Introduction to Sustainable Engineering - Natural Cycles and Population Growth

A collection of flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the lecture on natural cycles and population growth in sustainable engineering.

Carbon Cycle

The process by which carbon is exchanged among the biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.

Nitrogen Cycle

The movement of nitrogen through the environment and living organisms, including processes like fixation and decomposition.

Water Cycle

The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.

Energy Flow

The transfer of energy from one part of an ecosystem to another, typically illustrated through food chains and energy pyramids.

Nutrient Cycle

The movement and exchange of organic and inorganic matter back into the production of living matter.

Trophic Level

The position an organism occupies in a food chain, determined by its feeding relationships.

Precipitation

Any form of water that falls to the Earth's surface, including rain and snow.

Photosynthesis

The process by which green plants use sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water.

Decomposers

Organisms that break down dead organic material, returning nutrients to the soil.

Population Growth

The increase in the number of individuals in a population, which has accelerated significantly post-1950.

Ecological Demands

The demands that a population places on its environment, including resource consumption and waste production.

Dual Human Impact

The combined effects of human activities on ecosystems due to population growth and resource consumption.