exam 3 keyterms

Biological Magnification

The process where toxins become more concentrated in organisms higher up the food chain.

Ciguatera

A type of food poisoning caused by eating reef fish that have accumulated toxins from algae.

Competition

When organisms fight for the same limited resources like food, space, or light.

Coral Bleaching

When corals lose their symbiotic algae due to stress (like heat), turning white and becoming weaker.

Coral Reef

A structure made of coral skeletons that supports a rich marine ecosystem.

Ecotourism

Tourism focused on natural environments that aims to be sustainable and support conservation.

Eutrophication

When too many nutrients enter water, causing algae overgrowth and oxygen loss.

Larvae

The early, immature form of an animal that looks different from the adult.

Limestone

A rock made mostly from the skeletons of marine organisms like coral.

Ocean Acidification

When CO₂ from the air dissolves in the ocean, making it more acidic and harming marine life.

Photic zone

Ocean zone or level that gets sunlight and supports photosynthesis

Aphotic zone

Ocean zome that is deeper, dark, and has no light.

Renewable Resource

A resource that can be naturally replaced, like sunlight, wind, or water.

Zooxanthellae

Tiny algae that live inside coral and help feed them through photosynthesis.

Biodiversity

The variety of living things in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Biological Control

Using living organisms to control pests, instead of chemicals.

Critical Habitat

A place that’s essential for the survival of a threatened or endangered species.

Endangered Species

A species at risk of extinction if nothing is done to protect it.

Extinct

When no individuals of a species are left alive.

Habitat

The natural environment where an organism lives.

Indicator Bacteria

Bacteria used to test water for pollution or contamination.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Using the safest, most effective ways to reduce pests while protecting the environment.

Introduced Species

Plants or animals brought by humans to places where they didn’t exist before.

Mass Extinctions

Times in Earth’s history when many species died out quickly.

Pests

Organisms that cause problems for humans, like insects that eat crops.

Pollution

Harmful substances added to the environment.

Primary Sewage Treatment

Process to clean wastewater where solids are removed.

Secondary Sewage Treatment

Process to clean waste water where bacteria is being broken down.

Recycling

Turning used materials into new products to reduce waste.

Sanitary Landfill

A carefully managed waste site that reduces pollution and protects groundwater.

El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO)

A climate pattern that affects ocean temperatures and weather around the world.

Fossil Fuels

Energy sources like coal, oil, and gas made from ancient plants and animals.

Global Warming

The rise in Earth’s average temperature due to human activities.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases like CO₂ and methane that trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere.

Agroforestry

Growing trees and crops together to improve sustainability.

Aquifer

An underground layer of water-storing rock or sand.

Brackish Water

Water that is a mix of fresh and saltwater.

Catchment

An area where water is collected and stored, like from rainfall.

Ecosystem Services

The benefits humans get from nature, like clean water, air, and food.

Evaporation

The process of water turning into vapor and rising into the air.

Groundwater

Water stored under the ground in soil or rock.

Hydrologic Cycle

The water cycle — how water moves through the air, land, and sea.

Monoculture

Growing only one type of crop, which can lead to problems like pests.

Permaculture

A sustainable way of farming that works with nature, not against it.

Sustainability

Using resources in a way that keeps them available for the future.

Tragedy of the Commons

When shared resources are overused because everyone acts in their own interest.

Valuation

Putting a money value on natural resources or ecosystem services to help protect them.

Indicator Bacteria

Bacteria used to test water for pollution or contamination.