Week_1_Ecology

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54 Terms

1

Environmental DNA (eDNA)

DNA extracted straight from environmental samples, like soil or water, utilized for biodiversity studies.

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2

Eutrophication

A phenomenon where aquatic ecosystems receive surplus nutrients, prompting excessive plant growth and leading to oxygen depletion.

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3

Cytokines

Molecules that function as signals to manage and regulate immunity, inflammation, and blood cell production.

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4

Choroid plexus epithelial cells

Cells responsible for producing cerebrospinal fluid within the brain's ventricles.

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5

Hydrocephalus

A medical condition marked by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.

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6

Trophic levels

The structured layers in an ecosystem that include producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers, and tertiary consumers.

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7

Biodiversity hotspots

Areas rich in unique species that are threatened by human activities.

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8

Acid rain

Precipitation with a lower pH, resulting from pollution releasing sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.

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9

Thermal pollution

The deterioration of water quality due to temperature changes, often caused by industrial activities.

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10

Ecosystem services

The advantages provided by ecosystems to people, including clean air, water, food, and pollination.

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11

Innate behavior

Behavior that is instinctual and genetically encoded rather than acquired through learning.

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12

Kineses

A form of innate behavior characterized by non-directional movement in reaction to a stimulus.

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13

Phototaxis

A directed movement towards or away from light sources.

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14

Biogeochemistry

The field that studies the chemical, physical, geological, and biological interactions that regulate the natural environment's composition.

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15

Species interactions

The various relationships between different species in an ecosystem, encompassing competition, predation, and symbiosis.

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16

Reflected Solar Flux

The amount of sunlight that is bounced off surfaces back into the atmosphere.

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17

Carbon capture

Technological methods aimed at capturing and storing carbon dioxide emissions from industrial sources such as power plants.

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18

Habitat selection

The process whereby animals choose living and breeding environments based on resource availability and perceived risks.

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19

Territoriality

Animal behavior aimed at defending territory from outsiders, which includes marking and displays of aggression.

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20

Foraging behavior

The actions an animal undertakes to seek and collect food, influenced by resource availability.

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21

Mating systems

The different mating behaviors observed in species, such as monogamy, polygamy, and promiscuity.

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22

Parental care

The amount of investment a parent provides for the survival of offspring, varying significantly across species.

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23

Social hierarchies

The arrangement of individuals within a group, often developed through patterns of dominance and subordination.

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24

Altruism in animals

Behavior that aids others at a personal cost, commonly observed in social species for the benefit of the group.

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25

Learning behaviors

Behavioral changes that develop as a result of experience, vital for adaptation and survival.

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26

Migration

The seasonal movement of animals between regions for breeding or feeding purposes.

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27

Communication in animals

The various methods by which animals transmit information to one another, often through signals, sounds, and body language.

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28

Effects of pollution on health

Pollution can cause respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and a variety of chronic health conditions.

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29

Air pollution

The presence of contaminants in the atmosphere from sources like vehicles and industries, impacting air quality and health.

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30

Water pollution

The contamination of water bodies by harmful substances, affecting aquatic ecosystems and human health.

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31

Soil pollution

The degradation of soil quality through hazardous chemicals and waste, impacting agriculture and ecosystems.

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32

Greenhouse gases

Gases such as CO2 and methane that trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to global warming and climate change.

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33

Plastic pollution

The buildup of plastic waste in the environment, negatively affecting wildlife and ecosystems.

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34

Noise pollution

Excessive noise levels in the environment, which can harm human health and disrupt animal behavior.

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35

Pollutants

Substances that cause environmental pollution, including harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and biological agents.

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36

Biomagnification

The increasing concentration of pollutants as they move up the food chain, impacting top predators.

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37

Habitat destruction

The elimination of natural habitats due to human activities and pollution, endangering biodiversity.

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38

Producers

Organisms that generate their own energy through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, forming the foundation of the trophic pyramid.

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39

Primary consumers

Herbivorous organisms that consume producers and occupy the second level of the trophic hierarchy.

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40

Secondary consumers

Carnivorous species that consume primary consumers, situated at the third level of the trophic hierarchy.

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41

Tertiary consumers

The top predators in an ecosystem that prey on secondary consumers, positioned at the fourth trophic level.

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42

Food web

A complex interconnection of feeding relationships among organisms in an ecosystem that illustrates energy flow.

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43

Energy flow

The movement of energy within an ecosystem, typically depicted as a pyramid illustrating energy loss at each higher trophic level.

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44

Biomass

The overall mass of living organisms in a specific trophic level, often associated with energy availability.

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45

Ecological efficiency

The proportion of energy transferred from one trophic level to the next, generally ranging from 5% to 20%.

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46

Carbon Capture

Innovative technologies aimed at sequestering carbon dioxide emissions from sources like power plants and industrial processes.

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47

Feeding Cows Seaweed

A strategy to mitigate methane production in cattle by adding seaweed to their diet, effectively reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

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48

Delicious Insects

Utilizing edible insects as a sustainable and protein-rich food alternative, aiming to lessen environmental impact as opposed to traditional livestock.

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49

Climate Repair

Creative strategies intended to counteract the effects of climate change, including practices like reforestation and carbon sequestration.

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50

Remote Working

An employment structure that allows individuals to work from outside traditional office settings, often reducing commuting emissions.

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51

Greater Use of Data Centers

Increased dependence on centralized facilities for the processing and storage of substantial data volumes, boosting operational efficiency but raising energy consumption concerns.

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52

Household Energy Efficiency

Initiatives focused on decreasing energy consumption in homes, through methods such as enhanced insulation and usage of energy-saving appliances.

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53

Size of Garbage Island

1.6 million square kilometers, twice the size of texas

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54

Effect of Garbage Island

Killing marine life, 1 million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals are affected every year, as well as many other species

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