Human Impacts on Ecosystems

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms and concepts related to human impacts on ecosystems and climate change.

Human population growth

The increasing number of humans on Earth, which significantly impacts ecosystems and resources.

Carbon dioxide (CO2)

A colorless, odorless gas produced by cellular respiration and combustion, essential for photosynthesis.

Malthusian theory

The principle that human population grows geometrically while resources grow arithmetically, leading to potential resource scarcity.

Demographic transition

The transition of a population from high birth and death rates to lower birth and death rates as it develops.

Greenhouse effect

The process by which certain gases in the atmosphere trap heat, contributing to global warming.

Carrying capacity

The maximum number of individuals of a species that an environment can support sustainably.

Autotrophs

Organisms that produce their own food from sunlight or chemical energy, primarily including plants and algae.

Dependency ratio

A ratio comparing the working-age population to the non-working-age population, indicating economic strain.

Climate change

Long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns, largely driven by human activities such as fossil fuel combustion.

Solid waste impact

The environmental effect of human-produced waste on ecosystems, including pollution and habitat loss.