An Interdisciplinary Science
Timeline of Environmental History
We got problems…
Vocab I
Vocab II
100
What is meant by environmental science being an “interdisciplinary science”?
Involves many fields of science
100
10. For the majority of human history, we were ____________________ who survived by collecting plants and hunting wild animals.
hunter-gatherers
100
Earth's problems are categorized into three groups, an oil spill would fall under which main category?
Pollution
100
Replaced relatively quickly by natural processes
Renewable Resource
100
Define "Biodiversity"
Number and variety of species that live in an area
200
Give an example on how a biologist could contribute to environmental science.
Biologist studies living things. Your answer should include something about living things.
200
Humans began to collect seeds, grow crops, and domesticate animals during the ______________.
Agricultural Revolution
200
Earth's problems are categorized into three groups, deforestation would fall under which main category?
Resource Depletion
200
forms at a much slower rate than the rate it is consumed
Nonrenewable Resource
200
The study of how humans interact with the environment
Environmental Science
300
Give an example on how a Paleontologist could contribute to environmental science.
Paleontologists study fossils and ancient life. Your answer should include something about the past and how it helps us understand the environment today.
300
The _____________________ was characterized by a shift from human and animal power to fossil fuels.
Industrial Revolution
300
Earth's problems are categorized into three groups, extinction of the passenger pigeon would fall under which main category?
Loss of Biodiversity
300
Broken down by natural processes
Biodegradable pollutants
300
Define "Environment"
The surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates
400
Give an example on how an Engineer could contribute to environmental science.
Engineering is a branch of Physics by which matter and energy are made useful to humans in structures, machines, and products. Your answer should have a specific example of something engineers could design/create to help us study, preserve, etc the environment.
400
How did the industrial revolution change society?
Your answer should include discussion of a change of fuel sources, increased waste/pollution production, a "lazy attitude" developing, increased technology/inventions, increased efficiency of agriculture, industry, and transportation, growing populations, etc.
400
Can species be considered natural resources?
Yes, we use them for food, oxygen, shelter, clothes, etc.
400
Can’t be broken down
Nonbiodegradable pollutants
400
Describe the concept of "The tragedy of the commons", give an example.
The idea that if something is available for everyone to use as they wish, in other words, is a "commons". The resource will soon be depleted because of the idea "if I don't use it someone else will, so I might as well use as much as I want".
500
Give an example on how a Chemist could contribute to environmental science.
Chemists study chemicals and their interactions. Your answer should have a specific example of how chemicals could affect the environment either positively or negatively.
500
TWO PART QUESTION. What was one main effect that hunter-gatherers had on the environment and how did the agricultural revolution affect the environment/society?
Hunter-gatherers over hunted, leading to the extinction of some species. The agricultural revolution allowed people to stay in one place and for populations to grow. New species were created because of selective breeding. Plants and animals were domesticated. Poor farming techniques lead to infertile soil. Clearing out forests for farm land led to loss of habitat and soil erosion.
500
Why is genetic diversity important in the plants and animals we rely on for food?
It increases the capability of plants and animals to adapt and prosper in localized ?conditions. It also allows present and future generations to face unpredictable environmental ?changes and human needs such as climate change or disease.
500
Define "Ecological Footprint"
Shows the productive area (land and resources) of Earth needed to support one person in a particular country
500
Define "Sustainability"
The condition in which human needs are met in such a way that a human population can survive indefinitely at a standard of living similar to the current one.
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