Applied Ecology: Human Activities and Environmental Effects

These flashcards cover key concepts related to applied ecology, focusing on human impacts on the environment, pollution types, conservation strategies, and the differences between exotic and invasive species.

Human Activities

Actions taken by humans that affect the environment, such as industrial activities, agriculture, and urbanization.

Habitat Loss

Occurs when a particular area is converted from usable to unusable habitat, primarily due to human actions.

Habitat Degradation

The process by which a habitat becomes less suitable for the species that depend on it for survival due to various factors.

Habitat Fragmentation

Occurs when large, continuous habitats are divided into smaller, isolated patches, often due to human development.

Climate Change

Significant and lasting changes in Earth's climate patterns, including temperature, precipitation, and weather events, primarily driven by human activities.

Overexploitation

The harvesting of renewable resources to the point of diminishing returns, leading to declines in populations such as overfishing and deforestation.

Pollution

The introduction of harmful substances into the environment that cause adverse effects on living organisms, ecosystems, and human health.

Invasive Species

Non-native species that disrupt local ecosystems by outcompeting native species for resources.

Exotic Species

Non-native species introduced into a new area; they are not always invasive or harmful.

Conservation

The careful utilization, management, and preservation of natural resources, biodiversity, and ecosystems for future generations.