Ecosystems
The maximum population size an environment can sustainably support.
What is carrying capacity?
A natural resource that replenishes naturally, such as solar or wind energy.
What is a renewable resource?
The long-term rise in Earth’s average surface temperature
What is global warming?
The transfer of energy through producers and consumers in an ecosystem.
What is energy flow?
Energy sources like coal, oil, and natural gas formed from ancient remains.
What is a fossil fuel?
The protective layer in the stratosphere that absorbs harmful UV radiation.
What is the ozone shield?
The continuous movement of water through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.
What is the water cycle?
Uranium and plutonium used in reactors, considered finite in supply.
What is nonrenewable nuclear fuel?
Burning fossil fuels contributes to this environmental issue.
What is climate change/global warming?
A situation where gaining one benefit requires giving up another.
What is a trade-off?
Substances or energy introduced into the environment that cause harm.
What is pollution?
This process increases greenhouse gases and accelerates warming.
What is industrialization?
The removal of forests, often for agriculture or urban development.
What is deforestation?
The process of transforming a society from farming-based to industry-based.
What is industrialization?
Clearing forests reduces this protective atmospheric layer indirectly.
What is the ozone shield?