive
Reduces space needed for landfills
Lowe’s demand for raw resources
Reduce energy consumption and air pollution
415
What’s are the potential problems with recycling
Market prices fluctuate wildly. The process of recycling is challenging. Lots of sorting of plastics,metals,etc
416
Define composting
The biological degradation of organic material under aerobic conditions
417
What is the cheapest and most effective way of deals with waste
Reuse and simply not produce
418
What is integrated waste management
Arranges all of the steadies of dealing with municipal solid waste in order from top to bottom
419
List the waste management steadies,beginning with the top
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Source reduction
Reuse
Recycling
Waste disposal
Land filling
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420
Give an example of a high level nuclear war a low level nuclear waste
High level- used fuel rods that are still radioactive
| Low level- protective clothing or other handling materials used by plant workers
421
What does it mean to have a half life
The amount of time needed for half of the material to decay into small non radioactive elements
422
Where are depleted fuel rods stored into ally? Where are they currently places for long term storage
Initially in cooling pools and then in dry cask storage. They are then kept in sit at the reactor itself
