Environmental Stressors and Population Threats

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts discussed in the lecture on environmental stressors, methodologies in scientific inquiry, and ecological implications.

Acidification

The process through which acid rain and nitrogen oxides lower the pH of water bodies, disrupting aquatic ecosystems.

Oxygen Depletion

A condition where decreased solubility of oxygen in warmer water creates hypoxic environments harmful to aquatic life.

Browning (Dissolved Organic Carbon)

A phenomenon caused by increased runoff of organic matter, affecting light penetration and heat absorption in water.

Hypoxic conditions

Low oxygen environments in aquatic systems, often detrimental to fish survival.

Anthropogenic Hypothesis

The hypothesis suggesting environmental changes are primarily caused by human activities.

Natural Hypothesis

The hypothesis positing that changes are due to natural environmental processes rather than human influence.

Peer Review

A process in scientific research where experts evaluate a study before it is published to ensure validity and integrity.

Environmental Justice

The fair treatment of all people regarding environmental laws and policies, regardless of demographic factors.

Coral Bleaching

The expulsion of zooxanthellae from coral when water temperatures exceed specific thresholds, leading to loss of color and energy.

Nutrient Dynamics

The study of how nutrients cycle through ecosystems and their impact on ecological health and water quality.

Eutrophication

Nutrient runoff causing algal blooms and oxygen depletion in water bodies, negatively impacting fish populations.

Strong Inference

A method of scientific reasoning that involves testing multiple hypotheses to avoid bias and increase understanding.

Long Term Ecological Research (LTER)

Research programs focused on studying ecosystems over extended periods to understand ecological processes.

Groundhog Day

A cultural event used to discuss climate predictions, though lacking scientific reliability according to statistical data.

PICOD framework

A method for formulating strong hypotheses based on Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Duration.

Carbon Sink

Ecosystems that absorb more carbon dioxide than they release, thus helping mitigate climate change.