Unit 4 Science 9

What is Connection?

Everyone is connected—biotic and abiotic parts interact constantly through natural processes.

What is Sustainability?

Ensures balanced and healthy systems for the present and future.

What is Biotic parts?

Living parts of an environment.

What is Abiotic parts?

Non-living parts of an environment.

What is Natural processes?

Move matter in cycles from the biotic and abiotic parts of the environment.

What is Atmosphere?

The gaseous part of Earth that extends from the surface to hundreds of km above.

What is Geosphere (Lithosphere)?

The solid, rocky part of Earth where we live.

What is Hydrosphere?

All the water (liquid, solid, gas) on and within the geosphere, e.g., oceans and lakes.

What is Biosphere?

All the areas in the geosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere that support life.

What is an Example of sphere interaction?

Landslide: Soil and rock (geosphere) pulled by gravity affects the biosphere by damaging habitats.

What is Ecosystem services?

Benefits organisms receive from the environment, like water, gas, food, and shelter.

What is Bias?

A judgment based on knowledge, understanding, and beliefs; recognizing it helps form your own opinion.

What is Solar energy on Earth?

Absorbed and reflected by Earth's atmosphere and surface; heats unevenly.

How does Energy distribution work?

Wind and ocean currents redistribute thermal energy.

What is Photosynthesis?

Solar energy enters the biosphere through this process.

What is Cellular respiration?

Releases energy in the biosphere.

What is Greenhouse effect?

Process that absorbs outgoing solar energy in Earth's atmosphere.

What is Greenhouse gases?

Gases that absorb solar energy; natural examples: water vapor, CO₂, methane.

What is Human-released greenhouse gases?

CO₂ from fossil fuels, methane from cows, nitrous oxide from fertilizers.

What are the Uneven heating?

Earth's shape causes solar energy to hit at different angles.

What is Wind?

Created by warm air rising and cool air sinking.

What is Wind systems?

Include convection currents and the Coriolis effect due to Earth’s rotation.

What are Trade winds?

Blow east to west near the equator.

What are Westerlies?

Blow west to east and move most weather across North America.

What are Polar easterlies?

Blow east to west from the polar regions.

What is Ocean currents?

Move thermal energy around Earth; surface currents are wind-driven.

What is Warm ocean currents?

Carry heat from the equator to the poles.

What is Cold ocean currents?

Bring cool water from poles to the tropics.

What is Great Ocean Conveyor Belt?

Moves deep water, energy, and nutrients based on temperature and salinity.

What is Photosynthesis and respiration balance?

Each provides raw materials the other needs.

What is Photosynthesis?

Uses CO₂ and water to make glucose and oxygen; stores energy.

What is Cellular respiration?

Uses glucose and oxygen to release CO₂ and water; releases energy.

What are Producers?

Make their own food using solar energy.

What are Consumers?

Eat producers or other consumers for energy.

What are Decomposers?

Break down dead organisms to gain energy.

What is Food chain?

Model showing how food energy passes from one organism to another.

What is Food web?

Shows overlapping food chains; how organisms are interconnected.

What are the Energy transfer?

Energy is lost as heat or used in life functions as it moves up the food chain.

What is the Water cycle?

Continuous cycle driven by the Sun and gravity.

What is Evaporation?

Sun heats water causing it to rise as vapor.

What is Condensation?

Warm air cools and condenses into clouds.

What is Precipitation?

Water returns to Earth as rain or snow.

What is Transpiration?

Water absorbed by plants exits as vapor through leaves.

What is the Water pollution?

Change in water quality affecting organisms or use.

What are Point sources?

Pollution from identifiable sources like factories.

What are Non-point sources?

Pollution from diffuse sources like farms or roads.

What is Bioaccumulation?

Pollutants build up in organism tissues over time.

What is Biomagnification?

Pollutant concentration increases at higher food chain levels.

What is the Carbon cycle?

CO₂ moves through photosynthesis, respiration, and decomposition.

What is the Carbon storage?

Stored in trees, soil, fossil fuels.

What are the Climate balance?

Photosynthesis and respiration balance CO₂ levels.

What are the Human impact on carbon cycle?

Burning fuels releases stored CO₂, leading to global warming.

What is Global warming?

An increase in Earth’s average temperature.

What is Climate change?

Long-term changes in climate patterns.

What are the Effects of climate change?

Melting glaciers, rising sea levels, habitat loss.

What is Ocean acidification?

CO₂ absorption lowers ocean pH, harming marine life.

What is the Nitrogen cycle?

Nitrogen-fixing bacteria make nitrogen usable for plants.

What is Excess nitrogen sources?

Fossil fuels, fertilizer, deforestation.

What is Algal bloom?

Excess nitrogen leads to algae overgrowth, blocking sunlight.

What is the Phosphorus cycle?

Phosphorus from rocks enters soil/water, used by plants and animals.

What is the Phosphorus sources?

Fertilizers, detergents; returned to soil by decomposers.

What is Promoting sustainability?

Individuals can make a difference through smart choices and advocacy.

What is Smart growth?

City design that limits sprawl, mixes housing/business, protects green space.

What is Dark Sky Preserve?

Protected area minimizing artificial light to protect wildlife.

What is Solar projects?

Small-scale solar panel projects reduce fossil fuel use.

What is the Biking promotion?

Encouraging biking via more bike lanes.

What is Waste Reduction Week?

Nationwide program promoting waste-free habits.

What is Sustainable housing?

Uses ecological tech like geothermal heating; reuses trees.