Stream Study/Human Activity Vocabulary {18-29} ~ Mrs. Bailey

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to stream studies and human activity, including definitions and important concepts.

A measure of the acidity (acide) or alkalinity (base) of a solution.

pH

A harmful toxin, chemical, sediment, or bacteria material discharged (brought into)into the water, soil, or air.

Pollution

A substance that causes pollution.

Pollutant

The thin layer of Earth extending from ocean bottoms to the highest mountaintops that contains all living organisms.

Biosphere

The complete disappearance of a species from Earth.

Extinction

An invasive, reed-like plant that indicates the presence of water and thrives (does well) in wetland areas.

Phragmites

A resource that can be replenished (reused) over time.

For example: electricity from solar panels.

Renewable Resources

A resource that, once used up, cannot be replaced or used again.

For example: using fossil fuels.

Nonrenewable Resources

Using a resource without depleting it (using all of it) or permanently damaging it.

For example: using wind turbines that turn wind energy into electricity

Sustainable

Making a problem less harsh or severe (minimizing it).

Example: placing down sandbags in an area to prevent or lessen flooding

Mitigate

Living or once-living things in an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, fungi, and bacteria.

Biotic

The non-living parts of an ecosystem, like sunlight, water, temperature, air, and rocks.

Abiotic

Biotic factors __________ (work together) with non-living, or abiotic factors to form a complete ecosystem.

interact