Untitled Flashcards Set

Chapter 9

Water resources contributes about 16% to the Unit 4 test.

Chapter 10

Land and land use contributes about 14% to the Unit 4 test.

Chapter 16

Waste generation and disposal contributes 13%, approximately 5 points, to the Unit 4 test.

Chapter 17

Human health and environmental risks, also contributing about 13%, makes up 5 points on the Unit 4 test.

Chapter 18

Conservation of biodiversity contributes 21% to the Unit 4 test, accounting for about 8 points.

Chapter 19

Global change and greenhouse gas effects also constitutes 21% of the Unit 4 test, equal to 8 points.

Test format

A standard length 40-point test, similar to previous unit tests.

Time allocation

Students have up to 3 hours to complete the test, although it can typically be finished within the first hour.

Extra credit

Students can earn up to 2.5 percentage points by bringing past quizzes and tests.

Cone of depression

A cone-shaped depression in the water table occurring due to excessive water withdrawal from an aquifer.

Saltwater intrusion

The movement of saline water into freshwater aquifers, often due to over-withdrawal of groundwater.

LD50

The lethal dose at which 50% of the subjects are expected to die; it can be used similarly for different species based on mass.

Intrinsic value

The philosophical concept that organisms are valuable regardless of their utility to humans.

Positive feedback loops

Processes that enhance or amplify changes in a system, often leading to instability.

Negative feedback loops

Processes that counteract changes in a system, promoting stability.

Urban sprawl

The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas, often leading to increased traffic and urban blight.

Anthropogenic sources

Human activities that contribute to environmental changes, including greenhouse gas emissions.

E-waste

Waste arising from discarded electronic appliances and devices, often requiring specific recycling processes.

Methane capture

The process of capturing methane gas produced in landfills to be used as energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat, crucial for ecosystem resilience.

Climate refugees

People who are forced to leave their homes due to climate-related disasters or changes.

Global climate change

Long-term changes in temperature, precipitation, and other climate patterns due to human activities.

Global change

The broad changes caused by human actions, which include climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction.