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Ecosystem service
The benefits provided by ecosystems to humans, such as clean air, water, and pollination.
Environmental science
The study of the interactions between the environment and human activities.
Experiment
A scientific procedure undertaken to make a discovery, test a hypothesis, or demonstrate a known fact.
Scientific method
A systematic approach to research, involving observation, hypothesis formulation, experimentation, and conclusion.
Qualitative data
Data that describes qualities or characteristics, often collected via observation.
Quantitative data
Data that can be measured and expressed numerically.
Theory
A well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world based on a body of evidence.
Hypothesis
A testable prediction about the relationship between two or more variables.
pH scale
A logarithmic scale used to specify the acidity or basicity of an aqueous solution.
Increase of one unit on the pH scale
Represents a tenfold increase in hydrogen ion concentration.
Positive feedback loop
A process where an initial change will provoke further changes in the same direction.
Negative feedback loop
A process that counteracts a change, promoting stability in a system.
Element
A substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means.
Ion
An atom or molecule that has gained or lost one or more electrons, giving it a net charge.
Matter
Any substance that has mass and occupies space.
Atom
The basic unit of a chemical element, consisting of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Isotope
Atoms of the same element that have different numbers of neutrons.
Organic compounds
Compounds that contain carbon and are characteristic of living organisms.
Inorganic compounds
Compounds that do not primarily consist of carbon and are typically not produced by living organisms.
Photosynthesis
The process by which plants convert sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen.
Cellular respiration
The metabolic process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water.
Net primary productivity
The rate at which plants produce organic matter in an ecosystem, minus the rate at which they use some of that organic matter through respiration.
Aquifer
A geological formation that can store and transmit water, often tapped for human use.
Transpiration
The process by which plants release water vapor through their leaves into the atmosphere.
Nitrogen fixation
The conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form by bacteria and other organisms.
Building blocks of DNA
Nucleotides, which consist of a sugar, phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.
Population
A group of individuals of the same species living in a particular area.
Community
A collection of different populations that live together in a defined area.
Artificial selection
The intentional breeding of plants, animals, and organisms for desired traits.
Extinction
The end of an organism or group of organisms, resulting in the cessation of their existence.
Sexual reproduction
A reproductive process that involves the combination of genetic material from two parents.
Asexual reproduction
A reproductive process that does not involve the fusion of gametes and produces clones.
Population distribution
The pattern of where people or organisms live.
Carrying capacity
The maximum population size that an environment can sustain indefinitely.
High population density effects
Increased competition for resources, stress on infrastructure, and potential for disease spread.
Clumped population distribution pattern
A distribution where individuals are grouped in clusters.
Population distribution and resource availability
Distribution can greatly affect how resources are accessed and utilized among individuals.
Density dependent factor
A factor whose effects on population size are influenced by population density.
Density independent factor
A factor that affects population size regardless of population density.
Producer
An organism that produces its own food, typically through photosynthesis.
Primary consumer
An organism that consumes producers; typically herbivores.
Secondary consumer
An organism that eats primary consumers; typically carnivores.
Detritivore
An organism that feeds on dead organic matter and decomposes it.
Decomposer
Organisms that break down dead organic material and recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Pathogen
An organism that causes disease in its host.
Parasite
An organism that lives on or in a host, deriving nutrients at the host's expense.
Mutualism
A symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit.
Parasitic vs symbiotic relationship
Parasitic relationships harm the host, while symbiotic relationships benefit both parties.
Example of a pathogen
Bacteria, viruses, or fungi that cause disease.
Pioneer species
The first species to colonize previously disrupted or damaged ecosystems.
Climate change effects on biomes
Alterations in temperature and precipitation patterns can lead to shifts in biome distribution.
Shifting biomes effects
Changes in species composition and distribution of flora and fauna.
Terrestrial biome with most biodiversity
Tropical rainforests.
Externality
A consequence of an economic activity that affects other parties without being reflected in the costs.
Cap and trade
An environmental policy tool that allows companies to buy and sell allowances for emissions.
Rachel Carson
A marine biologist known for her book 'Silent Spring' which raised awareness about environmental issues.
Silent Spring
A landmark book that challenged the practices of agriculture and the use of pesticides.
World's first national park
Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872.
Conservation
The responsible management of natural resources to prevent exploitation.
Preservation
The protection of nature from human use.
Conservation vs preservation
Conservation is about sustainable use and management, while preservation is about keeping nature untouched.
Tragedy of the Commons
A social dilemma where individuals exploit a shared resource to the detriment of the whole group.
Beneficiaries of closed common resources
Those who have privileged access and can control resource use.
Beneficiaries of open common resources
Those who rely on unrestricted access to a shared resource.
Globalization
The process of increased interconnectedness and interdependence among countries.
Green tax
A tax levied on environmentally harmful activities to encourage sustainable practices.
Greenwashing
The practice of misleading consumers regarding the environmental practices of a company or the environmental benefits of a product.
