Human Impact & Renewable/Non-Renewable Resources Review Guide

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to human impact, renewable and non-renewable resources, as well as air quality and climate change.

Carrying Capacity

The largest population an area can support with its resources, such as food, water, and land.

Nonrenewable Resources

Resources, such as fossil fuels, that cannot be replenished as they are used.

Fossil Fuels

Energy sources formed from the remains of once-living organisms, including coal, oil, and natural gas.

Limiting Factor

An environmental factor that causes a population to decrease, such as food, water, space, and weather conditions.

Renewable Resources

Resources that can be replenished as quickly as they are used, such as solar and wind energy.

Emissions

Gases and particles released into the air when fossil fuels are burned, contributing to air pollution.

Greenhouse Effect

The trapping of heat in the atmosphere by greenhouse gases, which can lead to climate change.

Carbon Footprint

An individual's measure of their carbon dioxide emissions, which can be reduced through lifestyle changes.

Air Quality Index (AQI)

A measurement of pollutants in the air, indicating the cleanliness of the air.

Acid Rain

Rain that contains dissolved acids due to gas emissions, which can harm ecosystems.

Fracking

A method of extracting oil and natural gas by drilling holes into the earth.

Biomass

Organic material that can be converted into energy, including plant matter like wood and hay.

Geothermal Energy

Energy derived from the heat produced within the earth.

Hydro Energy

Energy generated from the power of moving water.

Photochemical Smog

Air pollution formed by a chemical reaction between sunlight, smoke, and fog.