Vocabulary
The term for individual organisms of a single species that share the same geographic location
population
Has the human population reached carrying capacity?
No not yet
What is one advantage of forestry?
meets demands for firewood, paper, and lumber
What is the ozone hole?
extremely thin area of the ozone layer over Antarctica
What is a renewable resource?
natural resource that can be used indefinitely without causing a reduction in the available supply
The term for the pattern of growth in which a population grows
faster as it increases in size
exponential growth
What is one example of a density dependent factor on population?
disease, parasites, lack of food, predation
Explain how bioremediation works
using organisms to clean up or break down toxic wastes
What effect does acid precipitation have on the environment?
damage to aquatic ecosystems and vegetation and affects plants and soil weakens trees so they are more susceptible to damage from insect pests and disease depletes the soil of some nutrients needed by plants damages stone buildings and statues; erodes metal structures
What is a way that energy efficiency can be improved in automobiles?
use energy efficient vehicles, hybrid vehicles, drive more slowly
The term for the material left after an ore is extracted from parent rock
tailings
Explain how an increasing human population places more demands on Earth’s natural resources.
As the human population increases, more resources are needed to operate cars, heat homes, transport food, and much more.
What is a disadvantage of using pesticides?
harm non-target organisms, create pesticide resistant insects
Name two forms of pollutants found in air.
Gases and particulate matter are found in air. Particulates come from forest fires, volcanic eruptions, mining activities, farming, and construction. Gases come from volcanoes, forest fires, biological activity, cars, industry, and power plants.
What is energy efficiency?
Energy efficiency is the amount of work produced compared to the amount of energy stored.
The term for chemical applied to farm fields to control weeds, insects, and fungi
pesticide
What happens to the number of births and deaths in a population below carrying capacity
There are more births than deaths.
Explain why it is important to have regulations requiring mining companies to restore land to its original contours.
to reduce erosion and topsoil loss, and to try to restore destroyed habitats
What is one way climate change affects oceans?
Melting ice caps and glaciers cause sea levels to rise. Excess carbon dioxide dissolves in oceans, lowering the pH. The acidity bleaches corals and damages the carbonate shells of other organisms.
What are two ways in which you could conserve electric energy in your home?
turning off the light when not in the room, turning the thermostat down a few degrees, and using more energy efficient appliances
The term for water that flows downslope on Earth’s surface and can enter a stream, river, or lake
run-off
Identify four main resources that organisms need.
air
food
water
shelter
Explain the environmental impacts of surface mining.
removes large amounts of overlying soil and rock,
completely changing landscape
How does acid precipitation form?
Acid precipitation forms when sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides combine with atmospheric moisture to create sulfuric acid and nitric acid.
Why is it important to responsibly manage energy resources?
By managing the energy resources currently being used, the resources will last longer and provide more time for the discovery and development of alternative energy resources. As well, by managing energy resources, we can reduce pollution related to energy use.