Envr 1301

territoriality

The behavior exhibited by an individual or a group of individuals defending and occupying a specific area, known as a territory, against intrusion by others of the same species, often associated with the protection of resources or breeding sites.

adaptation

The process by which an organism or species adjusts to its environment through changes in behavior, physiology, or structure, enhancing its chances of survival and reproduction in that particular ecological niche.

scientific method

The scientific method is a systematic, logical approach used by scientists to investigate natural phenomena, involving observation, hypothesis formulation, experimentation, data collection, analysis, and the formulation of conclusions or theories based on empirical evidence.

solar electromagnetic spectrum

The solar electromagnetic spectrum is the entire range of electromagnetic waves emitted by the Sun, including visible light, UV rays, and other forms of radiation.

responsibility for other species

-Are humans justified in driving other species to extinction?

World Trade Organization

Administers the rules governing trade between its 144 members. Helps producers, importers, and exporters conduct their business and ensure that trade flows smoothly.

Factors that control population growth (Biotic potential and environmental resistance),

Biotic Potential: The maximum reproductive capacity of a population under optimal environmental conditions, influenced by factors such as reproductive rate, age at first reproduction, and number of offspring. Environmental Resistance: Factors that limit population growth, including resource availability, predation, disease, competition for resources, and environmental stressors, which act as constraints on biotic potential and contribute to maintaining population equilibrium.

, divergent and convergent evolution

Divergent Evolution: The process where two or more related species become more dissimilar over time due to different environmental pressures, leading to the development of distinct traits and adaptations. Convergent Evolution: The independent evolution of similar traits in unrelated species in response to similar environmental challenges, resulting in analogous structures or functions despite different genetic origins.

diversity

Diversity refers to the variety and abundance of different species, genes, ecosystems, and ecological processes within a particular area, contributing to the resilience, stability, and overall health of ecosystems.

Biomes: definition

Large, distinct geographical regions characterized by specific climate, vegetation, and animal life, forming ecosystems with similar environmental conditions and adaptations.

, chemosynthesis

Process by which some organisms, such as certain bacteria, use chemical energy to produce carbohydrates

costa rice case study

Costa Rica exemplifies successful biodiversity conservation and sustainable development through protected areas, eco-tourism, renewable energy, Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES), and strong community involvement.

tipping points

Critical thresholds in a system where a small change can lead to a significant and often irreversible shift in the state or behavior of the system, such as ecosystem collapse or abrupt environmental changes.

customary and conventional law

Customary Law: Evolves from longstanding practices and traditions within a community or society, gaining legal recognition based on consistent usage and acceptance. Conventional Law: Arises from formal agreements and treaties between nations or entities, with explicit terms and conditions negotiated and codified in legal documents.

easter island case study

Easter Island serves as a cautionary tale of environmental degradation and societal collapse, highlighting the consequences of unsustainable resource use and deforestation, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices in environmental science

conflicts and contradictions in fracking (hydraulic fracturing) policy

Economic Benefits vs. Environmental Risks: Balancing job creation and energy independence with concerns over water contamination and air pollution. Short-Term Gains vs. Long-Term Consequences: Weighing immediate economic advantages against potential long-term environmental and health impacts. Local Development vs. Community Concerns: Managing conflicts between local economic goals and community objections to fracking-related disruptions. Energy Security vs. Fossil Fuel Dependency: Navigating the tension between securing energy sources and the imperative to transition to cleaner, sustainable alternatives. Regulatory Oversight vs. Industry Interests: Addressing contradictions in regulatory effectiveness while balancing industry interests and environmental protection.

Economics and Environment: goods and services.

Ecosystem Goods: Tangible, physical products derived from ecosystems, including timber, crops, minerals, and other raw materials that directly contribute to human well-being and economic activities. Ecosystem Services: The essential benefits provided by ecosystems, often intangible, such as air and water purification, pollination, climate regulation, and recreational opportunities, supporting human survival, health, and overall quality of life.

Environmental activism by young generation

Engaging globally, young activists use digital platforms to push for climate action and sustainability, influencing policies and fostering interconnected networks. greta greta

environmental economics vs. ecological economics

Environmental Economics: Applies economic principles to analyze and address environmental issues. Focuses on assessing the economic value of natural resources and analyzing the cost and benefits of environmental policies. Ecological Economics: Integrates ecological and economic principles. Emphasizes sustainability and challenges traditional economic paradigms by advocating for a holistic understanding of the human-environment relationship.

environmental ethics

Environmental ethics is a branch of philosophy that explores the moral principles and values guiding human interactions with the environment, addressing issues such as the ethical treatment of nature, the responsibilities towards ecosystems and non-human entities, and the consideration of long-term sustainability in human activities.

ethics

Ethical judgement is grounded in certain values, such as promoting human welfare, protecting individual freedom, and minimizing suffering.

ethical standards

Ethical standards refer to a set of principles and guidelines that guide individuals or groups in determining what is considered morally right or wrong in their actions, decisions, and behaviors, promoting

evolution as source of biodiversity

Evolution serves as a fundamental source of biodiversity by generating genetic diversity over time through mechanisms like mutation, genetic recombination, and natural selection, leading to the emergence of a wide array of species with distinct traits and adaptations.

strategies of sustainability

Examples of sustainability strategies include transitioning to solar and wind energy for renewable sources, adopting organic farming and permaculture in agriculture, and promoting the circular economy by reusing and recycling materials to minimize waste and environmental impact.

Population growth patterns - exponential - logistic growth (J - S-curves

Exponential Growth: Rapid and unrestricted population growth where individuals reproduce continuously, resulting in a J-shaped curve when plotted over time. Logistic Growth: Population growth that slows and levels off as the environment's carrying capacity is reached, forming an S-shaped curve due to limiting factors and resource constraints.

Conserving Biodiversity: Factors that degrade ecosystems and biodiversity.

Factors degrading ecosystems and biodiversity include habitat destruction, pollution, overharvesting, climate change, and invasive species.

environmental impacts of fracking

Fracking's environmental impacts include water contamination, air pollution, habitat disruption, induced seismicity, and resource depletion, highlighting concerns about its sustainability and potential risks to ecosystems and human health.

Geologic Time: biological evolution

Geologic time encompasses the vast timescales in Earth's history, shaping biological evolution through processes like speciation, extinction events, and the gradual development of diverse life forms.

, GDP, GNI, HDI

Gross Domestic Product (GDP): Measures the total economic output within a country's borders, including the value of goods and services produced, providing an indicator of economic activity and growth. Gross National Income (GNI): Represents the total income earned by a country's residents and businesses, including income from abroad and excluding income earned by foreign entities within the country, offering a measure of a nation's overall economic well-being. Human Development Index (HDI): A composite index that assesses a country's development based on three key dimensions: health (life expectancy at birth), education (mean and expected years of schooling), and standard of living (GNI per capita), providing a broader measure of well-being beyond economic factors alone.

earthquakes, volcanoes, mass wasting, tsunamis, hurricanes, tornadoes, forest fires, trend of natural hazards over time.

INCREASING AS TIME GOES ON..... Natural hazards, including earthquakes, volcanoes, mass wasting, tsunamis, hurricanes, tornadoes, and forest fires, have shown a complex and dynamic trend over time, influenced by factors such as geological processes, climate patterns, and human activities, with their frequency and intensity fluctuating across different regions and periods.

Difficulty in implementing international policy

Implementing international policies faces challenges such as sovereignty concerns, diverse national interests, enforcement difficulties, resource disparities, and varying political will, hindering collective action and compromising the effectiveness of global initiatives.

limits to growth under neoclassical economy vs. steady-state economy

In a neoclassical economy, the belief in overcoming resource constraints through technological advancements supports continuous growth, while a steady-state economy challenges this paradigm by advocating for sustainability within ecological limits, prioritizing balance over perpetual expansion.

Internal cost vs. external costs for providing goods and services within classical economics system

In classical economics, internal costs are direct expenses incurred by producers, while external costs, such as pollution or health impacts, are indirect and not fully reflected in market prices, necessitating interventions to address market inefficiencies.

intergenerational sustainability

Intergenerational sustainability refers to the ethical principle and commitment to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, emphasizing responsible resource management, environmental stewardship, and equitable social practices for the benefit of successive populations.

International Environmental Policy: Globalization

International environmental policy, within the context of globalization, addresses global environmental challenges, recognizing shared responsibility among nations through collaborative efforts, multilateral agreements, and the impact of globalization on interconnected economic activities and technologies across borders.

intraspecific & interspecies competition

Intraspecific Competition: Competition for resources, such as food, territory, or mates, among individuals of the same species. Interspecific Competition: Competition for resources between individuals of different species, where both may be negatively affected as they share similar ecological niches.

Judicial reviews. Role of state and local governments in policy making. Evolution of U.S. environmental policy (phases I, II, and III).

Judicial Review: Courts assess the constitutionality and legality of environmental policies, ensuring adherence to laws and protecting individual rights. State and Local Governments: Play a crucial role in policy-making through implementation, enforcement, and the creation of additional regulations tailored to local environmental needs and conditions. Evolution of U.S. Environmental Policy: Phase I (Conservation Era): Late 19th to early 20th century focus on resource conservation. Phase II (Regulatory Era): Mid-20th century establishment of key environmental laws like the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts. Phase III (Sustainability Era): Late 20th century to present, emphasizing sustainable practices, pollution prevention, and global environmental concerns.

Environmental Policy

Laws, rules, and regulations related to an environmental problem that are developed, implemented, and enforced by a particular government agency.

Factors that obstruct effective public policy (market capitalism, short-term environmental costs, revolving door, political considerations).

Market Capitalism: Prioritizes profit over long-term environmental sustainability, potentially hindering policies that aim to regulate or mitigate negative impacts on the environment. Short-Term Environmental Costs: Focus on immediate economic gains may lead to neglecting long-term environmental consequences, impeding the development of policies addressing sustainable resource management. Revolving Door: The movement of individuals between government and industry roles can create conflicts of interest, influencing policy decisions to favor industry concerns over public interests. Political Considerations: Political motivations and pressures, such as electoral cycles and lobbying, may hinder the adoption of policies that prioritize the common good over short-term political gains.

mass extinctions during earth's history

Mass extinctions, significant declines in the diversity of life on Earth, have occurred several times in the planet's history. Key events include the Ordovician-Silurian, Late Devonian, Permian-Triassic, Triassic-Jurassic, and Cretaceous-Paleogene extinctions, with each event leading to the loss of a substantial number of species and shaping the course of evolution.

· Definition and and purpose of national policy.

National Policy: Set of guidelines and objectives by the government. Governs decision-making at the national level. Purpose of National Policy: Guides government actions and decisions. Addresses societal challenges and achieves long-term objectives.

Ecosystem Disturbances: Types of disturbances

Natural Disturbances: Events such as wildfires, hurricanes, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions that occur without direct human influence, shaping ecosystems over time. Human-Induced Disturbances: Activities such as deforestation, pollution, urbanization, and habitat destruction caused by human actions, leading to significant alterations in ecosystems. Biological Disturbances: Influences from living organisms, such as diseases, invasive species, or predation, that can disrupt ecosystem structures and functions.

natural capital

Natural capital refers to the Earth's stock of natural resources, such as air, water, soil, and biodiversity, that provides essential ecological services supporting human life and economic activities.

natural capital

Natural capital refers to the Earth's stock of renewable and non-renewable natural resources, encompassing ecosystems, biodiversity, air, water, and minerals, which provide essential services supporting human well-being and economic activities. §Earth's natural capital includes all of its resources and ecosystem services.

autotrophs

Organisms capable of producing their own food through processes like photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, converting inorganic substances into organic compounds, and serving as the primary producers in ecosystems.

heterotrophs

Organisms that cannot produce their own food and rely on consuming other organisms or organic matter to obtain the necessary nutrients and energy for survival.

Plate Tectonics: Earth's interior

Plate tectonics involves the movement and interactions of Earth's lithospheric plates, driven by heat from the planet's interior, leading to phenomena like earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the creation of diverse geological features.

impact of plate tectonics on Earth's systems

Plate tectonics significantly impacts Earth's systems by influencing geological processes such as the formation of mountains, earthquakes, and volcanic activity, shaping the planet's surface, redistributing heat, and affecting the distribution of oceans and continents.

Population Ecology: size, density, distribution, sex ratio, age structure

Population Size: Total number of individuals in a specific area. Population Density: Number of individuals per unit area or volume. Population Distribution: Spatial arrangement of individuals within a habitat. Sex Ratio: Proportion of males to females in the population. Age Structure: Distribution of individuals across different age groups.

types of interactions between species (predation, competition, mutualism

Predation: One species (predator) captures and consumes another species (prey) for sustenance. Competition: Two or more species vie for the same limited resources, such as food, water, or space. Mutualism: Both species involved in the interaction benefit, with each providing advantages to the other for mutual gain.

, primary and secondary ecological succession

Primary Ecological Succession: The process of ecological development in an area with no previous soil, typically starting with pioneer species that gradually establish and facilitate the creation of soil over time. Secondary Ecological Succession: The process of ecological development in an area where an existing ecosystem has been disturbed or partially destroyed, with the soil intact, leading to the reestablishment of vegetation and community structure.

4 assumptions that define neoclassical economics

Rationality: Individuals are assumed to make decisions based on rational behavior, seeking to maximize their utility or well-being. Self-Interest: The assumption that individuals act in their self-interest, pursuing choices that maximize their own satisfaction or profit. Equilibrium: Neoclassical economics assumes that markets tend towards equilibrium, where the supply of goods and services equals demand, resulting in stable prices. Marginalism: The theory incorporates the concept of marginal analysis, suggesting that decisions are made at the margin, considering the additional benefit or cost of small incremental changes.

Initiatives to reverse the damage: protect ecosystems, remove alien species, restore native habitats.

Reforestation, wetland restoration, and wildlife habitat protection. Conservation initiatives: protect ecosystems, remove alien species, restore native habitats.

two types of ecological restoration (restore functionality vs. return to original, pre-disturbed, condition

Restore Functionality: A type of ecological restoration that focuses on reestablishing or enhancing the essential functions and processes of an ecosystem, without necessarily replicating the original species composition or structure. Return to Original, Pre-disturbed Condition: A type of ecological restoration that aims to recreate an ecosystem to closely resemble its original state, including specific species composition and structural characteristics present before disturbances occurred.

comparison of ecological footprint of poor and affluent nations

Rising resource consumption intensifies environmental degradation, leading to problems like deforestation, habitat loss, and the depletion of natural capital. The ecological footprint varies significantly between poor and affluent nations, with affluent nations generally having larger ecological footprints due to higher levels of resource consumption and energy use, while poor nations often have smaller footprints but may face challenges related to unsustainable resource exploitation and environmental degradation.

rock classification

Rock classification categorizes rocks into three main types: igneous, formed from the cooling of molten magma or lava; sedimentary, created through the accumulation and cementation of sediments; and metamorphic, resulting from the alteration of existing rocks through heat and pressure.

drivers for effective public policy - science, ethics, and economics

Science: Informs public policy by providing evidence-based insights and solutions. Ensures policies align with current understanding of environmental, social, and economic dynamics. Ethics: Guides the moral principles underlying policy decisions. Promotes fairness, justice, and consideration of diverse societal values in policy formulation. Economics: Influences policy effectiveness by considering economic implications. Balances economic goals with social and environmental objectives for sustainable outcomes.

Solar energy and its influence on Earth's environmental systems

Solar energy significantly influences Earth's environmental systems by serving as a renewable and clean power source, playing a crucial role in mitigating climate change, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and promoting sustainable energy practices.

specialist vs. generalist organisms

Specialist Organisms: Species adapted to thrive in specific habitats, often with a narrow range of environmental conditions, specialized diets, or unique niches. Generalist Organisms: Species capable of adapting to a wide variety of habitats, environmental conditions, and dietary preferences, displaying a broader ecological tolerance.

species vulnerable to extinction

Species vulnerable to extinction are those facing a high risk of disappearing from their natural habitats, often due to factors such as habitat loss, pollution, climate change, overexploitation, and invasive species.

Strategies for sustainable development

Strategies for sustainable development encompass renewable energy adoption, circular economy practices, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, green infrastructure, corporate social responsibility, technology innovation, and community engagement, aiming for a balanced and enduring approach to economic, social, and environmental well-being.

Sustainable living - consequences of overconsumption of natural capital

Sustainable living is imperative in mitigating the consequences of overconsumption of natural capital, as excessive resource use leads to environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, climate change, and the depletion of essential ecosystems, jeopardizing the long-term well-being of both the planet and its inhabitants.

climatic factors that control biomes

Temperature, precipitation, humidity, sunlight, and wind patterns play crucial roles in determining the type of biome that develops in a particular geographical region, influencing the dominant vegetation and overall ecosystem structure.

terrestrial and marine biomass pyramids

Terrestrial Biomass Pyramid: Represents the amount of living organic matter at different trophic levels in a terrestrial ecosystem, typically with producers (plants) forming the broad base and successive consumer levels above, showcasing the decrease in biomass as energy is transferred through the food chain. Marine Biomass Pyramid: Depicts the distribution of biomass among different trophic levels in a marine ecosystem, illustrating the decreasing biomass from producers to consumers, reflecting the energy transfer within the oceanic food web.

Food Chains and Webs: Terrestrial and marine food web

Terrestrial Food Web: A complex network of interconnected feeding relationships among various species in terrestrial ecosystems, illustrating the flow of energy and nutrients from producers to consumers and decomposers. Marine Food Web: A complex system of interconnected feeding relationships in marine ecosystems, depicting the transfer of energy and nutrients from primary producers through different trophic levels, including herbivores, carnivores, and decomposers.

Origin and importance of magnetic field of the Earth

The Earth's magnetic field arises from the movement of molten iron in its outer core, creating a geodynamo effect; it's crucial for protecting against solar wind, maintaining the atmosphere, and supporting navigation.

structure of atom components of atom

The atom consists of three main components: protons and neutrons located in the nucleus, and electrons orbiting the nucleus in energy levels or shells. Protons have a positive charge, neutrons are neutral, and electrons carry a negative charge.

ecosystem resilience

The capacity of an ecosystem to recover and adapt to disturbances or changes, maintaining its structure, function, and ability to provide essential services even in the face of environmental stress or disruptions.

predator-prey balance,

The dynamic equilibrium in a population where the numbers of predators and prey are interrelated, influenced by factors such as predation rate, prey availability, and environmental conditions, resulting in fluctuations in population sizes over time.

resource partitioning

The ecological strategy where different species within a community divide and share available resources, such as food, space, or time, to minimize competition and coexist within the same habitat.

electromagnetic spectrum of solar radiations

The electromagnetic spectrum of solar radiation spans a range of wavelengths, including gamma rays, X-rays, ultraviolet radiation, visible light, infrared radiation, and radio waves, with each type carrying different amounts of energy and interacting with the Earth's atmosphere in distinct ways.

speciation

The evolutionary process by which new and distinct species arise from a common ancestral population, typically occurring over long periods through mechanisms such as isolation, genetic divergence, and adaptation to different ecological niches.

1st and 2nd law of thermodynamics

The first law, also known as Law of Conservation of Energy, states that energy cannot be created or destroyed in an isolated system. The second law of thermodynamics states that the entropy of any isolated system always increases.

Hierarchy of life (organism, species, population, community, ecosystem, landscape, biome, biosphere

The hierarchy of life comprises levels of organization, from the smallest to the largest: Organism: An individual living entity. Species: A group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. Population: A group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area. Community: All populations of different species living and interacting in a particular area. Ecosystem: The community of living organisms interacting with their non-living environment. Landscape: A larger geographic area with multiple interconnected ecosystems. Biome: A major regional or global ecosystem characterized by specific climate and vegetation. Biosphere: The sum of all ecosystems on Earth, where life exists.

Hydrological cycle and basic understanding of carbon

The hydrological cycle, also known as the water cycle, involves the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the Earth's surface. It includes processes such as evaporation, condensation, precipitation, runoff, and groundwater flow, contributing to the distribution and circulation of water throughout the planet. Carbon is a fundamental element in the Earth's biosphere, forming the basis of organic compounds essential for life. The carbon cycle involves the movement of carbon through the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms. Processes include photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and the combustion of fossil fuels, influencing the balance of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and playing a crucial role in regulating Earth's climate.

, economic growth

The increase in a country's production of goods and services over time, typically measured by the growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Economic growth is a key goal in neoclassical economics, reflecting the belief that a growing economy leads to increased prosperity and improved standards of living.

feeding relationships

The interactions between different organisms in an ecosystem based on the transfer of energy and nutrients through consumption. This includes relationships such as herbivory (plant-eater), carnivory (predator-prey), omnivory (consumer of both plants and animals), and decomposers breaking down organic matter.

carrying capacity

The maximum population of a given species that an ecosystem can support without being degraded or destroyed in the long run.

background extinction rate

The natural rate at which species go extinct over geological time periods, independent of any significant external factors, serving as a baseline against which to measure the impact of current extinction rates often accelerated by human activities.

nitrogen and phosphorous cycles

The nitrogen cycle involves the movement of nitrogen through the atmosphere, soil, and living organisms. Key processes include nitrogen fixation, nitrification, denitrification, and ammonification, which collectively contribute to the transformation of nitrogen into various forms, facilitating its availability to plants and other organisms. The phosphorus cycle revolves around the movement of phosphorus through rocks, soil, water, and living organisms. Weathering of rocks releases phosphorus, which then enters the soil and water systems. Phosphorus is essential for biological processes and is cycled through plants, animals, and decomposers, completing the phosphorus cycle. Unlike the nitrogen cycle, phosphorus does not have a significant gaseous component.

pH scale

The pH scale measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution on a scale from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral, values below 7 indicating acidity, and values above 7 indicating alkalinity.

Evolution and Biodiversity: natural selection

The process in evolution by which heritable traits that enhance an organism's survival and reproduction become more prevalent in a population over successive generations, leading to the adaptation of species to their environment.

artificial selection

The process in which humans intentionally choose and breed specific organisms with desired traits for successive generations, leading to the development of populations with characteristics preferred by humans, such as in agriculture or selective breeding of domesticated animals.

Restoration Ecology: definition

The scientific discipline that focuses on repairing, renewing, or reconstructing ecosystems that have been degraded, damaged, or altered, with the goal of restoring their ecological structure, function, and biodiversity.

Theory of Plate Tectonics

The theory of plate tectonics posits that the Earth's lithosphere is divided into rigid plates that move and interact at the boundaries, driven by heat convection currents in the underlying mantle, explaining phenomena like earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the creation of geological features.

value of ecosystem goods and services

The value of ecosystem goods and services lies in their essential contributions to human well-being, including tangible products (goods) such as food, timber, and medicines, as well as intangible benefits (services) like air and water purification, climate regulation, pollination, and recreational opportunities, collectively supporting ecological and economic sustainability.

Value of ecosystem services

The value of ecosystem services lies in their vital contributions to human well-being and the functioning of ecosystems, encompassing services such as air and water purification, pollination, climate regulation, nutrient cycling, and recreational opportunities, which collectively support life, biodiversity, and overall environmental health.

, type of plate margins

There are three main types of plate margins: divergent boundaries, where plates move apart; convergent boundaries, where plates collide; and transform boundaries, where plates slide past each other horizontally.

tipping point

Threshold level at which an environmental problem causes a fundamental and irreversible shift in the behavior of a system. a critical threshold where a small environmental change can lead to significant, often irreversible, and potentially adverse consequences.

adaptations

Traits, behaviors, or characteristics that evolve in a population over time, enhancing an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in a specific environment.

major terrestrial biomes and their primary characteristics

Tundra: Cold, treeless biome with permafrost, low vegetation, and short growing seasons, inhabited by hardy plants and animals adapted to extreme conditions. Taiga (Boreal Forest): Cold biome dominated by coniferous trees, such as spruce and pine, with harsh winters and short growing seasons. Temperate Deciduous Forest: Biome with moderate temperatures, distinct seasons, and deciduous trees that shed leaves in the fall, supporting diverse plant and animal life. Grassland (Prairie/Savanna): Biome characterized by grasses and herbaceous plants, with varying temperatures, seasonal rainfall, and adaptations for fire resistance. Desert: Arid biome with low precipitation, high temperatures, and sparse vegetation, featuring xerophytic plants and animals adapted to water scarcity. Temperate Rainforest: Moist biome with moderate temperatures and abundant rainfall, supporting lush vegetation and diverse animal life. Tropical Rainforest: Warm and humid biome near the equator, characterized by high precipitation, extensive biodiversity, and dense vegetation. Temperate Coniferous Forest (Temperate Rainforest): Biome with cool temperatures and coniferous trees, similar to the boreal forest but milder. Chaparral (Mediterranean Shrubland): Biome with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers, featuring shrubs and small trees adapted to periodic fires. Hot Desert: Extremely arid biome with high temperatures, minimal vegetation, and specialized plants and animals adapted to extreme desert conditions.

feedback loop

a circular process in which a system's output serves as input to that same system

regime shift

a fundamental shift in the overall character of an ecological community, generally occurring after some extreme disturbance, and after which the community may not return to its original state

introduced/invasive species

a species not native to an area that spreads and causes damage to the area

keystone species

a species on which other species in an ecosystem largely depend, such that if it were removed the ecosystem would change drastically.

origin of the universe

big bang happened about 13.75 billion years ago. We are located in the milky way

· Sustainable development.

development that balances current human well-being and economic advancement with resource management for the benefit of future generations

non renewable resources

exhaustible non renewable crude oil, natural gas, coal minerals

renewable resources

exhaustible renewable like water soil biodiversity forest products inexhaustible renewable like air wind solar geothermal

atmosphere

gaseous envelope surrounding the earth around 100km away. composed of 78 percent nitrogen about 21 percent oxygen

environmental science

is the study of how the natural world works, how the environment affect us, and how we affect the environment

cryosphere

polar ice caps, glaciars, frozen other ice and snow

photosynthesis

process by which plants and some other organisms use light energy to convert water and carbon dioxide into oxygen and high-energy carbohydrates such as sugars and starches

tragedy of the commons

situation in which people acting individually and in their own interest use up commonly available but limited resources, creating disaster for the entire community

Critical Number

the minimum population base allowing the survival and recovery of a population

Anthropocene

the modern geological era during which humans have dramatically affected the environment. In the last 200 years, soil erosion, atmospheric carbon dioxide, and the human population have all grown exponentially

, habitat

the natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism.

lithosphere

the solid, outer layer of the earth that consists of the crust and the rigid upper part of the mantle

ecosystem services

the trees creating air is an example. Environmental services, also known as ecosystem services, are the benefits that humans derive from ecosystems, including essential functions like air and water purification, climate regulation, pollination, and nutrient cycling.

human population growth and its impact on consumption of natural resources

§increases consumption of the planet's resources. Increased consumption of the planet's resources exacerbates environmental degradation, contributing to issues such as deforestation, habitat loss, and depletion of natural capital.

Instrinsic value of biodiversity

• valuable for its own sake •Forest has intrinsic value because it provides homes for other organisms that have a right to live. Including its role in water quality, air quality, wildlife population, nutrient recycling, etc.

biocentrism,

•Both human life and nonhuman life has ethical standing. Deforestation is evaluated based on impact to other species.

ecocentrism

•Values the well-being of entire ecosystem. Deforestation is evaluated based on impact on water quality, air quality, wildlife population, nutrient recycling, etc.

anthropocentrism

•View of our (human) relations with the environment. Deforestation is evaluated based on benefit to mankind.

instrumental value biodiversity

•beneficial to humans -Food and raw material -Medicines -Recreation, aesthetics & science -Contribution to health of the ecosystem •A forest, has instrumental value due to its timber, game hunting, recreational uses, and water filtration.

U.N.O., World Bank, European Union

United Nations (U.N.): An international organization aiming to promote peace, cooperation, and sustainable development among nations through diplomatic and humanitarian efforts. World Bank: An international financial institution providing financial and technical assistance to developing countries for development projects and initiatives. European Union (EU): A political and economic union of European countries fostering cooperation, economic integration, and shared policies among member states to promote stability and prosperity.

Public Policy Implementation Strategies: Lawsuits,

Utilizing legal action as a strategy to enforce and influence the implementation of public policies, holding governments and organizations accountable for adherence to regulations.

hydrosphere

surface waters comprising of all oceans, lakes, rivers, and bodies of water

cellular respiration

the process by which cells use oxygen to produce energy from food

Kate Raworth's doughnut economics

"Doughnut Economics," coined by Kate Raworth, proposes a regenerative and distributive economic model that envisions a safe space between the social foundation and ecological ceiling, aiming to meet basic human needs while staying within planetary boundaries.

environmental justice

-Can we justify exposing a community of people to a disproportionate share of pollution?

intergenerational equity

-Is the present generation obligated to conserve resources for the future generations?

U.S Environmental Laws and policies: 3 branches of U.S. government, statutes, executive orders, and regulations

3 Branches: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches oversee environmental laws and policies in the U.S. Statutes: Laws enacted by Congress, such as the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act, form the foundation of U.S. environmental regulations. Executive Orders: Presidential directives that shape environmental policy, directing federal agencies on specific issues. Regulations: Detailed rules created by federal agencies under statutory authority to implement and enforce environmental laws.

common resource pool

A common resource pool refers to a shared and collectively accessible environmental or natural resource, such as water bodies, forests, or fisheries, that is open to use by multiple individuals or groups. The challenge with common resource pools is the potential for overuse or exploitation due to the lack of clear ownership or regulation, often necessitating sustainable management strategies to prevent depletion and degradation.

Species

A fundamental unit of biological classification, consisting of individuals that are capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring in nature.

Nongovernmental organization

A private, nonprofit organization independent of government control, often working to address social, environmental, or humanitarian issues and advocate for specific causes through research, advocacy, and community initiatives.

Eutrophication

A process by which nutrients, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen, become highly concentrated in a body of water, leading to increased growth of organisms such as algae or cyanobacteria.

rock cycle

A series of processes on the surface and inside Earth that slowly changes rocks from one kind to another

restoration strategies

A set of recovery strategies offered to offset the current failure situation by providing an identical offering, corrections to the original offering, or by offering a substitute Restoration strategies encompass habitat protection, native species reintroduction, invasive species control, soil and water conservation, afforestation, reforestation, wetland restoration, and community engagement to rehabilitate and enhance degraded ecosystems.

ecological footprint

An ecological footprint is a measure of the total environmental impact of an individual, community, organization, or a nation, including the resources consumed and waste generated, expressed in terms of the amount of Earth's biologically productive land and sea area required to support those activities. expresses this consumption by the area of land and water needed to provide the resources a person consumes or the waste they generate.

Definitions of ecosystem and ecological communities

An ecosystem is a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment, encompassing living organisms (biotic factors) and their non-living surroundings (abiotic factors), functioning as a self-sustaining and dynamic unit. Ecological communities refer to groups of interacting populations of different species within a particular habitat or ecosystem, sharing a common environment and demonstrating ecological relationships and interdependencies.

niche

An organism's particular role in an ecosystem, or how it makes its living.

value of biodiversity

Biodiversity holds intrinsic value for ecosystem stability and resilience, while also providing crucial resources for human well-being, making its conservation essential for sustainable and balanced environmental health.

biotic and abiotic factors

Biotic factors are living components of an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, while abiotic factors are non-living elements, including climate, soil, water, and physical conditions, collectively shaping the environment.

, modifications

Changes in the traits, behaviors, or characteristics of organisms over time, often driven by evolutionary processes and adaptations to environmental conditions, contributing to the diversity and complexity of life forms.

Classical and neoclassical economics

Classical Economics: An economic theory that emerged in the 18th and 19th centuries, emphasizing principles such as laissez-faire capitalism, free markets, and the role of self-interest in driving economic growth. Classical economists include Adam Smith, David Ricardo, and John Stuart Mill. Neoclassical Economics: A school of economic thought that evolved in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, building upon classical economics but introducing new concepts like marginal utility, equilibrium, and subjective value theory. Neoclassical economics is the dominant economic paradigm in modern times.

command and control, economic incentives

Command and Control: A regulatory approach where specific rules and standards are set to control and direct behavior, often through laws and regulations. Economic Incentives: Strategies that use economic mechanisms, such as taxes, subsidies, or market-based instruments, to encourage or discourage certain behaviors, promoting desired outcomes in public policy implementation.