Studied by 48 people
Acid Rain |
Precipitation with a pH lower than 5.5 caused by burning fossil fuels.
Biodegradable |
A substance capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other organisms.
Biological Control |
The use of natural means such as a predator to control pest organisms. |
Biomagnification |
The accumulation of toxin in the tissue of an organism from the ingestion/predation of plants or animals where the toxin is more widely distributed. |
Deforestation
Removal of trees from an ecosystem to make room for homes, industry, and farms. Leads to global warming and habitat loss. |
Direct Harvesting |
The destruction of an organism or removal of an organism from its habitat.
Fossil Fuel |
A nonrenewable source of energy that comes from the remains of organisms that lived millions of years ago (coal, oil, natural gas).
Global Warming |
An increase in Earth’s temperature caused by excess CO2 gas in the atmosphere. |
Greenhouse Effect |
The accumulation of greenhouse gases (CO2, H2O & CH4) in the atmosphere. These gases absorb heat energy, not allowing it to escape into space. |
Invasive (introduced) Species |
Organisms that are released to a new environment where they often become pests due to a lack of predators. |
Industrialization
The process of converting an economy into one in which large-scale manufacturing is the primary economic base. |
Nuclear Fuel |
Non-renewable energy source that results from splitting atoms. Does not cause air pollution, but can cause thermal pollution and creates waste that is difficult to dispose of. |
Ozone Depletion |
The thinning of the layer of gases surrounding the Earth that protects Earth’s organisms from UV rays. |
Pesticide |
A chemical used to kill organisms that are unwanted in an area such as weeds or insects. |
pH |
A measure (1-14) of whether a substance is acidic, basic, or neutral. |
Pollution |
A harmful change to the chemical makeup of soil, water, or air due to the addition of wastes or products of human activity.
Renewable Resource |
Any resource such as food supply, wind energy, and solar energy that can be naturally replaced. |
Smog
A kind of air pollution that results when certain pollutants react with sunlight that looks like a gray or brown haze and may contain airborne pollutants. |
Technology |
All of the practical scientific knowledge that has been used to meet human needs. |
Thermal Pollution |
A type of pollution caused by any process that changes the temperature of a river, lake or ocean.
Trade Off |
An exchange or agreement made to reach a compromise. Involves giving up one desired thing for another. |
Nonrenewable Resource |
Any resource such as fossil fuels that cannot be replaced. |
Note
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