Scope and Importance of Environmental Science and Ecosystems

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing key environmental science and ecosystem concepts from the lecture.

Environmental Science

An interdisciplinary field that studies interactions between living and non-living elements, human impacts, and solutions for sustainability.

Interdisciplinary Field

A discipline that combines natural sciences, social sciences, and policy studies to address complex issues.

Sustainability

Meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.

Silent Spring

Rachel Carson’s 1962 book that raised public awareness about environmental pollution and helped launch modern environmental science.

Ecosystem

A community of organisms interacting with each other and with their physical environment.

Biotic Components

The living parts of an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms.

Abiotic Components

The non-living factors of an ecosystem, including air, water, soil, and sunlight.

Ecosystem Structure and Function

The composition of species and non-living materials plus the processes linking them, where changes to one part affect the whole system.

Natural Resource Conservation

Responsible use and protection of resources like water, soil, and minerals to prevent depletion.

Pollution

The introduction of harmful substances or energy into the environment.

Pollution Control

Strategies and technologies that reduce or eliminate pollution and promote proper waste management.

Environmental Management

Planning and decision-making that guide large-scale human activities to comply with environmental standards.

Climate Change

Long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns, largely driven by human emissions of greenhouse gases.

Deforestation

Large-scale removal of trees that leads to biodiversity loss and ecosystem disruption.

Biodiversity

The variety of life forms within a given ecosystem, biome, or the entire Earth.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases such as CO₂ and CH₄ that trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere and contribute to global warming.

Circular Economy

An economic system focused on waste reduction, reuse, and recycling to keep resources in use for as long as possible.

Renewable Energy

Energy derived from naturally replenishing sources like solar and wind.

Mitigation (Climate)

Actions that reduce the magnitude or rate of climate change, such as cutting emissions.

Adaptation

Adjustments in natural or human systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli.

Environmental Protection Laws

Legal measures enacted to regulate air, water, soil pollution and safeguard ecosystems.

Environmental Consultant

A professional who assesses industrial practices and advises on compliance with environmental regulations.

Sustainable Industrial Development

Industry growth that meets economic goals while minimizing environmental harm.

Research and Development (R&D)

Science-based innovation that creates new eco-friendly methods and technologies.

Social Development (Environment)

Efforts that focus on community awareness, education, and participation in environmental stewardship.

Terrestrial Ecosystem

Land-based ecosystems such as forests, grasslands, deserts, and tundra.

Aquatic Ecosystem

Water-based ecosystems, including freshwater and marine environments.

Artificial Ecosystem

Human-created systems like urban areas, farms, and aquaculture facilities designed for specific purposes.

Micro-ecosystem

A small-scale ecosystem such as a pond, garden, or tree trunk habitat.

Macro-ecosystem

A large-scale ecosystem such as a rainforest, ocean, or desert.

Food Chain

A sequence showing how nutrients and energy transfer from one organism to another.

Forests

Terrestrial ecosystems that store carbon, release oxygen, and provide wildlife habitat.

Grasslands

Open land ecosystems that support farming and grazing animals.

Deserts

Dry ecosystems rich in minerals and adapted life forms tolerant to scarce water.

Tundra

Cold, treeless ecosystems that help regulate Earth’s temperature.

Freshwater Ecosystems

Lakes, rivers, and wetlands providing clean water and habitat for diverse species.

Marine Ecosystems

Oceanic environments, including reefs and estuaries, that regulate climate and support marine life.

EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)

U.S. federal agency that enforces environmental regulations to protect air, water, and soil quality.

UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme)

UN body that coordinates global environmental activities and assists developing nations in sustainable practices.

IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change)

UN-sponsored body that assesses climate science and informs global policy decisions.

FOREST

Considered as the "Lungs of the Earth."

LEVELS OF FORESTS (5)

Canopy: consist of largest and oldest trees.

Understory: lies below the canopy.

Shrub layer: abundant with smaller woody plants.

Herbaceous: consists of seedlings, mosses, and flowers.

Forest floor: where leaves from upper levels fall.

Forest floor

where leaves from upper levels fall.

Herbaceous

consists of seedlings, mosses, and flowers.

Shrub layer

abundant with smaller woody plants.

Understory

lies below the canopy.

Canopy

consist of largest and oldest trees.

FOREST TYPES OF THE PHILIPPINES

MANGROVE FOREST 

BEACH FOREST 

MOLAVE FOREST 

DIPTEROCARP FOREST 

PINE FOREST 

MIDMOUNTAIN AND MOSSY TYPE 

MANGROVE FOREST 

Found in muddy, tidal areas near river mouths and quiet bays.

Trees grow in salty water and protect the shore from strong waves.

The wood can be used for building if treated to make it stronger.

BEACH FOREST 

Grows on sandy beaches above the high-tide line.

Has thick plants like pandan that form a strong barrier near the shore.

This forest helps protect beaches from erosion.

MOLAVE FOREST 

More open than other forests, with fewer trees per hectare.

Found in places with clear wet and dry seasons.

Looks dry like a desert during dry months.

Grows well on dry, rocky hills with molave or tugas trees.

Trees give beautiful and durable wood.

DIPTEROCARP FOREST 

The most common forest type.

75% of the trees belong to the Dipterocarp family.

Found in lowlands, hills, and mountains.

Tall trees form the top canopy, with smaller plants, vines, and rattans below.

Main source of wood for the lumber industry.

PINE FOREST 

Found in high, cool mountains of northern Luzon and Mindoro.

Trees are spaced out and not too close together.

Benguet pine, strong and useful for building and mining work.

Tapulau, grows in the mountains of Zambales and Mindoro.

Pines often grow together in large groups.

Pines give us turpentine and rosin.

MIDMOUNTAIN AND MOSSY TYPE 

Grows in very high, rough, and rainy mountain areas.

The weather is wet and humid all year.

Strong winds make the trees short and stunted.

Trees are often covered with moss, ferns, and orchids.

These forests help protect water sources and keep mountain ecosystems healthy.

What are Philippine Wildlife Resources?

Wildlife includes fish, animals, and their habitats.

The Philippines hosts many endemic species and plants.

Marine biodiversity here is the world’s highest.

Recognized as one megadiverse, hotspot country globally.

IUCN lists 418 species as threatened.

Sixteen new mammals discovered in ten years.

The endemism rate continues rising with new discoveries.

FUNCTIONS OF WILDLIFE 

Wildlife aids crop pollination and pest control.

Wild species hold potential for future cultivation.

Animals and plants contribute to medical research.

Nature relieves stress from modern daily life.

Wildlife indicates changes in the environment clearly.

Conservation supports education and artistic human inspiration.

All species deserve existence for future generations.

Normal Species

Classification of wildlife wherein

• Stable populations with a wide distribution range.

• Not listed as endangered or threatened officially.

• Thrive in forests, farms, and urban environments.

• Include birds, reptiles, fish, and small mammals.

• Adapt well to climate and human presence.

• Monitoring ensures balance and long-term safety.

Endangered Species

Classification of wildlife wherein

Endangered species face high risk of extinction.

• Caused by habitat loss, hunting, and pollution.

• Examples include Philippine eagle and tamaraw buffalo.

• Many live in forests and mountain regions.

• Urgent conservation programs help protect these animals.

• Laws exist to stop illegal wildlife trade.

• Public awareness is key to species survival.

Vulnerable Species 

• Vulnerable species face possible endangerment without action.

• Population declines due to habitat loss, exploitation.

• Example: dugong

• Found in forests, coastal areas, and reefs.

• Sensitive to environmental and human-related threats.

• Conservation efforts aim to prevent further decline.

• Protection today ensures survival in the future.

Rare Species 

• Rare species have very small population sizes.

• Found only in isolated or limited locations.

• Example Palawan forest turtle

• They are difficult to find or study.

• Often threatened by habitat loss and hunting.

• Require special protection to avoid becoming endangered.

• Rarity makes them important for biodiversity conservation.

Endemic Species 

• The Philippines hosts many unique endemic species.

• They evolved uniquely in specific local habitats.

• Examples include Philippine Tarsier and Cebu flowerpecker.

• Mostly live in forests, mountains, and islands.

• Loss of habitat greatly threatens endemic wildlife.

• Conservation protects their survival and ecological roles.

• Endemism highlights the Philippines' rich natural biodiversity

Extinct species 

• Extinct species no longer exist in nature.

• Causes include habitat loss and human activities.

• Some species known from one recorded specimen.

• Example Philippine Rhinoceros.

• Some extinctions occurred before being well-studied.

• Extinction affects ecosystem balance and biodiversity richness.

• Conservation prevents more species from becoming extinct.

Threats and Challenges of hte philippine forest and wildlife resources

Deforestation, Illegal Logging, Habitat Loss and Fragmentation, Climate Change, Natural Disasters