GENERAL VOCABULARY
a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
Ecosystem
A phenomenon where urban areas become significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas due to human activities and the characteristics of the built environment.
Urban Heat Island.
The term given to organisms at the base of the food web/chain.
The producer.
A very large city, typically one with a population of over ten million people.
Megacity.
An area of grass, trees, or other vegetation set apart for recreational or aesthetic purposes in an otherwise urban environment.
Green spaces
The process whereby the character of a poor urban area is changed by wealthier people moving in.
Gentrification.
The process of a continuous habitat being broken into smaller, isolated pieces.
Habitat Fragmentation.
A set of atmospheric conditions like temperature, moisture, and wind that are distinct from the surrounding areas.
Micro-climate.
The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
Sustainability.
A measure of the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities.
Carbon Footprint.
Each of several hierarchical levels in an ecosystem.
Trophic level
Infectious illnesses that can be transmitted between animals and humans
Zoonotic diseases.
Benguela and Agulhas currents.
Environmental contamination by man-made chemical compounds that cause significant harm to the Earth's atmosphere - what is the name of this compound?
CFC's
Reuse (discarded objects or material) in such a way as to create a product of higher quality or value than the original.
Upcycling
A relationship where one organism benefits, while the other is harmed.
Parasitism.
Phenotype
What species of plant dominates the succulent Karoo?
Succulents! (Cactus, water storing plants)
Rain that carries a high level of pollutants.
Acid Rain.
The process of replanting an area with trees.
Reforestation
The expansion of low-density development on the outskirts of cities, spreading into previously rural or undeveloped land
Urban Sprawl
Rainwater and other surface water that flows over urban areas, collecting pollutants and carrying them into storm drains and natural bodies of water.
Urban runoff.
What is the Savannah biome also known as?
Bushveld.
Factors that attract people to urban areas (such as education, jobs etc.)
Urban pull-factors.
The number of people, animals, or crops which a region can support without environmental degradation.
Carrying capacity.