Flashcard model

Unit 5 Apes

Tragedy of the Commons

When individuals overuse a shared resource for personal benefit, leading to its depletion (e.g., overfishing, overgrazing

Clearcutting

A logging practice where all trees in an area are removed, leading to habitat loss, soil erosion, and increased carbon emissions.

Selective Cutting

A sustainable logging method where only some trees are harvested, preserving ecosystem stability.

Drip Irrigation

The most water-efficient irrigation method, delivering water directly to plant roots, minimizing evaporation and runoff

Monoculture Farming

The cultivation of a single crop over large areas, increasing vulnerability to pests and reducing soil nutrients.

Crop Rotation

A sustainable farming method where different crops are planted in the same field over time to maintain soil health and reduce pests.

Synthetic Fertilizers

Man-made fertilizers that provide essential nutrients but can cause eutrophication when they run off into water bodies

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

A pest control strategy combining biological, chemical, and physical methods to minimize pesticide use and environmental damage.

Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO)

Large-scale livestock farming that produces high meat yields but generates significant waste and pollution.

Trawling

destructive fishing method that drags nets across the ocean floor, harming marine ecosystems and increasing bycatch

Urban Sprawl

The expansion of urban areas into natural habitats, leading to habitat fragmentation and increased car dependency.

Smart Growth

A sustainable urban planning strategy that focuses on compact development, walkability, and resource efficiency.

Eutrophication

Nutrient pollution (mainly from fertilizers) leading to excessive algal growth and oxygen depletion in water bodies.

Desertification

The process where fertile land becomes desert due to overgrazing, deforestation, and poor agricultural practices.

Sustainable Agriculture

Farming practices that maintain soil health, conserve water, and reduce environmental impact (e.g., crop rotation, no-till farming).