APES Unit 5-2 (Ch 10) Vocabulary

biodiversity hotspot

An area especially rich in plant species that are found nowhere else and are in great danger of extinction. Such areas suffer serious ecological disruption, mostly because of rapid human population growth and the resulting pressure on natural resources.

deforestation

The temporary or permanent removal of large expanses of forest for agriculture, settlements, or other uses

eco-city

a people oriented rather than car-oriented city where residents use transportation alternatives to vehicles, where buildings, vehicles, and appliances are energy efficient, and where significant areas of green space exist

ecological restoration

research and scientific study devoted to restoring, repairing, and reconstructing damaged ecosystems

land-use planning

Planning to determine the best present and future uses of each parcel of land.

old-growth forest

an uncut or regenerated primary forest that has not been seriously disturbed by human activities or natural disasters for 200 years or more

overgrazing

Destruction of vegetation when too many grazing animals feed too long and exceed the carrying capacity of a rangeland or pasture area.

pasture

Grass or other plants grown for feeding grazing animals, as well as fenced-in land used for grazing.

rangeland

Land that is not intensively managed and is used for grazing livestock, usually not fenced-in

reconciliation ecology

science of inventing, establishing, and maintaining habitats to conserve species diversity in places where people live, work, or play

second-growth forest

A forest that has been cut and regrown

smart growth

Form of urban planning that recognizes that urban growth will occur but uses zoning laws and other tools to prevent sprawl, direct growth to certain areas, protect ecologically sensitive and important lands and waterways, and develop urban areas that are more environmentally sustainable and more enjoyable places to live.

tree plantation

A large area typically planted with a single rapidly growing tree species

undergrazing

not enough animals grazing on grassland; can result in reductions of productivity and increased fire risk

urban heat island

an urban area where temperature is significantly warmer than surrounding areas due to human heat-generating activities such as cars, factories, and heat-absorbing asphalt

urbanization

Movement of people from rural areas to cities

urban sprawl

Growth of low-density development on the edges of cities and towns.

wilderness

An area where there are few people living; an area still in its natural state

zoning

designating parcels of land for particular types of use