conservation

EPA

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a U.S. government agency responsible for protecting human health and the environment by enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress.

tilth

the physical condition of soil as it relates to its suitability for growing crops.

common property (resource)

Resources that are owned collectively and accessible to all members of a community, often requiring management to prevent overuse.

renewable resource 

a natural resource that can be replenished naturally over time, such as solar energy, wind energy, and sustainably managed forests.

HT

a common term used for heat transfer, often related to thermal energy.

selective breeding

the process of breeding plants or animals for specific traits to enhance desirable qualities and improve genetic diversity.

Bt

toxin-producing bacterium used in genetic engineering of crops to provide pest resistance.

Roundup

herbicide used to control weeds by inhibiting a specific enzyme pathway.

Fertility rate

The average number of children born to a woman over her lifetime, often used as a measure of population growth and reproductive health.

heavy metal

any of several metallic elements with high densities, atomic weights, or toxic properties, often harmful to living organisms.

manure

organic matter used as fertilizer, typically derived from animal waste.

crop rotation

the practice of alternating the types of crops grown on a particular piece of land to improve soil health, reduce pests, and increase agricultural productivity.

BOD

(Biochemical Oxygen Demand) is a measure of the amount of oxygen that microorganisms will consume while decomposing organic matter in water. It is an important indicator of water quality.

eutrophication

the process by which water bodies become enriched with nutrients, leading to excessive growth of algae and subsequent depletion of oxygen.

legume

a type of plant that has the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, improving soil fertility and promoting sustainable agriculture.

limiting nutrient

a nutrient that is in short supply and restricts the growth of organisms, often impacting ecosystems and agricultural productivity.

DDT

a synthetic pesticide that became widely used in agriculture to control insects but was later banned due to its harmful effects on the environment and human health.

persistent

remains in the environment for a very long time without breaking down or degrading, potentially causing lasting ecological damage.

monopoly

a market structure where a single seller dominates the supply of a good or service, leading to reduced competition and higher prices for consumers.

competition

the rivalry among businesses or individuals for market share, resources, or customers, which promotes innovation and lower prices.

cartels

groups of independent businesses that collaborate to control prices and limit competition in a market.

national parks

protected areas designed for the conservation of nature and wildlife, offering recreational opportunities and preserving biodiversity.

national forests

protected areas managed for multiple uses, including timber harvesting, recreation, and conservation of natural resources.

homestead act

A law passed in 1862 that encouraged westward migration by providing settlers with land at little or no cost, promoting agricultural development and settlement.

clear air act

A landmark environmental law enacted in 1963 aimed at regulating air emissions and improving air quality across the United States.

taylor grazing act

A law enacted in 1934 to regulate grazing on public lands, aimed at preventing overgrazing and promoting sustainable land use.

NEPA

The National Environmental Policy Act, enacted in 1969, requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions before making decisions.

dust bowl

A period of severe drought in the 1930s that caused major ecological and agricultural damage in the United States, particularly in the Great Plains.

CERCLA

Also known as the Superfund Act, enacted in 1980 to facilitate the cleanup of hazardous waste sites and hold responsible parties accountable for contamination.

ESA

The Endangered Species Act, enacted in 1973, aims to protect and recover imperiled species and their habitats.

Amenity (resoure)

A feature or service that enhances the desirability of a location or property, often contributing to the well-being of individuals and communities.

oligopoly

A market structure characterized by a small number of large firms that dominate the industry, leading to limited competition.

RCRA

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, enacted in 1976, governs the disposal of solid and hazardous waste to protect human health and the environment.

Externality

A consequence of an economic activity that affects third parties who did not choose to be involved in that activity, which can be positive or negative.

non-point source

pollution resulting from diffuse sources, making it challenging to identify specific origins.

stock resource

a natural resource that exists in fixed quantities and cannot be replenished quickly, such as minerals or fossil fuels.

CAFO

Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation, a large-scale industrial facility for raising livestock, often associated with various environmental issues.

Cohort

A group of individuals or organisms of the same species that are observed over a period of time, often used in studies related to population dynamics and resource management.

Overdraft (groungwater)

The condition when groundwater is extracted at a faster rate than it can be naturally replenished, leading to a decline in water levels and potential long-term depletion of aquifers.

Pastoral

A farming system that relies on grazing livestock on natural pastures, emphasizing the use of land for raising animals.

Wilderness act

A landmark piece of legislation passed in 1964 that protects designated wilderness areas in the United States from development, preserving their natural state for future generations.

one child policy

A population control policy implemented in China that limited couples to having only one child, aimed at curbing population growth.

subsidence

The gradual sinking or settling of the Earth's surface, often caused by natural processes or human activity such as mining or groundwater extraction.

biomagnification

The process by which the concentration of toxins increases in organisms at each successive level of the food chain, leading to higher levels of contaminants in predators.

food web

A complex network of interconnected food chains in an ecosystem, illustrating how energy and nutrients flow through different trophic levels.

niche

The role or function of an organism or species within an ecosystem, including its habitat, resource use, and interactions with other organisms.

xeriscape

A landscaping method that reduces or eliminates the need for irrigation by using drought-resistant plants and efficient design techniques.

timber reserve act

A law that established designated areas for sustainable timber harvesting and conservation of forests in the United States.

wind mills

Devices that convert wind energy into electricity or mechanical power. They are commonly used for renewable energy generation and agricultural purposes.

anthropogenic

Referring to human activity, especially its impact on the environment.

runoff

The flow of water that occurs when excess rainfall or snowmelt moves over the ground surface, often carrying pollutants into water bodies.

walker (colt) revolver

A type of revolver designed by Samuel Colt in the 19th century. facilitated the hunting of wildlife, contributing to the decline of certain species

concentrated

theodore roosevelt

26th President of the United States, known for his conservation efforts and the establishment of national parks.

aldo leopold

A prominent American ecologist, forester, and author, known for his ecological teachings and for promoting a land ethic.

richard nixon

37th President of the United States, known for his environmental policies and the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency. also NEPA and Clean air act 

thomas malthus 

An English cleric and scholar, known for his theories on population growth and its effects on resources, notably predicting that population would outpace food supply.

biome

A large ecological area on the Earth's surface, with specific climate, flora, and fauna, categorized by vegetation types such as forests, deserts, and grasslands.

garret hardin

An American ecologist and philosopher best known for his 1968 essay "The Tragedy of the Commons," which discussed the conflict between individual interests and the common good regarding resource depletion.

rachel carson

an American marine biologist and conservationist whose book "Silent Spring" advanced the global environmental movement.

john muir

a naturalist and conservationist known for his advocacy of the preservation of wilderness in the United States, particularly in California's Sierra Nevada. Founded sierra club played large role in preserving Yosemite valley 

taiga

A biome characterized by coniferous forests, cold climates, and long winters, commonly found in northern regions.

soil conservation service

a former agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that aimed to preserve soil resources and prevent erosion through effective management practices.

GMO

Genetically Modified Organism, created through genetic engineering to enhance certain traits such as resistance to pests or improved nutritional value.

Glabon

A brand of genetically modified organisms developed to improve agricultural efficiency and yield.

oxisol

A soil type commonly found in tropical regions, characterized by high levels of weathering and low nutrient content, often requiring specific management practices for agriculture.

boreal

related to the northern forest biome characterized by coniferous trees, cold temperatures, and distinct seasonal changes.

mollisol

A fertile soil type found in temperate grasslands, known for its high organic matter content and nutrient-rich profile, ideal for agriculture.

devils wire

A type of fencing constructed using barbed wire or similar materials, often used for livestock management and to deter wildlife in conservation areas.

1872 mining act

A US law that allowed citizens to stake claims on mineral-rich land and mine without requiring labor or improvements, significantly impacting land use and conservation efforts.

trophic level

Each step in a food chain or food web, representing the flow of energy and nutrients in an ecosystem, typically categorized into producers, consumers, and decomposers.

flint (tools)

Stone tools created by chipping away pieces of flint to create sharp edges, used by prehistoric humans for cutting and hunting.

atlatl

A spear-throwing device that increases the velocity and distance of a projectile, traditionally used by indigenous peoples for hunting. It is an important tool in prehistoric and early historic cultures.

dystopia

A society characterized by suffering, oppression, and a bleak future, often depicted in literature and media. serve as cautionary tales of what could potentially happen

invasive (species)

Non-native species that disrupt ecosystems

peat

Organic matter accumulated in waterlogged conditions, typically in wetlands.

geothermal

Energy derived from the Earth's internal heat, used for electricity and heating.

green revolution

A period of agricultural transformation in the mid-20th century that greatly increased food production through the use of high-yield crops, fertilizers, and advanced agricultural techniques.