APES Unit 5

Tragedy of the Commons

Overuse of shared resources due to individual self-interest, leading to depletion or degradation.

Monocropping

Agricultural practice of growing a single crop species in a given area, often leading to soil degradation.

Eutrophication

Nutrient enrichment of water bodies, causing excessive growth of algae and depletion of oxygen.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

A sustainable approach to managing pests through a combination of biological, physical, and chemical methods.

Clearcutting

Logging method that involves removing all trees in a specific area, impacting biodiversity and soil stability.

Aquaculture

The farming of aquatic creatures such as fish and shellfish, often raising concerns about pollution and sustainability.

Salinization

The accumulation of salts in soil, often resulting from irrigation practices, leading to reduced agricultural productivity.

Acid Mine Drainage

Water pollution caused by mining activities, which lowers pH and affects aquatic life.

Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (1977)

U.S. law that regulates the environmental effects of coal mining and requires restoration of mined land.

Prescribed Burns

Controlled fires set to manage forest underbrush and prevent larger, uncontrolled wildfires.

Point vs. Non-point Pollution

Point pollution comes from a single source, while non-point pollution comes from multiple, diffuse sources.

What is the Tragedy of the Commons?

It is the overuse of shared resources due to individual self-interest, leading to depletion or degradation.

What are the impacts of Clearcutting?

It results in loss of biodiversity and increased soil erosion.

What is the role of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (1977)?

It regulates the environmental impacts of coal mining and mandates land restoration.

What are sustainable fishing practices?

Sustainable fishing methods include aquaculture, setting quotas, and creating marine protected areas (MPAs).

What are some strategies to prevent deforestation's impacts?

Sustainable forestry practices and reforestation efforts.

What are the types of irrigation methods?

Drip irrigation, flood irrigation, and spray irrigation.

How does overfishing affect ecosystems?

Overfishing leads to declining fish stocks and ecosystem imbalance.

What is the Green Revolution?

A period marked by the introduction of high-yield crops, synthetic fertilizers, and mechanization in agriculture.