Env Sci Lab Final Exam

Endangered

A species at high risk of extinction in the wild

Extinct

A species with no living individuals remaining anywhere on Earth

Extirpated

A species that no longer exists in a specific area but survives elsewhere

Threatened

A species likely to become endangered in the near future

Species Survival Plan (SSP)

A coordinated conservation program used by zoos to manage breeding and genetic diversity

Purpose of SSPs

To maintain healthy, genetically diverse, and demographically stable populations

Demographically stable population

A population with balanced birth and death rates that can sustain itself

Traits increasing vulnerability

Large body size, slow reproduction, specialized diets, small populations, habitat loss

Animal enrichment

Activities or objects that stimulate natural behaviors and improve animal well‑being

Examples of zoo enrichment

Puzzle feeders, scent trails, toys, varied habitats, hiding food

Sumatran tiger threats

Habitat loss, poaching, very small wild population

Orangutan conservation issues

Deforestation, slow reproduction, habitat fragmentation

Komodo dragon vulnerabilities

Habitat loss, climate change, limited geographic range

Native species

Species that naturally occur in an ecosystem

Non‑native species

Species introduced to an ecosystem where they did not evolve

Invasive species

Non‑native species that spread rapidly and harm native ecosystems

Invasive species traits

Rapid growth, high reproduction, few natural predators

Conditions favoring invasion

Disturbed habitats, lack of competitors, favorable climate

Privet impact

Forms dense thickets that block sunlight and prevent native plant growth

Nandina impact

Spreads aggressively and displaces native vegetation

Impact of invasive plants

Reduced biodiversity and altered ecosystem function

Invasive plant survey method

Counting and mapping invasive plants in a defined area

Purpose of invasive surveys

Estimate population size and ecosystem impact

Plastic definition

Synthetic materials made from polymers derived from fossil fuels

Plastic breakdown

Plastics fragment into smaller pieces but do not biodegrade

Macroplastics

Plastic pieces larger than 5 mm

Microplastics

Plastic particles smaller than 5 mm

Plastic size units

Micrometers (µm) for microplastics and millimeters (mm) for larger plastics

Point source pollution

Pollution from a single identifiable source

Non‑point source pollution

Pollution from many diffuse sources

Plastic contaminants

BPA, phthalates, flame retardants

Health effects of plastics

Hormone disruption, developmental issues, cancer risks

Plastic advantages

Durable, lightweight, low cost, versatile

Benefits of recycling plastics

Reduced waste, conserved resources, lower energy use

Toxic plastics

PVC and polystyrene contain harmful chemicals

Environmental harm of plastics

Wildlife ingestion, entanglement, ecosystem contamination

Soil definition

A mix of minerals, organic matter, water, and air that supports plants

Main soil components

Minerals, organic matter, air, and water

Ideal soil type

Loam

Loam description

Balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay

Environmental benefits of urban gardens

Reduced pollution, increased biodiversity, carbon storage

Social benefits of urban gardens

Community building, education, food access

Economic benefits of urban gardens

Lower food costs and local economic support

Types of urban gardening

Community gardens, rooftop gardens, container gardens

Urban gardening at Baylor

Sustainable campus gardens and educational plots

Decibel (dB)

Unit used to measure sound intensity

Sound travel

Moves as waves through air, water, or solids

Acute sound exposure

Short‑term exposure to very loud sound

Acute examples

Fireworks, gunshots, explosions

Chronic sound exposure

Long‑term exposure to moderate or loud noise

Chronic examples

Traffic, machinery, loud workplaces

Human health effects from sound

Hearing loss, stress, sleep disruption

Wildlife effects

Disrupted communication, navigation, and predator‑prey interactions

Normal conversation level

About 60 dB

Harmful sound level

Sustained exposure above 85 dB

Painful sound level

Above 120 dB

sumatran tiger conservation efforts

habitat protection, anti-poaching, and conflict mitigation, primarily via ranger patrols, camera trapping, community engagement, and sustainable land management

conservation efforts for the orangutans

protecting and restoring tropical forest habitats, rescuing and rehabilitating injured or orphaned apes, and curbing illegal pet trade

conservation efforts for the komodo dragon

protecting their habitat within Indonesia's Komodo National Park, managing prey populations, and mitigating human-wildlife conflict