midterm review

What is sustainability?

The ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, balancing environmental, social, and economic considerations.

Who is Rachel Carson?

An American marine biologist, author, and conservationist known for her book 'Silent Spring' which highlighted the environmental dangers of pesticides.

What is environmentalism?

A social and political movement focused on protecting the environment and promoting sustainable use of natural resources.

Fill in the blank: Environmental studies aim to __________ problems using scientific methods and ethical principles.

understand, analyze, and solve.

Fill in the blank: The nitrogen cycle involves processes like nitrogen fixation, nitrification, and __________.

denitrification.

What are the key processes in the nitrogen cycle?

Nitrogen fixation, nitrification, assimilation, ammonification, and denitrification.

What is DDT?

Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane; a synthetic pesticide linked to harmful environmental and health effects.

Fill in the blank: The __________ cycle refers to the natural movement of carbon between the atmosphere, land, oceans, and organisms.

carbon.

What is the relationship between shrimp farmers and mangrove trees?

Mangrove trees provide a habitat for juvenile shrimp, improve water quality, protect shorelines from erosion, and can lead to sustainable seafood practices.

What is biodiversity?

The variety of living things in a particular area, including species, genetic differences, and ecosystems.

What does the scientific process involve?

It involves asking a question, doing background research, forming a hypothesis, conducting an experiment, collecting data, drawing a conclusion, and communicating results.

Fill in the blank: A scientific theory is a well-tested __________ for a broad range of observations.

explanation.

What are the 8 justifications for placing value on the environment?

Utilitarian, Ecological, Aesthetic, Recreational, Inspirational, Creative, Moral, Cultural.

What is biogeography?

The study of where living organisms are found and why, influenced by factors like climate, geography, and history.

Fill in the blank: The __________ is the Earth's total quantity of water, including surface, underground, and atmospheric water.

hydrosphere.

What human activities contribute to pollution?

Emissions from vehicles, industrial runoff, pesticide use, and waste generation.

What are nitrogen-fixing plants?

Primarily leguminous plants like beans, peas, lentils, and clover, which have a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria.