Intro to Environmental Science
What is the definition of environmental science?
The study of how humans interact with living and nonliving things in the environment
How did humans obtain food during the Hunter-Gatherer era?
By gathering wild plants and hunting wild animals
During what general timeframe did the Industrial Revolution occur?
From the 1750s to the early 1900s
What is the definition of pollution?
The introduction of harmful substances (like chemicals, noise, or radiation) into the environment[18].
What is biodiversity?
The variety of living things (species) in a given area
What is a major goal of environmental science?
To understand and solve environmental problems
Name one negative environmental impact caused by Hunter-Gatherer tribes.
Burning prairies to keep them open for hunting, which caused habitat loss and soil changes
What major energy shift replaced human and animal power during this era?
Switching to machinery powered by burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas
What is the main difference between biodegradable and non-biodegradable pollutants?
Biodegradable waste breaks down quickly by natural processes, while non-biodegradable waste does not break down easily and builds up
Name two negative effects of losing biodiversity.
Crops become more vulnerable to pests/disease, natural medicines are lost, and ecosystem services are disrupted
What does it mean that environmental science is "interdisciplinary"?
It combines ideas and information from many different fields of study
When did the Agricultural Revolution begin, and how is it defined?
It began 10,000 years ago when humans started planting crops and raising livestock[3][11]
What were two positive societal changes brought by the Industrial Revolution?
Better sanitation, medical care, nutrition, and cheaper transportation of goods
How long do plastic bags and plastic bottles take to break down?
Plastic bags take 10–20 years, while plastic bottles take 450 years or more.
What are "ecosystem services"?
All the natural benefits and services that humans receive from healthy ecosystems
What key methods do environmental scientists rely on to study the planet?
Detailed observations, the scientific method, quantitative reasoning, and accounting for limits/uncertainty
What environmental problems resulted from clearing land for agriculture during the Agricultural Revolution?
Deforestation led to soil erosion, flooding, and habitat loss
What major environmental issues accelerated during the Industrial Revolution?
Air pollution from burning fossil fuels, land pollution from artificial materials like plastics/pesticides, and habitat loss from expanding cities.
How are modern landfills built to prevent waste from leaking into soil and water?
They use clay/synthetic liners, trash compaction, dirt covers, and pipes to capture toxic liquid (leachate) and methane
What is the difference between a renewable resource and a nonrenewable resource?
Renewable resources can be naturally replaced over time, while nonrenewable resources take millions of years to form
What does it mean that Earth is a "closed system"?
Only energy enters from the sun and heat leaves, meaning all waste stays on Earth and resources are limited
How did crop domestication change plant species over time during the Agricultural Revolution?
Farmers selectively bred plants for desired traits, making crops look and taste very different from wild plants
Why did city (urban) populations grow rapidly during the Industrial Revolution?
Farm machinery reduced the need for rural workers, pushing people into cities for factory jobs[15]
What is an ocean garbage gyre?
A circular ocean current that traps floating waste—mostly plastic—like a slow whirlpool[22]
What are two ways to help prevent natural resource depletion?
Switching to alternative energy (solar, wind, or hydro) and using resources at sustainable levels