Chapter 18

Acid Rain – precipitation with low pH due to air pollutants like sulfur and nitrogen oxides

Aesthetic Value – the visual and emotional appreciation of nature’s beauty

Biodiversity – variety of life in all its forms: species, genetic, and ecosystem diversity

Climate Change – long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns, largely due to human activity

Conservation Biology – science of protecting and managing biodiversity

Deforestation – removal of forests, often leading to habitat loss and increased carbon emissions

Endangered Species – species at risk of extinction due to declining population or habitat

Endemic Species – species found only in a specific geographic area

Eutrophication – nutrient pollution (mainly nitrogen and phosphorus) leading to algae blooms and oxygen loss in water

Exotic Species – species introduced to a new area where it is not native

Exploitation – overuse of natural resources or species for economic gain

Extinction – permanent loss of a species from Earth

Flagship Species – charismatic species used to raise support for conservation (e.g., panda)

Fossil Fuels – nonrenewable energy sources like coal, oil, and natural gas

Global Warming – rise in Earth’s average temperature due to greenhouse gas emissions

Greenhouse Effect – trapping of heat by gases like CO₂ and methane in Earth’s atmosphere

Habitats – natural environments where species live and thrive

Hotspots – regions with high biodiversity and many endemic species under threat

Indicator Species – organisms used to assess ecosystem health (e.g., frogs, lichens)

Invasive Species – non-native species that spread rapidly and harm ecosystems

Keystone Species – species with a disproportionate impact on their ecosystem’s structure and function

Landscape Ecology – study of spatial patterns and ecological processes across large areas

Native Species – species that naturally occur in a given area or ecosystem

Naturalistic Value – value derived from nature’s ability to inspire and connect people

Overharvesting – removing resources faster than they can replenish (e.g., overfishing)

Ozone Layer – atmospheric layer that protects life from harmful UV radiation

Symbolic Value – cultural or spiritual significance of species or ecosystems

Umbrella Species – species whose protection indirectly protects many others in the same habitat

Utilitarian Value – practical benefits from nature, like food, medicine, and clean air