Outdoor and Environmental Studies: Motivations, Relationships, and Management

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering biomes, outdoor motivations, human relationships with nature, park management, and key environmental terminology.

Biome

A large natural area with a particular climate, plants and animals.

Alpine

A biome characterized by cold temperatures, frequent snowfall, and vegetation including grasses, shrubs and snow gums.

Marine

Saltwater environments such as oceans and seas that are home to fish, coral and other marine animals.

Coastal

A biome located where land meets the ocean, including beaches, sand dunes and coastal vegetation.

Wetlands

Areas where soil is covered or saturated with water, providing habitats for frogs, birds and aquatic plants.

Grassland

A biome mainly covered in grasses with few trees that supports grazing animals and many insects.

Forest

A biome containing many trees and different layers of vegetation that provides habitats for birds, mammals and insects.

Arid

A biome characterized by very low rainfall and dry conditions, where plants and animals are adapted to limited water.

MR TAG

A mnemonic used to remember the five motivations for outdoor experiences: Museum, Resource, Temple, Adversary, and Gymnasium.

Museum

A motivation for outdoor experiences involving learning about nature, history and culture.

Resource

A motivation involving using the environment for natural resources such as food, water and materials.

Temple

A motivation for outdoor experiences involving spiritual connection, peace, and relaxation in nature.

Adversary

A motivation involving challenging yourself and overcoming fears or difficulties.

Gymnasium

A motivation involving improving fitness, health and physical skills outdoors.

Technology

Equipment and devices that allow people to access, explore and learn about environments.

Commercialisation

When businesses make money from outdoor environments and activities.

Safe interaction

Using an environment in a way that protects yourself and others from harm.

Sustainable interaction

Using an environment without damaging it, so future generations can enjoy it too.

Minimal impact strategy

An action that reduces the damage people cause to natural environments.

Healthy environment

An environment that can support living things and maintain natural processes.

WASBI

A checklist representing characteristics used to assess environmental health: Soil quality, Water quality, Air quality, and Biodiversity.

Turbidity

How cloudy or murky water is because of particles suspended in it.

Biodiversity

The variety of living things in an environment.

Species biodiversity

The variety of different species living in an area or environment.

Ecosystem biodiversity

The variety of different habitats and ecosystems in an area.

Introduced species

Plants or animals brought into an environment from somewhere else where they do not naturally occur.

Zoning

A management strategy that divides an area into sections with different rules about what activities are allowed.

Fencing off

A management strategy that prevents people or animals from entering sensitive areas and damaging habitats.

Revegetation

Replanting vegetation, especially native plants, to restore habitats and improve biodiversity.

Flora and Fauna Guarantee Amendment Act 2019 (FFGAA)

A Victorian law that strengthens the protection of native plants, animals and biodiversity, with amendments commencing on 1 June 2020.

National Park

A protected area that conserves important natural environments, wildlife and landscapes.

State Park

A protected natural area managed by the state government, allowing conservation and certain recreational activities.

Marine Park

A protected area in the ocean that protects marine plants, animals and underwater habitats.

Regional Park

An area managed for both conservation and recreational activities, often allowing activities such as camping, walking and horse riding.

VicForests

The Victorian government-owned organisation that previously managed native timber harvesting in Victoria.

VNPA

Victorian National Parks Association; an environmental organisation that campaigns to protect nature and national parks.

Precipitation

Water that falls from the atmosphere, such as rain, snow or hail.

Ecosystem

Living organisms interacting with each other and their environment.

Flora

Plant life in an environment.

Fauna

Animal life in an environment.

Climate change

Long-term changes in Earth's temperatures and weather patterns.

Smog

Air pollution caused by a mixture of smoke, gases and particles.

Urbanisation

The growth of towns and cities as more people move into urban areas.

Industrialisation

The development and growth of industries and factories.

World Heritage Site

A place recognised internationally for its outstanding natural or cultural importance.

Migratory

Animals that regularly move from one location to another, often seasonally.

Habitat restoration

Repairing damaged habitats so native plants and animals can survive.

Method

A particular way of doing something.

Process

A series of steps taken to achieve an outcome.

Compensation

Money or other support provided to make up for a loss or damage.