Key Concepts in Biodiversity, Climate Change, and Nanotechnology

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to biodiversity, nanotechnology, gene therapy, climate change, and sustainability, helping students prepare for their exam.

Biodiversity

The variety and variability of all living organisms on Earth, including plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms.

Genetic Diversity

Refers to the variation of genes within a species, important for adaptation and survival.

Species Diversity

Refers to the number of different species living in a particular area or ecosystem.

Ecosystem Diversity

Refers to the variety of habitats and ecological processes in an area.

Interdependence

The connection and reliance of all living things on one another for survival.

Ecological Balance

A stable relationship between living and nonliving components of an ecosystem.

Adaptation

The ability of organisms to adjust to changes in their environments.

Evolution

The gradual change in species over long periods due to genetic variation and natural selection.

Ecosystem Services

The benefits humans derive from ecosystems, such as clean water, oxygen, and food.

Conservation

The responsible use and protection of biodiversity for future generations.

Sustainability

Using natural resources wisely to ensure availability for future generations.

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Living organisms whose genetic material has been altered using biotechnology.

CRISPR

A gene-editing technology that allows for precise modifications of genetic material.

Gene Therapy

A technique that introduces, removes, or changes genetic material to treat disease.

Somatic Gene Therapy

Targets non-reproductive cells and the effects are not inherited.

Germline Therapy

Targets reproductive cells, and the effects can be inherited by future generations.

Nanotechnology

The manipulation of matter at the nanoscale (1 to 100 nanometers).

Nanotoxicology

The study of the toxicity of nanomaterials on living organisms and the environment.

Top-Down Approach

A method in nanotechnology that starts with larger materials and decreases size to the nanoscale.

Bottom-Up Approach

A method in nanotechnology that builds materials from small, molecular units.

Nanomedicine

The application of nanotechnology for medical purposes, such as drug delivery.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

A virus that attacks the body's immune system, specifically T cells.

Climate Change

Long-term shifts in temperature, weather patterns, and climate systems globally.

Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.

Paris Agreement

An international treaty aimed at limiting global warming to well below 2°C.

SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)

A universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all by 2030.

Ecological Balance

A state in which living and nonliving elements in an ecosystem interact harmoniously.

Diversity of Ecosystems

The variety of ecosystems that exist in a particular geographical area.

Ecological Services

The resources and benefits provided by ecosystems to humans.

Pest Resistance

The ability of crops to withstand damage from pests.

Sustainable Practices

Methods of using resources that do not deplete them for future generations.

Food Security

Access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to maintain a healthy life.

Environmental Regulation

Laws and regulations aimed at protecting the environment from harm.

Resilience

The capacity of a community or ecosystem to recover from disturbances.

Nanomaterials

Materials with structures at the nanoscale, exhibiting unique properties.

Biofuels

Renewable fuels produced from organic materials, often using nanotechnology in their creation.

Gene Editing

Techniques like CRISPR that allow modification of an organism's DNA.

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)

Technologies designed to capture and store carbon emissions from sources like power plants.

Ethical Considerations

Moral implications associated with the use of new technologies.

Informed Public Discourse

Encouraging public understanding and dialogue about science and technology.

Sustainable Agriculture

Farming practices that maintain soil health and ecological balance.

Environmental Justice

The fair treatment and involvement of all people in environmental laws and policies.

Climate Adaptation

Adjustments in practices, processes, and structures to minimize damage from climate change.

Energy Efficiency

Using less energy to provide the same service or achieve the same result.

Biodiversity Hotspots

Regions with significant levels of biodiversity that are under threat from human activity.

Biotechnology

Using living systems and organisms to develop or create different products.

Public Engagement

Involving the public in discussions regarding scientific and technological developments.

Gene Pool

The collection of genes within a population, contributing to genetic diversity.

Nutritional Improvement

Enhancements made to food crops to improve their nutritional content.

Climate Refugees

People who are forced to leave their habitat due to climate change.

Ecological Economics

A field that considers the relationships between ecological and economic systems.

Health Disparities

Differences in health outcomes often seen among various population groups.

Sustainable Transport

Transportation methods that have a lower environmental impact.

Biodiversity Conservation

Efforts aimed at protecting species, their habitats, and ecosystems.

Genetic Modifications

Alterations to an organism's DNA to achieve desired traits.

Targeted Drug Delivery

Delivering medication directly to the site of action in the body.

Natural Resources

Materials provided by nature that can be used for economic gain.

Water Quality

The condition of water, determined by chemical, physical, and biological characteristics.

Pollinator Decline

The decrease in populations of species that assist in plant reproduction.

Resource Management

The responsible development and sustainable use of resources.

Interdisciplinary Approach

Combining knowledge and methods from different disciplines to address complex problems.

Climate Action

Efforts to combat climate change and its impacts.

Urban Ecosystems

Ecosystems that exist in urban areas, often comprising various human and natural elements.

Nanofabrication

Processes used to create nanoscale structures.

Physician-Patient Relationship

The interaction and communication between a doctor and their patient.

Disaster Resilience

The capacity of individuals and communities to adapt and recover from disasters.

Public Policy

Laws or regulations that influence how society functions.

Natural Carbon Sinks

Ecosystems that absorb more carbon than they release, such as forests.

Emerging Diseases

New diseases that appear in a population or have existed but are rapidly increasing.

Ecological Education

Teaching and learning about ecological principles and environmental stewardship.

Microbial Diversity

The variety of microorganisms present in an environment.

Cultural Value of Biodiversity

The significance of biodiversity in shaping human culture, traditions, and practices.

Plant-Based Diet

A diet primarily consisting of plants and minimal animal products.

Social Responsibility

The obligation of individuals and organizations to act for the benefit of society.

Integrative Approaches

Strategies that combine various methods for comprehensive outcomes.

Waste Management

The collection, transport, processing, and disposal of waste materials.

Aquatic Ecosystems

Water-based environments where various species interact with their surroundings.

Tissue Regeneration

The process of creating new tissues to replace damaged ones.

Industrial Pollution

The release of harmful substances from industries into the environment.

Climate Literacy

Understanding how climate change affects us and what we can do about it.

Natural Hazard Preparedness

Preparing communities for potential natural disasters to minimize impacts.

Agroecology

An ecological approach to agriculture that focuses on sustainability.

Food Production Systems

Methods and processes used to grow and harvest food.

Climate Mitigation

Efforts to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases.

Resource Allocation

The distribution of resources among competing groups or activities.

Local Action Plans

Strategies developed at the community level to address specific challenges.

Environmental Advocacy

Efforts to promote the protection and conservation of the environment.

Environmental Sustainability

Meeting the needs of the present without compromising future generations' ability to meet theirs.

Rights of Nature

Legal rights granted to ecosystems and natural entities.

Soil Health

The overall condition of soil, determined by its chemical, physical, and biological properties.

Biodiversity Legislation

Laws aimed at protecting biodiversity and ensuring sustainable use of natural resources.

Subsidy Programs

Government financial support for specific industries or sectors.

Renewable Resources

Natural resources that can be replenished naturally over time.

Indigenous Knowledge Systems

Traditional ecological knowledge held by Indigenous communities.

Carbon Neutrality

Balancing carbon emissions with carbon offsets, leading to zero net emissions.

Innovative Technologies

New technologies that significantly improve processes or products.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

A method to assess environmental impacts associated with all stages of a product's life.

Access to Clean Water

Availability of safe and potable water for all.

Community-Based Conservation

Local communities work together to protect their environment.

Genetic Diversity Conservation

Strategies aimed at maintaining the genetic variation within species.