Chapter 1 BIO

Environment

describes the surroundings or conditions (including living or non living components) in which any given organism exist

Environmental science

a field of research that is used to understand the natural world and our relationship to it

Relies on a range of natural sciences such as ecology, geology, chemistry, and engineering

Along with social science such as anthropology, psychology, and economics

Empirical science

scientifically investigates the natural world through systematic observations and experimentation 

Applied science

use its findings to inform our actions and bring positive change 

Environmental literacy

ability to understand environmental problems 

Trade-offs

exchange for something of value, compromise 

Triple bottom line

solutions must be good for the environment, good for society, and affordable

Traditional ecological knowledge

learn to access and use available resources and to do so within the means of the environment 

Sustainable development

 allow them to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same 

Anthropocene

the age of humans -> distinctive geological evidence of our existence is accumulating and left behind long after we are gone

renewable energy

energy that comes from an infinitely available or easily replenished source

Vast majority -> sun is the resource  

Nonrenewable resources

supply is finite or is not replenished in a timely fashion 

Ex: fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and oil 

Higher biodiversity

greater number of species and more variation between individuals within a species

social traps

 decisions by individuals or groups that seem good at the time and produce a short-term benefit but hurt society in the long run

Tragedy of the commons

a social trap that often emergers when many people are using commonly held resource, such as water or public land. Each person will act in a way to maximize his or her benefits, but as everyone does this, the resource becomes overused or damaged 

Environmental ethic

how they interact with their natural environment or respond to environmental problems 

Anthropocentric worldview

one where humans' lives and interests are most important 

instrumental value

only valued for benefit to humans

Biocentric worldview

values all life; every organism has a right to exist regardless of its benefit or harm to humans 

 intrinsic value

inherent worth or value that a living organism or ecosystem possesses in itself, independent of its usefulness to humans 

Ecocentric worldview

value the ecosystem as an intact whole, including all of the ecosystems organisms and nonliving processes that occur within the ecosystem 

Empirical observations

 information about physical phenomena that can be detected with the five senses or with equipment used to extend those senses (microscopes)

Inferences

explanations of what else might be true 

Hypothesis

proposed answer to the research question - an interference - based on previous knowledge and current observations

Experimental prediction

a statement that identifies what is expected to happen if the hypothesis being tested is correct 

Peer review

reviewed by a group of third-party experts 

Theory

a widely accepted explanation that has been extensively and rigorously tested, representing a higher level of certainty than a scientific explanation can attain

Observational study

one where scientists collect data in the real world without intentionally manipulating the subject of the study 

Experimental studies

involve the intentional manipulation of experimental conditions 

Red herring

extraneous information that is not relevant 

Precautionary principle

acting in a way that leaves a safety margin when the data is uncertain or severe consequences are possible 

Primary sources

sources that present original data or information, including novel scientific experiments and firsthand accounts of any given observation 

Secondary source

one that presents and interprets information solely from primary sources, such as a science journalist who reviews a recent research article 

Tertiary sources

that use one or more secondary sources, including textbooks and reports from the popular press 

Logical fallacies

literary devices used to confuse or sway the audience to accept a claim or position in the absence of evidence or by twisting the evidence

Ad hominem attacks

discredit scientist or physician personally