Unit 1
Ecological Footprint
Measures the biologically productive land and sea area required to support human consumption and absorb waste. If the EF is greater than the area available to the population, this is an indication of unsustainability.
Bioaccumulation
The build up of persistent or non-biodegradable pollutants within an organism or trophic level because they cannot be broken down
Climax communities
The final, stable stage in ecological succession.
Biodiveristy
A concept encompassing the total diversity of living systems, which includes the diversity of species, habitat diversity, and genetic diversity
Adaptation
Adjusting natural or human systems to minimize harm or maximize benefits from climate impacts
Non-point source pollution
Contamination that does not come from a single, identifiable pipe or source, but rather gathers from wide spread land areas
Ex; oil and grease, litter
Biomagnification
The increase in concentration of persistent or non-biodegradable pollutants along a food chain
Toxins such as Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane(DDT) and mercury accumulate
Pioneer species
The first organisms to colonize barren nutri-poor substrates or disturbed areas, initiation ecosystems
Habitat diversity
The range of different habitats in an ecosystem or biome
Impact on climate change
Water availability
Food production levels will change
Biomes are shifting and biodiversity is decreasing
First law of thermodynamics
The principle of conservation of energy, which states that energy in an isolated system can be transformed but cannot be created or destroyed
Pyramids of productivity
Refer to the flow of energy through a trophic level indicating the rate at which the stock/storage is being generated
R-strategist species
Organisms that prioritize high growth rates. Species that produce large numbers of offspring so they can colonize new habitats quickly. (pioneer species)
Genetic diversity
The range of genetic material present in a population of species
Renewable natural capital
Natural resources that can generate or replenish themselves at a rate equal to or faster than they are consumer
Ex; timer, sunlight, wing
Steady-state equilibrium
Open system in which flow are still occurring, but inputs are constantly balanced with outputs
Biomass
The total mass of living organic matter within a given trophic level, population, or ecosystem at a specific time
K-strategist species
Organisms tend to produce a small number of offspring, increasing survival rate and enables them to survive in long-term climax communities
Photochemical smog
Primary pollutants from the combustion of fossil fuels include carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, black carbon,
Total fertility tate
The average number of children a woman has during her lifetime
#avg number of children/women
Positive feedback loop
Amplify changes and drive the system toward a tipping point where a new equilibrium is needed
Ex; Arctic Ice-Albedo Effect, it’s already melting and because there is an opening of dark water the sun reflects on the water heating it up causing more of the ice to melt
Limiting factors
Will slow population growth as it approaches the carrying capacity of the system.
Give an example of a k-stragist
Human
What is ozone
A reactive gas that acts as a shield, absorbing 97-99% of harmful UV-b radiation from the sun
Flagship species
A charismatic, week-known species chosen to represent a conservation companion to inspire empathy and public action