Environmental Geography - Ecosystems and Deforestation

A set of vocabulary flashcards focused on key terms related to ecosystems, biodiversity, deforestation, and sustainable management practices.

Ecosystem

A community of plants and animals interacting with one another and their physical environment.

Abiotic

Relating to non-living things that affect an ecosystem, such as climate and soil.

Biotic

Relating to living things, including plants and animals within an ecosystem.

Deforestation

The clearing and destruction of forests, often leading to soil erosion and loss of biodiversity.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in a particular ecosystem, including the number of different species.

Biomes

Large geographical biotic communities with similar climates and organisms, such as tropical rainforests or deserts.

Climate Change

Long-term alterations in temperature, precipitation, and other atmospheric conditions that affect ecosystems.

Sustainability

Practices and strategies that meet current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

Selective Logging

A sustainable logging practice where only certain trees are cut down and efforts are made to minimize environmental impact.

Ecotourism

Tourism that aims to observe and protect natural environments without causing damage.

What is precipitation?

Precipitation is any form of water that falls from clouds to the Earth's surface, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail.

What is condensation?

Condensation is the process by which water vapor in the air cools and changes into liquid water, forming clouds.

What is collection in the water cycle?

Collection refers to the process where precipitation gathers in bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, and oceans.

What role does the sun play in the water cycle?

The sun provides the energy necessary for evaporation, driving the water cycle.

What is evaporation?

Evaporation is the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas or vapor, often due to heat from the sun.