Enviro. Science Final Exam

Materials for Final Exam

Utilitarian Conservation vs. Biocentric Preservation

Conservation (Gifford Pinchot) advocates using resources for the greatest good for the greatest number. Preservation (John Muir) advocates protecting nature for its inherent right to exist.

The 10% Rule

Due to the Second Law of Thermodynamics, only about 10% of energy is passed from one trophic level to the next; the rest is lost as heat.

Positive Feedback Loop (Climate Example)

A self-reinforcing cycle where a change triggers a response that amplifies the change (e.g., melting ice lowers albedo, causing more heat absorption and more melting).

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD)

A measure of water quality indicating the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by biological organisms to break down organic material; high BOD suggests high pollution.

HIPPO Acronym

Habitat Destruction, Invasive Species, Pollution, Population, Overharvesting (The five main threats to biodiversity).

Carrying Capacity (K)

The maximum population size of a species that an environment can sustain indefinitely.

r-selected Species

Species that reproduce rapidly, have many offspring, offer little parental care, and often live in unstable environments (e.g., insects, mice).

K-selected Species

Species that reproduce slowly, have few offspring, invest heavily in parental care, and typically live in stable environments (e.g., elephants, humans).

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

A 1970 US law requiring federal agencies to create an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) before starting major projects.

Eutrophication

Excess nutrients (N, P) cause algal blooms; when algae die, bacterial decomposition consumes oxygen, creating hypoxic 'dead zones'.

The Green Revolution

A large increase in crop production in developing countries achieved by the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and high-yield crop varieties.

Coal Formation vs. Oil Formation

Coal forms from ancient terrestrial (swamp) vegetation; Oil forms from ancient marine microorganisms (plankton/algae).

Equation for Photosynthesis

6CO₂ + 6H₂O + solar energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂

I = PAT Formula

Environmental Impact (I) = Population (P) x Affluence (A) x Technology (T).

Demographic Transition: Stage 2

Death rates fall due to improved medicine/sanitation while birth rates remain high, leading to rapid population growth.

Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP)

The world's largest restoration project, aiming to restore natural water flow by removing canals and reducing nutrient pollution.

Ocean Acidification

The absorption of atmospheric CO₂ by the ocean lowers pH, making it difficult for organisms like corals to build calcium carbonate shells.

Moral Extensionism

An ethical principle extending moral standing beyond humans to include animals, plants, and ecosystems.

Biodiversity Hotspot

A biogeographic region that is both a significant reservoir of biodiversity (high endemic species) and is threatened with destruction.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

An agricultural strategy that uses biological controls, crop rotation, and habitat management, using chemical pesticides only as a last resort.

Impact of Silent Spring (1962)

Written by Rachel Carson, it exposed the dangers of DDT and other pesticides, launching the modern environmental movement.

Generalist vs. Specialist Species

Generalists have a broad niche and tolerate wide conditions (e.g., raccoons). Specialists have a narrow niche and specific needs (e.g., pandas).