Environmental Science Review

Flashcards for exam review.

Genetic Diversity

The variety of genes within a species, which is crucial for adaptation and survival.

K-selected Species

Species with low reproductive rates and high parental investment, often thriving in stable environments.

R-selected Species

Species with high reproductive rates and low parental investment, often thriving in unstable environments.

Biodiversity Threats

Factors like habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change that reduce the variety of life on Earth.

Biodiversity Solutions

Conservation efforts, habitat restoration, and sustainable practices to protect and enhance biodiversity.

Critical Species

Species that play a vital role in maintaining the structure and function of an ecosystem.

Ecosystem Services

The benefits that humans receive from ecosystems, such as clean air and water.

Habitat Fragmentation

The division of a habitat into smaller, isolated patches, reducing biodiversity.

Effects of Dams

Alteration of river ecosystems, blocking fish migration, and changing water flow patterns.

Water Rights

Legal entitlements to use water resources.

Freshwater Extraction Methods

Techniques like desalination (removing salt from saltwater) to obtain freshwater.

Water Mismanagement

Practices like over-irrigation that can lead to soil degradation and salinization.

Use of Fire in Forest Management

Controlled burns to reduce fuel buildup and promote forest health.

Industrial Food Systems

Large-scale, intensive agricultural practices aimed at maximizing food production.

Sustainable Food Systems

Agricultural practices that minimize environmental impact and promote long-term food security.

GMOs

Genetically modified organisms, which have benefits such as increased yield but also raise concerns about environmental and health impacts.

Thermohaline Circulation

A global ocean current driven by differences in temperature and salinity.

Whaling

The practice of hunting whales, which has significant impacts on whale populations.

Managing Fish Stocks

Methods like quotas and marine protected areas to prevent overfishing.

Aquaculture

The farming of aquatic organisms, which can provide food but also has environmental impacts.

Types of Pollutants

Substances that contaminate the environment, including air, water, and soil pollutants.

Human Activities and Pollution

Industrial processes, agriculture, and transportation contribute to pollution.

Bioaccumulation

The accumulation of pollutants in an organism's tissues over time.

Biomagnification

The increasing concentration of pollutants in organisms at higher trophic levels.

Bacteria, Viruses, and Parasites

Microorganisms that can cause infectious diseases.

New Infectious Diseases

Emerging diseases resulting from factors like deforestation and climate change; can be prevented through measures like vaccination.

Types of Waste

Categories such as municipal solid waste, industrial waste, and hazardous waste.

Effects of Waste Dumping

Environmental contamination, health hazards, and ecosystem disruption.

Waste Management

Strategies for reducing, reusing, recycling, and disposing of waste.