Environmental Science Lecture Review

A collection of vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts and terms from the environmental science lecture.

National Parks

Protected areas established to preserve natural beauty and wildlife for future generations.

Deforestation

The permanent destruction of forests in order to make the land available for other uses.

Healthy Forest Ecosystem

A forest characterized by multilevel canopies, mature trees providing seeds for reproduction, and overall biodiversity.

Prescribed Burns

Controlled fires set intentionally to manage forest undergrowth and reduce the risk of uncontrolled wildfires.

Bycatch

The unintentional catch of non-target species during fishing operations.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases such as carbon dioxide and methane that trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to climate change.

Renewable Energy

Energy from sources that are naturally replenished, such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal.

Sustainability

Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

E-Waste

Discarded electrical or electronic devices that are potentially hazardous if not properly recycled.

Aquifers

Underground layers of water-bearing rock that can yield water to wells and springs.

Ocean Acidification

The decrease in pH levels in the ocean due to the absorption of excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

NIMBY

An acronym for 'Not In My Backyard', referring to opposition by residents to proposed developments in their local area, such as landfills or factories.

Carbon Footprint

The total amount of greenhouse gases produced to directly and indirectly support human activities, typically expressed in equivalent tons of carbon dioxide (CO2e).

Mountaintop Removal Mining

A method of coal mining that involves blasting the top of a mountain to expose the coal seams below, often leading to severe environmental damage.

Climate Change

Long-term shifts and alterations in temperature, precipitation, and other atmospheric conditions on Earth, primarily driven by human activities.

Wetlands

Areas of land that are saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, and support aquatic plants and wildlife.

Tidal Energy

Energy generated from the rise and fall of tides, harnessed through tidal turbines.

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

Regions of the ocean where human activity is limited to protect the natural environment and its resources.

Urban Sprawl

The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into surrounding rural land, often resulting in environmental degradation.