Environmental 101
What is environmental science?
A study of connections in nature
Name the 3 scientific principles of sustainability
1. Solar energy
2. Biodiversity
3. Chemical (nutrient) cycling
What is the innate and instinctive affinity humans have for other living organisms and nature?
Biophilia
What is also known as "Happy Hormone"?
Serotonin
________ resources can be used indefinitely
Renewable
Science that studies the relationship between living organisms and their environment is ......?
Ecology
What are the 3 additional principles of sustainability, and what specific principle is associated with each one?
1. Economics = full-cost pricing 2.Politics= win-win solutions 3. Ethics= responsibility to future generations
What are 3 strong negative emotions towards nature commonly found in biophobia?
1. Fear 2. Disgust 3. Dislike
True or False: Sunlight has no effect on serotonin intake.
False
______ resources last forever
Inexhaustible
What are 3 out of 6 major environmental problems that we discussed in class?
What is 1. climate change 2. loss of species and habitats 3. ocean acidification 4. diminishing access to freshwater 5. Resource waste 6. Hazardous pollutants?
What is natural capital?
Natural resources and ecosystem services that keep humans and other species alive and support economies
True or False: Biophilia represents the physical connection derived from being in nature.
False
List three physical benefits from being in nature.
Ex include: Better health, reduced stress and muscle tension, lower blood pressure and heart rate, improved sleep, improved mental capabilities, increased imagination and creativity, sense of connection with the earth(biophilia), stronger immune functions, more energy, increased physical activity
What is biocapacity?
The ability of an areas ecosystems to regenerate renewable resources
What are the three environmental worldviews?
1. Human-centered environmental worldview 2. Life-centered environmental worldview 3. Earth-centered environmental worldview
True or False: Degradation is the conflict between environmental protection efforts and economic efforts that can be resolved through trade-offs
False, this Is not known as trade-offs but is just a statement related to trade offs. A trade-off is where two parties (in this case economic and environmental) essentially both have to give a little to gain a little. It's a compromise.
There are two common factors that can trigger biophobia towards certain animals or ecosystems. What are they?
Genetic and environmental factors
Plants communicate through chemical signals/fragrances called what?
Terpenes
What is an ecological deficit?
A footprint larger than biological capacity for replenishment
Which best describes an example of “the tragedy of commons”?
a. Several factories release pollution into the atmosphere to reduce their operating costs.
b. Several factories install filters to reduce the pollution they release into the atmosphere.
c. A factory reduces its production to decrease the amount of pollution it creates.
a. Several factories release pollution into the atmosphere to reduce their operating costs.
The 3rd key component of sustainability is finding solutions. What does this entail?
Humans must provide solutions to environmental problems (we break it, we fix it) and we can work together to make this happen.
What is biomimicry?
The practice of studying natures designs, processes, and systems, and applying those strategies to solve human problem’s
List the three major situations terpenes are most useful for.
1.Warn other plants of nearby threats 2.Attract insects to eat pests 3.Deter predators
What is an ecological footprint?
Amount of biologically productive land and water needed to supply a population with renewable resources and recycle wastes