Environmental Biology Key Term Definitions (Chapters 9–12)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key environmental biology terms from Chapters 9–12.

Biological Magnification

Process where toxins become more concentrated in organisms higher up the food chain.

Ciguatera

Food poisoning from eating reef fish that have accumulated toxins produced by algae.

Competition

When organisms vie for the same limited resources such as food, space, or light.

Coral Bleaching

Loss of symbiotic algae by corals under stress (e.g., heat), turning them white and weakening them.

Coral Reef

Structure built from coral skeletons that supports a rich marine ecosystem.

Ecotourism

Tourism focused on natural environments that aims to be sustainable and support conservation.

Eutrophication

Excess nutrient input into water leading to algal overgrowth and oxygen depletion.

Larvae

Early, immature life stage of an animal that looks different from the adult form.

Limestone

Rock composed mainly of skeletal fragments of marine organisms such as coral.

Ocean Acidification

Increase in ocean acidity as atmospheric CO₂ dissolves in seawater, harming marine life.

Photic zone/aphotic zone

Photic: sunlit upper layer supporting photosynthesis; Aphotic: deeper, dark zone with no light.

Renewable Resource

Resource naturally replenished, such as sunlight, wind, or water.

Zooxanthellae

Tiny photosynthetic algae living inside corals, providing them with nutrients.

Biodiversity

Variety of living organisms in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Biological Control

Using living organisms to manage pests instead of chemical pesticides.

Critical Habitat

Area essential to the survival of a threatened or endangered species.

Endangered Species

Species at high risk of extinction without protective measures.

Extinct

Condition when no individuals of a species remain alive.

Habitat

Natural environment where an organism lives.

Indicator Bacteria

Bacteria used to assess water quality and detect pollution or contamination.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Strategy combining safe, effective methods to reduce pests while protecting the environment.

Introduced Species

Plants or animals brought by humans to areas where they were not previously found.

Mass Extinctions

Periods in Earth’s history when large numbers of species died out rapidly.

Pests

Organisms that cause problems for humans, such as crop-eating insects.

Pollution

Introduction of harmful substances into the environment.

Primary/secondary Sewage Treatment

Wastewater cleaning: primary removes solids; secondary uses bacteria to break down waste.

Recycling

Converting used materials into new products to reduce waste.

Sanitary Landfill

Engineered waste site designed to minimize pollution and protect groundwater.

El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO)

Climate pattern altering ocean temperatures and global weather conditions.

Fossil Fuels

Energy sources such as coal, oil, and gas formed from ancient organisms.

Global Warming

Rise in Earth’s average temperature due to human activities.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases like CO₂ and methane that trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere.

Agroforestry

Practice of growing trees and crops together to enhance sustainability.

Aquifer

Underground layer of rock or sediment that stores groundwater.

Brackish Water

Water with salinity between freshwater and seawater; a mix of both.

Catchment

Area from which water is collected, such as rainfall draining into a reservoir.

Ecosystem Services

Benefits humans obtain from nature, including clean water, air, and food.

Evaporation

Process by which water turns into vapor and rises into the atmosphere.

Groundwater

Water stored beneath Earth’s surface in soil or rock formations.

Hydrologic Cycle

Continuous movement of water through air, land, and sea (water cycle).

Monoculture

Agricultural practice of growing a single crop species, often increasing pest risks.

Permaculture

Sustainable farming system that works with natural ecosystems.

Sustainability

Using resources in ways that preserve them for future generations.

Tragedy of the Commons

Overuse of shared resources because individuals act in self-interest.

Valuation

Assigning monetary value to natural resources or ecosystem services to aid protection.