ESS SL Midterm

transfer

to move from one place to another

transformation

process in which one strain of bacteria is changed by a gene or genes from another strain of bacteria

zonation

the distribution of plants or animals into specific zones according to such parameters as altitude or depth, each characterized by its dominant species.

sucession

The series of predictable changes that occur in a community over time

Gaia Hypothesis

States that the environment on a global level has been changed for the better by life over the history of life on earth.

positive feedback

A type of regulation that responds to a change in conditions by initiating responses that will amplify the change. Takes organism away from a steady state.

negative feedback

A type of regulation that responds to a change in conditions by initiating responses that will counteract the change. Maintains a steady state.

percentage of solar radiation absorbed by the earths surface

71%

indicator species

Species that serve as early warnings that a community or ecosystem is being degraded.

Lincoln Index

a way to measure the abundance of small motile organisms

(catch 1 x catch 2) / marked in catch 2

simple experimental method

the simplest form of research design. In a pre-experiment either a single group or multiple groups are observed subsequent to some agent or treatment presumed to cause change.

organic storage

stores chemicals that are complex carbon compounds

inorganic storage

stores chemicals that do not contain complex carbon compounds

k strategist

reproduce late in life; few offspring; care for offspring

r strategist

reproduce early in life; many small unprotected offspring

size of protected area

The larger the size of the protected area allows for larger populations and gene pools, and a wide variety of species. A round shape is better it doesn't have edges. The less edge creates differences in the structure of an ecosystem. Corridors provide safe passage between protected areas

importance preserving biodiversity

creates a balance of life on our earth. Without it, it would be a very boring place and the balance of nature would also get disturbed.

percent of freshwater on earth

2.6%

colonization

the action or process of settling among and establishing control over the indigenous people of an area (lowest soil fertility)

degradation

a decline to a lower condition, quality, or level

dust bowl overharvesting

reductions in soil conservation measures and the encroachment onto poorer lands made the farming community more vulnerable to wind erosion, soil moisture depletion, depleted soil nutrients, and drought

subsistence

the minimum amount to sustain life

erosion

Processes by which rock, sand, and soil are broken down and carried away (i.e. weathering, glaciation)

retains the smallest amount of nutrients and minerals

sand

World Heath Organization (WHO)

a United Nations agency to coordinate international health activities and to help governments improve health services

conifer

pine tree (usu. evergreen); cone-bearing tree

soot

black powder in smoke

smoke

the cloud of black, gray, or white gases and dust that is produced by burning something

acid deposition

Sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides, emitted by burning fossil fuels, enter the atmosphere-where they combine with oxygen and water to form sulfuric acid and nitric acid-and return to Earth's surface

photochemical

interacts with the sun

catalytic converter

exhaust emission control device which converts toxic gases and pollutants in exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine into less-toxic pollutants

carcinogens

Cancer causing agents