Environmental Sciences

Ecosystem

A community of living organisms interacting with each other and their physical environment, consisting of biotic (living organisms) and abiotic (physical factors) components.

Abiotic Components

Non-living elements like soil, water, sunlight, and temperature in an ecosystem.

Biotic Components

Living organisms such as plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms in an ecosystem.

Food Chain

Linear sequence of organisms where each serves as food for the next level, showing energy transfer in an ecosystem.

Food Web

Network of interconnected food chains displaying energy flow and interactions among organisms in an ecosystem.

Trophic Levels

Hierarchical levels in an ecosystem indicating the position of an organism in the food chain.

Greenhouse Effect

Natural process warming the Earth's surface by trapping heat, with greenhouse gases like CO2 contributing to it.

Pollution

Introduction of harmful substances into the environment, causing adverse effects on ecosystems and human health.

Air Pollution

Presence of harmful substances in the air, including pollutants like particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur oxides, and nitrogen oxides.

Water Pollution

Contamination of water bodies by chemicals, sewage, oil spills, and plastic waste, impacting aquatic life and human health.

Climate

Long-term patterns of temperature, humidity, wind, and precipitation in an area, influenced by factors like latitude, altitude, and proximity to water bodies.

Climate Change

Significant and lasting alterations in Earth's climate patterns over time, often due to human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Gases like carbon dioxide and methane that trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to a warming effect.

Deforestation

Cutting down trees reduces the Earth's ability to absorb greenhouse gases like CO2.

Industrial Activities

Processes like burning fossil fuels release CO2 and pollutants, contributing to the greenhouse effect.

Renewable Sources

Energy resources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power that can be naturally replenished over time.

Non-Renewable Sources

Finite resources such as fossil fuels and nuclear energy that deplete over time.

Hydro Energy

Renewable energy from flowing water, harnessed through conventional hydropower or pumped storage systems.

Solar Energy

Renewable energy derived from the sun, with types like solar photovoltaic and solar thermal systems.

Wind Energy

Conversion of wind into electricity using turbines, offering a renewable and sustainable energy source.

Biomass Energy

Derived from organic materials like plants and animal waste, used for power generation and heating.

Tidal Energy

Conversion of tidal movements into electricity, utilizing tidal stream systems or tidal barrages.

Geothermal Energy

Renewable energy from the Earth's heat, harnessed through geothermal power plants or heat pumps.