Environmental final

natural resources

materials, and energy sources found in nature, that humans need to survive.

renewable natural resources

natural resources that are naturally replenished, or renewed over short periods. ex: sunlight, wind energy, wave energy, and geothermal energy

fossil fuels

nonrenewable energy sources such as oil, coal and natural gas

acid drainage

occurs when sulfide minerals in exposed rock surfaces react with oxygen and rainwater to produce sulfuric acid

Chocolate

"Fair-Trade Chocolate" "Modern-day chocolate production comes at a cost. As many cocoa farmers struggle to make ends meet, some turn to low-wage or slave labor (sometimes acquired by child trafficking) to stay competitive." "This has prompted grass roots efforts for large chocolate companies to reconsider how they get their cocoa supply. It's also resulted in appeals for more "fair trade" chocolate which is created in an ethical and sustainable way." -made in factories -Cacao plants are slated to disappear by as early as 2050 thanks to warmer temperatures and dryer weather conditions.

fresh water

"in between" resource

soil

"in between" resource

Conditions of Natural Selection

(1) Organisms produce more offspring than can survive. (2) Individuals vary in characteristics, some of which are heritable. (3) Individuals vary in fitness, or reproductive success. Individuals vary in their fitness Fitness describes how reproductively successful an organism is in its environment A heritable trait that increases an individual's fitness is called an adaptation Survival of the Fittest Individuals of high fitness produce more offspring and therefore pass on its genes more frequently An organism that is "fittest'' in one place and time may not be the fittest forever

Dead Zones

(In a body of water, an area with extremely low oxygen concentration and very little life) -few organisms can survive, very little life in it Gulf of Mexico: -runoff-> Miss. River-> Gulf of Mexico = more nutrients-> more protists -soon there's not enough oxygen = hypoxic -fish die -eventually the population returns to normal

population growth rate

(births + immigration) - (deaths + emigration) * 100

birthrate

(total births/total population) * 100

death rate

(total deaths/ total population) * 100

alternate sources of energy

*geothermal *solar-the sun *hydroelectric *wind- the wind *nuclear power-atoms

New technologies behind Natural Gas

-3D and 4D Seismic Imaging- this technology uses sound wave, imaging techniques and it creates a three-dimensional model of the different layers -Sand Fracturing - helps increase the flow of natural gas and oil from formations underground -Coiled Tubing- reduces the cost of drilling, -Measurement While Drilling- allows for the collection of data from the bottom of a well as it is being drilled. -Slimhole Drilling- drilling a slimmer hole in the ground to get to natural gas and oil deposits -Offshore Drilling Technology- improves offshore drilling rigs and sophisticated navigation systems are allowing safe, efficient offshore drilling in waters -Hydraulic Fracturing or "Fracking,"- is used to free natural gas that is trapped in rock formations.

Deciduous

-4 seasons -winter= cold, snow Locations- Eastern US, Canada, Europe, China, Japan Food Web: -The plants and trees-> producers Primary producers: raccoons, rabbits, ants Keystone species: White-tailed deer Invasive species-> Asian Gypsy Moth (makes silk, reproduced quickly) Climate change on the forest: -warmer= helps forest grow Endangered species: -giant panda= habitat being destroyed -bamboo Human impact: -deforestation -animals lose their habitat

Nucleic Acids

-DNA, RNA CHONP

also on test:

-Food inc. -examples -CAFO -chicken houses -corn + soy -GMO -cattle and pigs -E. Coli

Costs and Benefits of New Oil/Petroleum Technology

-Hydraulic Fracturing is controversial because it depletes and contaminates water and could possibly cause earthquakes. -Scientists worry that fracturing endangers communities living close to fracturing operations. -They have also been known to deplete air and water quality. -Fracturing uses a lot of water that could be used to solve drought -It could also pollute ground and surface water and air quality -New technologies have helped us reach previously inaccessible resources -Hydraulic Fracturing has caused an "economic boom"

New technologies behind Oil/Petroleum

-Hydraulic Fracturing- allows energy producers to tap into challenging geological formations. They dig wells deep into the ground by using a mixture of pressurized liquid that allows oil to flow more freely. -Horizontal Drilling- vertical wells are drilled straight into the ground to reach oil. It is more flexible and precise -Tar Sands- a combination of clay, sand, water and bitumen (a heavier kind of oil). Tar Sands are mined to get bitumen and then it is refined into oil -Deepwater Drilling- involves drilling deep into the sea to get oil. -Seismic Mapping- sound waves are bounced off of underground rock formations to find hydrocarbon reserves. The echoes are recorded and converted and 3D maps help find the oil.

Advantages, Costs and benefits of Oil/Petroleum:

-In the United States it costs $36 to produce a barrel of oil -Oil has a high energy density which means that a small amount of oil can produce a large amount of energy and easy availability. -Almost all of the world's cars run on gasoline which comes from crude oil. -It is widely available and used in almost all parts of the world. -It is many products we use like vaseline, cloth and medicines. -It is easy to produce and refine. -It can produce power 24/7 and is very reliable

Costs and benefits of Natural Gas

-It has low investment costs (it is cost effective). -It is also sold at a lower energy price than coal, oil or other gases -It has lower taxes and fees. -Provides larger environmental benefits than oil or other fossil fuels -It emits 25% less CO2. -It does not put out dust or particles from the burning process -Natural gas burns cleaner compared to other fossil fuels (meaning it makes less greenhouse gas emissions). -It's safer, less expensive and easier to store than other fossil fuels.

Disadvantages of Coal

-It produces more radioactivity than nuclear power. -When sulfur dioxide is emitted in large quantities it is a major source of air pollution. -Carbon from coal stored underground could leak into aquifers, making the groundwater undrinkable. -Coal mining harms the landscape.

exponential growth

-J-shaped -population grows by a fixed-percent -tend to occur when the population is small and environmental conditions are ideal

Disadvantages of Oil/Petroleum

-Making oil releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions. Individual countries are trying to reduce this through carbon taxes and the cap and trade system. -Oil spills have caused water pollution which has caused the deaths of many animals and fish every year. -Ex: The BP Oil Spill causes billions of dollars in losses. -Oil plants give off harmful substances like sulfur dioxide which can cause health problems and acid rain.

How is Natural Gas formed?

-Natural gas was formed millions of years ago when plants and tiny sea animals were buried by sand and rock. Layers of mud, sand, rock, plant, and animal matter continued to build up until the pressure and heat turned them into natural gas (and oil). -A drilling rig drills thousands of feet into the ground and is covered by cement to protect the groundwater from being contaminated. -A gun that pierces through the ground is sent into the well and creates holes in the pipe and blasts the rocks to get the trapped natural gas. -The fractures allow the natural gas to flow to the surface. Sand grains or ceramic pellets hold the fractures open

Costs and Benefits of New Natural Gas Technology

-New innovations have shaped the industry into being a leader in technology. -New technologies make the production of natural gas more efficient, more cost-effective, safe, and environmentally friendly. -Advances in technology mean that one well used to get natural gas today can produce two times as much as previous wells. -New techniques have made people rely less on explosives and its effects on the environment

How is Oil/Petroleum Refined?

-Oil is originally made up of a lot of hydrocarbons, refining turns the oil into useful substances -Crude oil is heated up, vaporized and then condensed -A new technique called chemical processing that breaks long chains of hydrocarbons into shorter ones helps turn diesel fuel into gasoline -Refineries remove the impurities -Then refineries make the desired products.

Disadvantages of Natural Gas

-The burning of natural gas effects the environment because it produces small amounts of sulfur and mercury. -It also produces nitrogen oxides which is a cause of smog -It might cause a spill and the chemicals could spill out and wreak havoc on surrounding ecosystems. -It also reduces air quality, and can cause night sky light pollution. -Natural gas is not a renewable energy source.

How is Oil/Petroleum Formed?

-There are deposits for oil deep underground in pores and rocks that soak up oil. -They are formed by the remains of organisms that were once living like algae and zooplankton. -Heat pressure rises as organisms go deeper beneath the surface -Depending on the amount of pressure, heat, and type of organism, it determined whether the organisms will turn to natural gas or oil.

How is Natural Gas Refined?

-When people use natural gas it is made of mainly methane, but before it is processed it is made of methane, hydrocarbons, sulfur and carbon dioxide. -When natural gas is processed you separate all of the fluids and hydrocarbons to make dry natural gas -It is processed at a processing plant -Transported to these plants through a network of pipelines

changes in earth's orbit

-affect the distribution of solar radiation, changes may last for 1000s of years

Algal Blooms (eutrophication)

-algae= type of protist -eutrophication- creation of dead zone in a pond or lake -algae growth can get out of control

Proteins

-amino acids CHONS

limiting factor

-any environmental characteristic that limits population growth

feedlots (concentrated animal feeding operations or factory farms) or CAFOs

-are huge warehouses or pens designed to deliver energy-rich food to livestock or poultry -today more than half the worlds pork and poultry comes from feedlots as well as beef advantages: -allow for a greater, more efficient production of food -have a clear benefit for the environment: cattle and other grazers do not degrade soil through overgrazing -reduce the need for chemical fertilizers -feedlot manure is often applies to farm fields as fertilizer disadvantages: -improper management can lead to illness in animals and in humans through contamination of bodies of waste -they often live in crowded, dirty conditions -they need to be given heavy doses of antibiotics to control disease and may make their way into people who eat animal products -they may also leach into groundwater or run off into surface water, affecting ecosystems -it will also be likely that they will evolve resistance to the antibiotic, making it less effective -they are also given steroids -some animals show signs of stress and are packed densley

largest to smallest (populations)

-biosphere, ecosystem, community, population, individual

mitigation strategies designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

-carbon offsets -carbon sequestration -carbon tax

fertilizers and detergents

-cause runoff -contain N and P -synthetic

fossil fuels formed from the remains of ancient organisms:

-coal, oil, and natural gas are from the remains of ancient organisms -energy comes from the sun -converted to chemical energy

volcanoes

-expel gas and particles -prevents sunlight from entering earth's atmosphere temporarily -cools the atmosphere

Lipids

-fats, oils, waxes CHO

evidence of a warming earth

-global warming vs. global climate change -rising temperatures, changes in precipitation -melting ice

fossil fuel use continues to rise, and the supply of easily obtainable fossil fuels will likely eventually run out

-harder to find new sources -global consumption has risen -most accessible has already been used up -remaining is difficult and expensive to extract -production of oil will decrease

Temperate Forest

-heavy rainfall and moderate temperatures -evergreen -Locations-> north western coast of north America -chile, New Zealand -Humans affecting the Biome: farming, hunting, urbanization -industrial pollution harms water -deforestation Effect of Climate Change: -humid environment -harms water -pest outbreak -forest fires, droughts -extreme precipitation -plant species affected Endangered species: The Red Wolf -population reduced by 10% Keystone species: cougar Invasive Species: -earthworms-> not native -native to Europe -nitrification

population distribution

-how individuals are arranged within in area -random, uniform, or clumped

finding the cause of climate change

-increase in greenhouse gases -burning fossil fuels, changes in use of land

ways to conserve energy

-turn off lights, computers and televisions when not using them -wash full loads in dishwashers and clothes washers -unplug rarely used appliances -unplug cell phone chargers when the phone is charged -dont keep the refrigerator door open -remove food quickly -use a microwave to heat food

studying climate change

-using climate models -proxy indicators

Avocados

-waves of scorching heat hit California avocado farms this summer. then came pests, invasive beetles that drilled holes into the trees left behind a pathogenic fungus. -pesticides: the chemical imiprothrin is found mixed with other ingredients in bug sprays and found in stores to kill bees and wasps -if we kill all the bees flowers will die. And most of our crops need pollination, so we will starve -they are a monocrop -effects of growing avocados: -the increasing demand for avocados in America is resulting in farmers in Mexico having to increase the size of their farms, which is leading to environmental issues like deforestation and increased greenhouse gas emissions

random sampling

-way to calculate population growth -most effective -good for things that stay still: plants

natural gas is extracted from the ground and used as a source to produce heat for homes and businesses

-yields a lot of energy -grows faster -large amount of energy

determine population size

1. Count 2. Random Sampling (things that don't move) (last formula on sheet) 3. Mark and Recapture (things that move) (bean lab)

B. The Gulf of Mexico as a system:

1. Inputs= runoff, N & P, nutrients, freshwater, river water, pollutants, sediment-> pieces of rock 2. Output= more protists, seafood 3. Inputs and outputs can affect each other

What series of events created the dead zone?

1. Runoff (contains nutrients, fertilizers, nitrogen and phosphorus)-> eventually leads to ocean 2. Nitrogen and Phosphorus-> phytoplankton (protists) 3. Zoo plankton 4. Fish come in-> eat the plankton 5. They make waste-> goes to bottom 6. Decomposers-> eating/breaking down the waste= use oxygen, recycle the nutrients

C. Feedback Loops

1. The output becomes the input 2. Negative feedback (a good thing, maintains homeostasis) a. the end product (or output) of a process shuts off the process b. example: thermostat c. example: regulation of human body temp. d. most natural systems involve negative feedback 3. Positive Feedback a. the opposite of negative feedback. the output serves as an additional input: Instead of shutting off a process, it accelerates it b. ex: Argument c. ex: human pop. growth d. ex: erosion e. ex: melting of the arctic ice 4. Note: Positive and negative are not value judgements They do not mean good and bad

anthropocentrism

A human-centered view of our relationship with the environment.

carbon sequestration

A method of storing carbon emissions to prevent their release into the atmosphere

Environmentalism

A social movement dedicated to protecting the natural world- and, by extension, people- from undesirable changes brought about by human actions.

Primary Producers (Autotrophs)

Capture energy from the sun or from chemicals and store it in the bonds of sugars, making it available to the rest of the community Energy from the sun is captured by plants, algae, or bacteria through photosynthesis. Sunlight used to convert carbon dioxide and water into sugars, releasing oxygen along the way Energy from chemicals is captured by some bacteria through chemosynthesis.

Costs and benefits of new coal technology

Clean Coal can be very expensive because of the cost of carbon capture, but costs aren't completely known yet. The technology for clean coal works, but the cost that it could create would outweigh the benefits.

Costs and benefits of coal

Coal is cheap, costing about $33.72 per short ton with a $5.37 per short ton transportation cost. Some benefits of coal are that we have a lot of it (but its not renewable), can be converted into gas, and can be burned 24/7 to make energy. The gas made during refinement can also be used as energy for heat while coal by-products can be used to make synthetic materials like tar, fertilizers and plastics

The Niche

Describes an organism's use of resources and functional role in a community Includes organisms habitat, food it eats, how/when it reproduces, and what other organisms it interacts with Affected by an organism's tolerance—its ability to survive and reproduce under changing environmental conditions Organisms with restricted tolerances - specialists Organisms with wide tolerances - generalists Often restricted by competition Competition within a species - intraspecific competition Competition among 2 different species - interspecific competition

latitude

Distance north or south of the equator

5.4 Community Stability

Ecological Disturbances: -A community in equilibrium is generally stable and balanced with most populations at or around carrying capacity -Disturbances or changes in the environment can throw a community into disequilibrium -severe disturbances can cause permanent changes to a community and initiate a predictable series of changes called succession Primary succession: -occurs when there are no traces of the original community remaining, including vegetation and soil -bare expanse of rock, sand, or sediment is exposed for the first time -pioneer species, such as lichens, are the first to colonize -the environment changes as species move in, adding new nutrients and generating habitats Secondary Succession -occurs when a disturbance dramatically alters a community but does not completely destroy it -at least the soil from the previous ecosystem remains -commons after disturbances such as fire, logging or farming -occurs significantly faster than primary succession Succession in water: 1. algae and other organisms add nutrients to the lake. Nutrients support more plant growth. 2. soil, fallen, decaying matter pileup upon the bottom of the lake, it becomes shallower and marshy 3. the lake fills in creating a grassy meadow -primary aquatic succession cocues when an area fills with water for the 1st time -disturbances such as floods or excess nutrient runoff can lead to secondary aquatic succession Climax communities: -ecologists once thought succession leads to stable "climax" communities -stable community that completes the succession process -today, ecologists see communities as temporary, ever-changing associations of species -communities are influenced by many factors and constant disturbances Invasive Species: -non-native organisms that spread widely in a community -A lack of limiting factors such as predators, parasites, or competitors enables their population to grow unchecked

Evolution and Natural Selection

Gene: A sequence of DNA that codes for a particular trait Gene pool: All the genes present in a population Biological evolution: The change in a population's gene pool over time

Savanna

General Characteristics: -rolling grassland -scattered with shrubs and trees -between a tropical rainforest and desert biome -tropical grasslands -where: Africa, Australia, America, India Food web: zebras, hyenas, cheetahs, elephants, vultures Keystone species: elephants -eat trees and shrubs -knock the trees down -not a forest Invasive species: -plant species -degradation -displacement of native plants -reduce wildlife habitat quality -fires Climate change: -strongly affected -changing rainfall patterns -increased dry periods, decreasing annual rainfall Endangered species: African Elephants -support the WWF Human effects: -industrializing, takes the grasslands

Parasitism and Herbivory (+/-)

Parasitism: One organism (the parasite) relies on another (the host) for nourishment or for some other benefit Ex: tapeworms, ticks, etc. Symbiosis - a long-lasting and physically close relationship in which at least one organism benefits. Herbivory: An animal feeding on a plant

Speciation

Process by which new species are generated Can occur in a number of different ways; the most important way is called allopatric speciation (geographic separation) Has resulted in every form of life on Earth— today and in the past

Artificial Selection

Selection under human direction Throughout history, humans have chosen and bred animals and plants with beneficial traits.

Taiga (Boreal Forest)

The boreal forest or taiga goes across much of Canada, Alaska, Scandinavia and Russia The taiga develops in cooler and drier regions They experience long, cold winters and short, cool summers The soil is nutrient poor and acidic Diversity of species is low Coniferous trees adapted well There is moderate precipitation Animals include moose, wolves, bears, burrowing rodents, and lynx They have thick insulation to avoid losing heat Some insect-eating birds migrate during the summertime Food Web: Producers: grass, trees, berries, mosses Primary consumers: porcupine, moose, squirrel, deer Secondary consumers: fox, ermine, wolverine, bear Tertiary consumers: fox, great horned owl, snowy owl, arctic fox, bear Decomposers: fungi Keystone Species: A keystone species in the taiga is the Scots Pine tree. Many animals depend on the tree for a place to grow and as a habitat. The Scots Pine are also endangered. Invasive Species: There are few invasive species in the boreal forest presently. However, some do pose as a potential future threat. Plants like multiflora rose can become invasive. The Multiflora Rose is a shrub that is native to Japan, Korea and Eastern China. It was introduced to the United States in 1866 as a base for roses to be grown and as a food source for wildlife. It poses a problem for the taiga because it colonizes in forest habitats and is known to be "highly aggressive". It spreads by birds eating the fruit and spreading the seeds and when the roots of the plant spread their roots through the ground. To help, individual plants can be dug or hand pulled to avoid resprouting Herbicides can be used to get rid of large populations Endangered Species: They are highly sensitive to anything that upsets their environment The biggest threat for them is climate change because it could mean less snow which they are dependent on for food and reproduction Logging and man made roads have cut into their habitat since they need large habitats Once a population decreases, it is hard for the species to recover Trapping and hunting for their fur has caused their decline However, in places like Québéc, a ban has been placed on hunting or trapping them To help them along with laws that prevent hunting, they should also be bred in captivity How climate change will affect the ecosystem: Global warming may cause an increase in forest fires in the boreal forest Climate change is increasing the strength and frequency of fires, causing the natural regeneration process to lose its balance Climate change will cause an increase in deciduous trees This is happening in the Siberian dark taiga Many boreal forests are expected to get warmer or change to grassland or shrubland Human effects Currently, about two-thirds of the area that is covered by boreal forest is under management that is mostly wood production Industrial development is increasing in the forest Logging for lumber and the production of biofuel are two examples Canadian boreal forests have the highest rate of deforestation Air, water and soil pollution causes more climate change

Agricultural Revolution

The change from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to the agricultural way of life. People began to grow crops, raise domestic animals and live in villages. It was easier to meet their nutritional needs and they lived longer and produced more children who would survive to adulthood.

Evaporation

The change of a substance from a liquid to a gas

Evaporation

The change of a substance from a liquid to a gas -water being put back into the atmosphere

New technologies behind Coal

The development of "clean coal" which seeks to reduce the effect coal has on the environment by cleaning coal and contain its emissions. This can involve washing the coal, removing sulfur dioxide, reducing emissions using nitrogen oxide burners or using gasification to avoid burning the coal completely. The emissions that are created get the CO2 taken out of them which is then stored either in the ocean or the ground of the Earth.

Extinction

The disappearance of species from Earth Generally occurs gradually, one species at a time, when environmental conditions change more rapidly than the species can adapt (background extinction rate) May also occur rapidly There are five known mass extinction events, each of which wiped out a large proportion of Earth's species. Many scientists think we are in the midst of the sixth mass extinction with current rates 1000 to 10000 time the background extinction rate.

Food Security

The guarantee of an adequate and reliable food source for all people at all times. -making the food supply secure depends of maintaining healthy soil and water, protecting the biodiversity of food sources, and ensuring the safe distribution of food

Predation (+/-)

The process by which a predator hunts, kills, and consumes prey Causes cycles in predatory and prey population sizes Defensive traits such as camouflage, mimicry, and warning coloration have evolved in response to predator-prey interactions. Some predator-prey relationships are examples of coevolution, the process by which two species evolve in response to changes in each other.

Invasive species

Zebra mussels Native to Western Asia. Eastern Europe Came to North America attached to the outsides of ships from Europe in 1980s Made it to the Mississippi By 1994 had colonized 19 US states and 2 Canadian provinces Quagga mussels from the Ukraine have followed Why do we care? Clog pipes at factories/ wastewater treatment plants, etc Damage boats. Fishing gear smallmouth bass pop but many birds/ mollusks/ fish HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?

ethics

a branch of philosophy that involves the study of behavior: good and bad, right and wrong. -can also refer to a set of moral principles or values held by a person or a society

global climate change

a change in global weather patterns; includes changes in temperatures, wind patterns, rain fall, and the frequency of storms

heat exhaustion

a condition in which the body cannot control its temperature, and body temperature rapidly rises

petroleum

a dark, liquid fossil fuel made up mostly of hydrocarbons -found in underground deposits

climatograph

a diagram that shows an area's average temperature and precipitation -scientists use them to describe conditions in a biome

fossil fuel

a fuel that formed millions of years ago from the remains of living things

greenhouse gas

a gas that traps heat near Earth, preventing the heat from radiating back into space; includes carbon dioxide and methane

peer review

a more formal way for the researcher to get comments and criticism from the scientific community

Greenhouse effect

a natural process in which certain gases in the atmosphere trap heat near earth, preventing the heat from radiating back into space

El Nino

a periodic change in air pressure, wind patterns, ocean temperature, and ocean circulation in the Pacific Ocean

"tragedy of the commons"

a phrase that refers to the situation if we use resources globally at an unsustainable rate. It comes from Garrett Hardin of the University of California at Santa Barbara, who called an increase resource use a tragedy of the commons. He also said that unless resources are regulated, we will eventually be left with nothing.

malnutrition

a shortage of nutrients the body needs, occurs when a person fails to obtain a healthy variety or quantity of nutrients -can lead to disease -ex: kwashiorkor (lack of protein)

hypothesis

a testable idea that attempts to explain a phenomenon or answer a scientific question

proxy indicator

a type of indirect evidence that serves as a substitute for direct measurement -ex: tree rings, ice core, clues in sediment

methane hydrate

an icelike solid that consists of molecules of methane within a crystal network of water molecules -can be burned to release energy

Kyoto Protocol

an international agreement drafted in 1997 to limit greenhouse gas emissions

resource

any necessity of life, such as water, nutrients, light, food, or space

genetic engineering

any process in which scientists directly manipulate an organism's DNA

theories

broad explanations that apply to a wider range of situations and observations

the greenhouse gas the most responsible for global warming is:

carbon dioxide

Petrochemicals

chemical compounds that are derived from oil and used to make products

Biomes and Aquatic Ecosystems

climate: temp. and precipitation weather: every day ex: tundra: less precipitation, more snow net primary production: -act of making food, photosynthesis how many plant parts can i make? gross=total net primary: gross, cellular respiration terrestrial biomes: -characterized by -climate -temperature precipitation Note: climate is NOT weather

worldview

culture, together with personal experience, influences each person's perception of the world and his or her place within it

Future Impact of Global Warming as predicted by computer modeling

diseases: -lyme disease more prevalent -more heat stroke -heat exhaustion sea level: -will continue to rise -need to find new places to live Freshwater supplies -salt water will intrude freshwater aquifers -disappearance of glaciers

ecological footprint

expresses the environmental effects of an individual or population in terms of the total amount of land and water required (1) how to provide the raw materials the individual or population consumes (2) to dispose of or recycle the waste the individual or population produces

organic agriculture

food growing practices that use no synthetic fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides or herbicides, but instead rely on biological approaches such as composting and biological pest control.

groundwater

fresh water found underground

biocentrism

gives value to all living things, both human and nonhuman

sediments

have carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus -used for fossil fuels

(quantitative) data

information (expressed using numbers)

ecocentrism

judges actions in terms of their benefit or harm to the integrity of whole ecological systems , which consist of both living and nonliving elements and the relationships among them.

arable land

land suitable for farming -we cannot keep expanding agriculture into new areas , because arable land, or land suitable for farming is running out

environment

the environment includes all living and nonliving things which organisms interact. -it includes the continents, oceans, clouds and icecaps, and animals, plants, forests, and farms

strip mining

the extraction of a mineral by removing a strip of the layers of soil and rock on top of the mineral deposit

secondary extraction

the extraction of crude oil remaining after primary extraction by using solvents or by flushing underground rocks with water or steam

primary extraction

the initial drilling and pumping of available oil

energy conservation

the limiting of energy use

population size

the number of individuals in a population area

dependent variable

the one that depends on the conditions set up in the experiment

sex ratio

the relative numbers of male and female individuals

topography

the shape of the land, the surface characteristics of the area (including its elevation and features such as mountains, rivers, and lakes)

environmental science

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

carbon footprint

the total carbon dioxide emissions produced by an individual, group or location

water table

the upper level of groundwater in an aquifer

independent variable

the variable a scientist manipulates ("I"- i did it)

subsurface mining

typically the practice of digging shafts deep into the ground to find and remove a mineral

aquifer

underground reservoirs or storage areas that hold groundwater

controlled variable

variables kept constant in a study

Runoff

water that flows over the ground surface rather than soaking into the ground

modeling

what scientists use to generate predictions when they cannot observe a phenomenon directly

controlled studies

where all variables are controlled except one, to allow scientists to be more confident that any differences observed were caused by the factor they are investigating

global warming

wind patterns, rainfall, an increase in earth's average surface temperature

carbon tax

a fee that the government charges polluters for each unit of greenhouse gas they emit

I. Our Island, Earth

A. Our environment is the sum total of our surroundings environment- something we see very day 1. So- what is really included in the term environment? -things that are natural, not man-made B. Environmental science explores interactions between humans and the world around us 1. Our actions affect the environment -for ex: polluting the river, overuse of fish, hunting animals, pollution and factories, polluting the air and water ex: cutting down trees-> paper, building materials -renewable resources 2. What is environmental science? -"the study of how the world works, how our environment affects us, and how we affect our environment." (withgott pg. 3) C. Natural resources are vital to out survival 1. Earth is an island. Really? What does this mean? Why is this important? -just surrounded by space, this is it, there's nothing else besides it -this is all we have, this is where we get our natural resources 2. Natural resources are renewable or nonrenewable. Explain. nonrenewable- once you use it, you can't get more ex: crude oil-> gasoline, jet fuel, gold -stuff that's mined: fossil fuels, coal, uranium (nuclear power plants-> electricity) renewable- when overused it can become non renewable ex: wood-> grow more trees, seeds, bamboo -------I------------------I----------------I------ renewable -trees, nonrenewable (perpetual, forever) fresh water -fossil fuels -sunlight, wind, soil (oil, coal) wave energy, -minerals/elements tidal energy spectrum^ not either/or D. Human population growth has shaped our resource use -more people use more stuff (ex: more houses) -finite resources 1. more people use more resources 2. People live longer and have better medical care 3. Agricultural Revolution- farming innovations and more food, steadier food supply-> population increase 4. Industrial Revolution - more goods could be produced and faster -human population goes up quickly Environmentalism vs. environmental science -ozone "hole"- thinner area in the atmosphere E. Resource consumption exerts social and environmental impacts 1. Garett Hardin- "tragedy of the commons"= overusing resources, learn to conserve, we use too much -tragedy= something with bad effects -pollution, soil depletion, over fishing -everybody abuses the resources 2. Explain the public pasture example given in the text-> overgrazing on the public pastures (where animals graze), no grass and bad soil, plow vs. horses -pasture= open field, public fields= commons, *common* field -animals die, go to other places with the herds 3. Explain the lobsters fishery example. What should they do? (lobsters- small amount of babies survive) fishery (place to go fish) -limits on fishing- the fish have to be a certain size (ex: limits on hunting) too small: put them back so they can grow up, how many you can catch -lobster- don't care about their babies, only 12 survive -lobsters ($$), lobster traps= catching many lobsters ex: oyster bay, oyster farming 4. The ecological footprint- impact of your lifestyle on the environment (how many earths support your lifestyle

oil sands

Deposits of moist sand and clay containing bitumen (thick, heavy petroleum, rich in carbon)

How is coal formed?

Heat and pressure transforms buried sediments into peat at low pressure and other forms of coal at high pressure (Peat is brown soil that comes from vegetable matter and is used for fuel and gardening)

Tundra

Winters in the tundra are cold and dark whereas the summers are mild and bright. The land in the tundra is not suitable for plant growth. Majority of plants are mosses and lichens located near the ground. Average temperature is around -30 degrees Fahrenheit The soil is frozen underground throughout the year and this is known as permafrost. Examples of animals in the tundra: Polar bears, arctic foxes, snowy hares and snow owls. -The tundra is located in the arctic and at mountain tops at high altitudes. Specifically, Alaska, Canada, Scandinavia, Russia, Greenland, Iceland, and Antarctica Producer: Phytoplankton Primary Consumer: Herbivorous Zooplankton Secondary Consumers: Arctic Cod Carnivorous Zooplankton Tertiary Consumers: Arctic Birds Harbour Seal Capelin Arctic Cod RInged Seal Quaternary Consumers: Harbour Seal Polar Bear The Harbour seal is an example of a keystone species in this food web because: The harbour seal is a food source for the polar bear and without it, the polar bear will have to eat more ringed seal. Without the harbour seal, there will be an increase in capelin which would cause a decrease in the carnivorous zooplankton population since they are the prey of the capelin. There will be a decrease in the killer whale and harp seal populations since killer whales and harp seals rely on harbour seals as a food source. Invasive species: Ships are bringing different kinds of invasive species to the tundra. Examples: the club sea-squirt, Japanese ghost shrimp and the European green crab (theecologist). Originally from Northern Europe, the European green crab is one of the "ten most unwanted species in the world" (Fisheries and Oceans Canada) These crabs compete with native crabs and eat native shellfish and plankton (newsdeeply). Also introduce parasites and destroy the eelgrass beds that are needed by young fish (Fisheries and Oceans Canada). Fisheries and Oceans Canada have been working with universities and organizations to trap and remove the crabs from the affected areas. They are researching the crabs in order to further understand how they are responding to the different conditions. Fisherman have been given permits to kill any European green crabs that they come across in order to help decrease their population size. As a result, the native species were able to return to their territories. How is climate change affecting the tundra? Because of climate change, the tundra will become suitable for trees and vegetation by 2050 (livescience). Temperatures will increase since sunlight will not be reflected into the atmosphere due to less snow and warmer temperatures (livescience). Alaska's Kluane National Park is deeply affected by climate change. The rivers and lakes are decreasing in size New invasive plants are growing Some animal populations are declining in size Native species may feel the need to emigrate and new species are able to immigrate due to the warmer temperatures Due to climate change and industrialization, polar bears have been added to the list of endangered species. Because the ice is melting, polar bears can no longer hunt for seals, their main source of food, and this causes them to starve. In addition, unsustainable hunting remains a problem. People are illegally killing polar bears and they are not reporting it. Polar bears are also forced back onto the land because of the melting ice and this exposes them to industrialization (e.g. petroleum installations Arctic shipping and other forms of industrialization are expected to increase as well. We need polar bears because they are on top of the food chain and their loss will be detrimental to the marine environment. The loss of the polar bear will indicate that there is no sea ice left (indicator species) and cause a loss in biodiversity. Without sea ice, algae cannot grow and this disrupts the entire food chain. Organizations like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) are preventing conflicts between people and polar bears. The WWF tracks polar bears as well. The WWF also makes sure that industries in the arctic are sustainable and will not damage ecosystems. A "polar code" to make shipping in the arctic safer is also underway. Human impact: Continued air pollution will cause smog and smog will harm the lichen, a major food source for many species. Oil spills caused by petroleum installations are deadly and will destroy ecosystems. The construction of buildings and roads will melt the permafrost. Invasive species are being brought to the tundra on the bottoms of ships. These invasive species spread diseases and outcompete native species for food. The unauthorized killing of animals, such as polar bears, continues to damage biodiversity and the ecosystem.

cellular respiration equation

C6H12O6+O2---> CO2+ H2O + energy

Photosynthesis equation

CO2 + H2O + the sun's energy ------> C6H12O6 + 6O2

ways to conserve energy

-turn off lights -buy appliances that conserve energy -lower the thermostat -drive less, walk/ use public transportation

dessert

-lack of rainfall -adaptations for animals -get water by their food -most are nocturnal -thick leaves on plants -succulents sand dune africa, australia, asia, and america -primary: cacti, ocotillo, sage -insects, lizard, kangaroos -scorpions, tarantulas -fungi -keystone species= hummingbirds -pollinate cactuses and plants -invasive red brome buffelgrass -invasive grass, makes fires -buffelgrass= native of africa -outcompete w native grass -change the ecosystem -wildfires -pulling up the plant -roads = control -brome= invasive grass, wildfire -climate change: -global warming, seasonal plants -ultra violet radiation -toads -endangered -northern jaguar= human activity= hunting -increase in door -reserve land to protect habitats -affecting the biome: drilling for fossil fuels -largest cold desert = Antarctica

mark and recapture

-mark animals, check them again -none marked-> bigger population

Chaparral

-mild, wet winters -warm, dry summers -near oceans, Mediterranean in Europe and Africa -various types of terrain Where is it: -California, around the Mediterranean, South America Food Web:-> producers-> sage brush primary consumers-> black tailed rabbit, golden jackal, earth worm Keystone species:-> Giant Kangaroo Rat Invasive Species: -> spanish broom Climate change= emission rates continue -at risk Endangered Species: Iberian lynx -eat rabbits (which have decreased) -habitat loss Human Impact-> humans cutting down trees, brush and grasses

Grassland (prairie/steppes)

-moderate precipitation -North America, South America, Europe and Australia Food Web: -arthropods/fungi -grass -prairie dogs -owls -coyotes -foxes -bisons Keystone species: -prairie dog, coyote, and fox Invasive Species: -Paintbrush, phlox flowers -nasty invasive grass threatens the landscape Ventenata grass: -toxic fungus Climate change: -relatively dry with strong seasonal climate, vulnerable to shifts -Marine life: -breeding of waterfowl, ducks Endangered species: -jaguar, wild dog Human effects: -meat,fur-> hunt bison, antelope, mammals -agricultural purposes, rearing cattle -fertile soil= wheat farming -deterioration

coal is mined from the ground and used mainly to generate electricity

-most abundant fossil fuel -forms as ancient plant matter -N. America and Asia has abundant coal reserves -China and U.S. are the main producers a. strip mining b. subsurface mining

Regional vegetation

-move water into the atmosphere through transpiration -holds CO2

nitrogen

-need for proteins, nucleic acids -nitrogenous bases

phosphorus

-no atmospheric component -nucleic acids -part of rock -we mine it to get fertilizers (synthetic)

effects of climate change

-ocean acidity -coral bleaching -changing migration times -shifting habitats -health and economic effects

Bananas

-people are growing them sustainably Banana plants are usually easily sustainable, but you need open space to grow the plants, and having to clear away the trees from tropical environments for the crops will hurt the environment. Since a lot of pesticides are used on bananas, it creates runoff that affects the environment negatively. For the most part, the banana plants can't grow without the pesticides, which makes the runoff more harmful. The plants also hurt the soil around them by using up its nutrients, and since the plants do not cover the soil to protect it from rainfall, the soil gets washed away with the rain, hurting any nearby bodies of water with the pesticide-filled soil. The growth of bananas is not affected by global warming because they can grow in very tropical climates. The rising water level might eventually affect the growth, along with the spread of pests and disease. By 2070, the land will be about 50% better to grow bananas because of climate change.

Charles Keeling

-presented the first evidence that carbon dioxide produce by automobiles and factories was negatively affecting the earths climate -worked in the Mauna Loa observatory in Hawaii

IV: Conclusion

-profile piece at the beginning of the chapter. Fixing the Ozone hole. -destroyed by CFCs Ozone- O3 -> can be broken apart O- not stable O2: oxygen ozone- farthest layer of our atmosphere, curtain between our atmosphere and space CFCS- chlorofluorocarbons, found in refrigerants and aerosol (hairspray) sprays ozone- protects us from cancers and ultraviolet radiation (hole in the ozone was cooling the planet) -ozone is a pollutant, and bad for breathing, good for atmosphere ethics-study of right and wrong ethics- making judgements, good or bad should or shouldn't know: scientific method, environmental justice

logistic growth

-s-shaped -determine a populations carrying capacity (the maximum population size an environment can support -starts out as exponential growth but then limiting factors cause the growth rate to slow down and even out -more common in nature

How do biotic and abiotic parts of the environment affect the brown bears?

-salmon-> quantity of the salmon -water-> drink & find the salmon -trees and oxygen -rocks to stand/perch on

Nori

-seaweed needs sun to grow. When people farm up the seaweed they try to remove the carbon from it so that it can grow faster -people also use seaweed as a fertilizer to feed crops -climate change is ruining seaweed and people are trying to make it adapt to change -grows naturally, system of nets

Carbohydrates

-sugars, starches CHO

Coffee

-sun cultivation: Sun Cultivation means that farmers clear forests in order to plant coffee. By doing this they are destroying ecosystems and killing many species of animals. Deforestation is similar to sun cultivation because the farmers are also clearing forests to plant more coffee farms Deforestation and sun cultivation "resulted in over 2.5 million acres of forest being cleared in Central America alone" -because coffee is grown in the developing world, the farmers put pesticides on their coffee because there is no restriction -so the pesticides that we have banned are still ending up in our coffee supplies

extraction

-taking something from the earth

biotic potential

-the maximum offspring an organism can produce under ideal conditions

population density

-the number of individuals per unit area

age structure

-the relative number of individuals within different age groups

How is Coal Refined?

1.The coal goes to a preparation plant where it gets washed to remove contaminants like rocks and ashes. 2. Large pieces are taken and crushed into more useful sizes. 3. It is transported to the consumer

Numbers and Biomass in Communities

A trophic level's biomass is the mass of living tissue it contains. In general, there are more organisms and greater biomass at lower trophic levels than at higher ones

carbon offset

A voluntary payment made when one industry or person, instead of reducing its own greenhouse gas emissions, pays another group or person to do so

thermohaline circulation

A water movement pattern in which warmer, less salty water moves along the surface of the ocean, and colder, saltier water moves deep beneath the ocean's surface

II. "Earth's Sphere's"

A. "Earth's [spheres] are defined according to their functions in Earth's systems" 1. geosphere- the rock at and below earth's surface 2. lithosphere- the outermost layer of the geosphere -hard rock at and below the surface 3. biosphere- all organisms and the abiotic parts of the environment 4. atmosphere- layer of gases surrounding Earth -ozone layer protects from radiation -contains gases needed by organisms to survive -greenhouse effect 5. Hydrosphere- all water on the surface, under the surface and in the air -in all phases -only 2.5% is freshwater- more than 3/4s of this is ice so only about 0.5% of all water is available for agriculture and use by organisms B. All of these "spheres" interact Practice: EX: Canada geese graze while walking on land, and feed on submerged aquatic vegetation by reaching under the water with their long necks" They also fly. Which "spheres' are involved? -atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere Explain how erosion is an example of positive feedback, wears away the soil How could agriculture contribute to the development of a dead zone in Long Island Sound?

Energy in Communities

An organism's rank in a feeding hierarchy is its trophic level. Primary producers always occupy the first trophic level of any community. In general, only about 10% of the energy available at any trophic level is passed to the next; most of the rest is lost to the environment as heat. Eating at lower trophic levels decreases biological footprint

III Effects of Climate Change

A. Effects on Ecosystems and Organisms 1. Shifting Habitats a. ex: boreal forest invading tundra 2. Changing Migration Times ( especially for birds!) a. ex : Robin returning north too early b. Ex: reaching breeding grounds even a day or two earlier can have far reaching effects 3. Problems Obtaining Food a. Ex: polar bears- sea ice melts earlier and re-freezes later making it harder for them to catch seals. b. Ex: pika - keep moving further up the mountains. - adapted for cold- can die if temps as high as 78oF 4. Effects of a Changing Ocean a. absorbing CO2 and getting warmer (SST) b. warmer water temps coral bleaching c. ocean acidity CO2 dissolves in water to form carbonic acid , H2CO3 5. The future of ecosystems B. Impact on People Right Now 1. Agriculture and Forestry a. factors affecting plant growth- CO2, precipitation, temperature, diseases/ fungal growth b. heat tolerant crops, like sweet potatoes and melons may be doing better but cool temperature crops like spinach/ greens will suffer c. forests are suffering from more fires and insect and disease 2. Economic Effects a. cost of more severe storms b. lost agriculture income c. new technology companies- solar, wind, etc 3. Health Effects a. heat waves-> heat stroke b. spread of illness C. Future Impact on People 1. Diseases a. range of disease spreading animals expected to expand b. ex: mosquito line c. ex: Lyme disease moving into Canada 2. Sea Level 3. Water Supply a. loss of glaciers affecting those who depend on the meltwater b. intrusion of saltwater into aquifers

I. Our Dynamic Climate

A. Energy from the sun 1. Solar radiation is the main source of energy driving weather and climate 2. 30% is lost to space 3. Remaining energy is absorbed 4. Greenhouse effect a. greenhouse gases include H2O, CO2, tropospheric O3, N2O, CH4 b. absorb reflected heat and then slowly release it c. necessary for life on Earth ( but you can have too much of a good thing) 5. Effect of Latitude a. unequal heating b. tropics vs the poles c. combined with the tilt of the earth to give us the seasons B. Wind Patterns C. The Oceans And Climate 1. Thermohaline circulation 2. El Niño and La Niña D. Other Factors that Affect Climate 1. Topography a. altitude b. mountain ranges 4. Changes in Earth's Orbit

II. The Nature of Environmental Science

A. Environmental science is an interdisciplinary (explores different fields of study) pursuit 1. includes natural sciences such as biology, ecology, chemistry, geology. 2. includes social sciences such as ethics, history, anthropology and economics 3. example- ban on leaded gasoline. Explain. lead-> can harm people, but expensive to take out B. People vary in their perception of environmental problems - 1. May depend on age, gender, education, location 2. Ex: DDT (intent of saving people, killing mosquitoes), known to be highly toxic and banned in developed nations However, it may be welcomes by those plagued by malaria in the developing world. C. Environmental science is not the same as environmentalism 1. As a science, environmental science tries to remain objective, studying all aspects of a problem and drawing conclusions based on the data 2. Environmentalism is a movement that works to protect the natural world. Often, environmentalists use the data provided by environmental science D. The science behind the story: The lesson of easter Island (overuse of wood and other resources to build moai and make canoes)

II Climate Change

A. Evidence of a Warming Earth 1. global warming vs global climate change 2. Rising Temperatures 2016 was the warmest year on record 3. Changes in Precipitation more severe storms, more extreme drought, overall eastern NA and SA getting more precipitation 4. Melting Ice Glacier National Park Antarctica's Larsen Ice Shelf 5. Rising Sea Levels Sea Ice vs Land Based Ice Effect of Temperature ( remember the Bill Nye demo) B. Studying Climate Change 1. Direct Measurement of Present Conditions 2. Proxy Indicators a. Ice Cores (data), see pages 508-509 b. Sediments c. Tree Rings 3. Models: Predicting the Future a. climate models b. Testing models for accuracy C. Finding the Cause of Climate Change 1. Charles Keeling 1958 2. Increase in Greenhouse Gases a. CO2 was 315 ppm in 1958; it is now 3. Burning Fossil Fuels 4. Changes in Use of Land

III. Population Growth

A. Factors that Determine Population Growth 1. Birth and Death Rates 2. You don't need to know survivorship curves 3. Age structure 4. Immigration and Emigration 5. Calculating Population Growth- see population math formula sheet -bigger-> growing -smaller-> shrinking B. How Populations Grow 1. Exponential Growth a. "J" Shaped b. occurs when there are plenty of resources ex- mold starting to grow on a piece of bread 2. Logistic growth a. At some point growth slows as resources dwindle b. limiting factors- limit growth ex: in aquatic environments N and P are limiting factors (finite) c. Carrying capacity i. Symbol is K ii. Largest number of individuals of a given species that a given environment can support at a given time. C. Limiting Factors and Biotic Potential 1. Density dependent factors a. change with population density b. ex: food, water, disease, predation 2. Density independent factors a. Have nothing to do with population size b. Ex: climate change, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes 3. Biotic Potential (how much life there could be) a. " maximum ability to produce offspring in ideal conditions" p117 b. depends on i. gestation time (animals) ii. Generation time

I. Studying Ecology

A. Levels of Ecological Organization 1. KEY CONCEPT: "Ecologists study life at many levels, from individual organisms to the entire biosphere" p.100 2. What is ecology? the study of how organisms interact with each other and with their environments. 3. The levels in order of increasing complexity a. Individuals= Single organism; most basic level for ecologists b. Populations- a group of individuals of the same species in the same area c. Communities- different organisms of different species in the same area d. Ecosystems- a community and all of the abiotic factors it is interacting with e. Biomes-similar ecosystems put together ex: coral reef, tundra, grassland f. Biosphere- everything alive and what it is interacting with 4. examples from each level: -Individual: me -population: humans -community: humans and plants -ecosystem: beach, fields, playground B. Biotic and Abiotic Factors 1. Biotic- animals, humans, plants, 2. Abiotic- water, air, rock C. Habitat 1. An organism's home 2. Includes biotic and abiotic factors 3. May be any size- from a drop of water to a whole forest the size is defined by the individual organism being considered 4. Ex: louse (singular lice, habitat: a head) 5. Ex: eagle 6. Note that habitats provide resources for the organism What is a resource?

II. Describing Population

A. Population Size -increase-> more reproduction # individuals in a given area at a given time 2. Ex: population size of students in this classroom = 3. Ex: Decline of the golden toad 4. Ex: Decline of the passenger pigeon 5. How do we determine population size? a. counting b. sampling- Divide area into smaller regions Count individuals in one area Multiply by number of regions to get estimate of total pop (most accurate) c. Estimate population size based on other evidence such as animal droppings or tracks B. Population Density 1. # individuals/ area High population density: pros: -greater chance of mating -easier to reproduce cons: -limited resources -competition for resources -overcrowding in living spaces -disease spreads faster Low population density: pros: -more space, resources per individual -disease spreads slower cons: -extinction (no mate) C. Population Distribution -random, uniform, clumped D. Age Structure and Sex Ratios 1. Can help predict population growth 2. Show relative size of each age group 3. Show sex ratio (males:females) IV. The Cloudless Forest

III. Sustainability and the Future of Our World

A. Population and consumption drive environmental impact 1. The human population is increasing rapidly- > 200,000 people per day 2. We are over 7 billion 3. Ecological footprints vary between nations-in some, resource use is even outstripping population growth -releasing greenhouse gases B. We face challenged in agriculture, pollution and biodiversity. 1. More people need more food 2. Greater food production means more land and increased use of synthetic fertilizers 3. it also means more pollution for farms, factories, homes. 4. Increased pollution of air, land, water will affect people and all other organisms 5. Increased release of greenhouse gases has already led to climate change 6. All of this is already decreasing biodiversity D. Fortunately, sustainable solutions abound (abundance- a lot, abound- a lot of them) -make things sustainable= keep it for a long time E. Are we getting better or worse? F. Sustainability is a goal for the future 1. We need to think about the future and live within the means of our planet 2. There need to be resources left for the future G. Sustainable development involves environmental protection, economic welfare, and social equity (justice-> fair to all people or race, religion, poor and rich people)-> good for environment, economy and the people 1. What is sustainable development? (economic development that is conducted without depletion of natural resources.) 2. Sustainable development is not an oxymoron 3.Triple bottom line- considers the environment, the economy and the needs of society 1. -development- progress, roads, building, power plants -sustainable- taking into account the economy, environment -ex: low income housing -> wealthy neighborhood-> keep out 3. considers the three things-> environment, economy and needs (are we being equal?) Bottom Line-> money $ 3 p's= planet, profit, people centrism= caring about, center of your view 4.Anthro (human, people) pocentrism, bio (life, living things, plants) centrism and eco (everything, world) centrism

IV. Responding to Climate Change

A. Use and Production of Energy 1. Adaptation vs Mitigation Generating electricity is the largest source of GHG in the US 2. Efficiency and Conservation a. efficiency ex: Energy Star program ex: light bulbs- incandescent vs CFL vs LED b. conservation Use less electricity by..... 3. Alternative sources of Energy ex: nuclear, solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal B. Transportation 1. Vehicle technology a. in a typical car, only 14-15% of the energy in the fuel is used for motion b. demand for greater fuel efficiency c. hybrids, electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell technology, compressed natural gas. 2. Drive less a. use more public transportation b. bike c. walk C. Other Approaches to Reducing Greenhouse Gases 1. Agriculture and Forestry a. conserve soil- holds more carbon b. plant more trees c. change farming practices to reduce GHG - think about monoculture and CAFOs 2. Cap-and-Trade a. limits to GHG emissions per company b. company can sell left over units 3. Carbon Tax a. fee for each unit of pollution b. common in EU c. downside-fees are passed on to consumers 4. Carbon Offsets a. pay organization that engages in some carbon reduction activity like planting trees or building wind farms b. ex- plane travel 5. Carbon Sequestration D. Cooperation Among Nations 1. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change ( UNFCCC)- 1992 2. Kyoto Protocol a. binding- reduce emissions below 1990 levels b. took effect 2005 c. US didn't sign 3. Copenhagen Accord- 2009 4. Paris Climate Agreement -2016 a. As of March, 2017, 140 signatories b. key goals: i. keep warming well below 2oC ( 3.6oF), preferably no more than 1.5oC. ( we are already up about 1oC) ii. reduce emissions by 2050ish to levels that can be easily absorbed by forests and oceans (Zero net emissions) iii. Countries set own emission goals to be reviewed after four years

"Interacting Systems"

A. characteristics of a system 1. complex network 2. multiple connections between various components 3. May be at different levels 4. Example: ecosystem, water cycle 5. Receive input, produce output (also called input-process-output)

Almonds

According to many almond farmers in California, the increase in temperatures has led to a decrease in almond production. Climate change has also contributed to an increase of pests and diseases in the almond trees. Another effect of climate change on almond production is that these trees aren't getting enough cold air to be able to rest. Almond farmers do use pesticides when growing almonds to control weeds and prevent insects. The USDA has found that 9 pesticides have been used. They also use fertilizers. For example, some farms use Zinc, Potassium and Nitrogen. Almonds use a lot of water, they need water even when California experiences a drought. One almond uses about a gallon of water. This excessive use of water has contributed to California's groundwater depletion problem. Groundwater depletion causes the land to sink. Almond farmers also use a lot of pesticides. These pesticides contaminate the water supply, which also contaminates the drinking water. Some of the pesticides used are also toxic to honey bees. Some suggest that California needs to create a law that enforces the regulation of groundwater which would help to prevent the sinking of land. Another way to help prevent these environmental issues is to switch to almond products that are certified organic. These products are produced without the use of pesticides. This means that it's good for you and for the environment. About 94% of almond farmers warn beekeepers about the pesticides that are used. About 50% of almond processing plants use solar energy. The Almond Board of California has spent around $70 million on research "to improve the way almonds are grown, processed and consumed"

sustainable agriculture

Agriculture that does not deplete soil faster than it forms, it also does not reduce the amount or quality of soil, water and genetic diversity essential to longterm crop and livestock production -it can be practiced the same way into the future

Honey

Bees will be affected by climate change, as well as the growth of crops and our ecosystems Bees may also lose their habitats from weather conditions and changing temperatures. The areas where they can survive are decreasing and pollinators are having difficulty adapting Bees are not creating new populations fast enough to keep up with climate change caused by humans Climate change is creating more stress for bee populations Honey production is affecting climate change as well as the bees themselves because honey bee hives are not natural A healthy environment needs to have wild bees- but not honey bees, and keeping honey bees in hives will not help nature conservation Beehives help scientists understand more about climate change by allowing the scientists to track their weight in relation to climate change and the plants they pollinate 75% of honey samples collected from many locations around the world were found to have one of five kinds of pesticides The pesticide neonicotinoids has been exposed to bees throughout the world It can impair their brain functions and slow their colony growth North American bees (and honey) had the highest exposure to this pesticide Colony Collapse Disorder occurs when many worker bees abandon the colony, leaving food and some "nurse" bees with the Queen bee Hives cannot survive without worker bees so the bees left behind die One reason why this occurs can be because of pesticide use, which is another indication that pesticides are in honey It can also occur because of habitat change and lack of nutrition Ban pesticides Conserve wildflowers and wild habitats Restore ecological agriculture which is a way of farming that bans GM crops, avoids monocropping and preserves diversity ecologically Ecological farming will even improve pollination

aquaculture

Fish farming -the raising of aquatic organisms for food in a controlled environment -the fasted growing type of food production -provides one third of the aquatic animals that are eaten by humans disadvantages: -diseases spread easily, reducing production and profit -produces enormous amounts of waste that may pollute water outside of farm -escaped organisms may spread disease toward wild animals -escaped organism may outcompete wild animals and threaten wild populations advantages: -ensures local people a reliable protein source -can be sustainable -reduce harvesting of declining wild aquatic animals -reduces the unintended death of non target animals -uses less fossil fuels than fishing vessels do -provides a safer working environment than commercial fishing does

infiltration

Flow of water from the land surface into the surface below

Food Chains and Webs

Food chain: Linear series of feeding relationships Food web: Shows the overlapping and interconnected food chains present in a community

Tropical Rainforest

General Information: Temp: 70-85 degrees Climate: warm all the time Locations: Central and South America, southeast asia, west africa, tropical regions weather: rains more than any biome -96.6 feet a year There are 3 parts: -the understory, producers= fruits, plants (bananas) -animals=monkeys, vampire bats, frogs, pythons plants-> there is little wind to spread pollen Keystone species-> hummingbird, pollen to flowers -bananas and cocoa Invasive species: -umbrella tree-> fast growing, large -agressive colonizer ---- -timber -effects on the ecosystem endangered species: -Organgutans: -10% of females lost -could lead to extinction Climate Change and Human Effect: -rise in global temperature -producer fruit and flowers -changes in weather patterns, rainfall distribution -transformation over time -palm oil, deforestation -grow crops

Mechanisms of Biological Evolution: Genetic Drift and Natural Selection

Genetic Drift: Evolution that occurs by chance Natural selection: Process by which traits useful for survival and reproduction are passed on more frequently than those that are not

Hypoxia

Having not enough oxygen

Mechanisms of Biological Evolution: Mutation and Migration

Mutation Lesson 5.1 Evolution Accidental change in DNA that can give rise to variation among individuals Migration (gene flow) Movement of individuals into (immigration) or out of (emigration) a population

Mutualism (+/+) and Commensalism (+/0)

Mutualism: a relationship in which two or more species benefit Ex: pollination Commensalism: a relationship in which one species benefits while the other is unaffected

nitrogen cycle

N2= nitrogen NH3+= ammonia NH4= ammonium NO2- = nitrite NO3= nitrate from N2 to NO3 = nitrification from NO3 to N2= denitrification -nitrogen fixing bacteria -in the roots of legumes Haber-Bosch process= fertilizer-> field-> runoff, dead zone -> take nitrogen from mining then make fertilizer

Salmon

Negative Effect -Produces a lot of waste that pollute the water. Risk of diseases and parasites spread from farmed fish to wild fish. Decreases the fishing of wild fish If a farmed fish escapes to the wild that can cause a change in the genes of the wild fish. Decreases biodiversity. Positive effects: -A reliable protein source Uses less fossil fuel than fishing boats do. Creates jobs and career opportunities sustainability: It can be produced for commercial and industrial use It can be used in a safe way without having a negative effect on the environment Good for community and economy Climate change affects: The stress changes the growth and development of the salmon fish, making the fish more likely to get sick. -The changes in the water temperature can make parasitic diseases, more likely to spread in the water where the fishes are grown. Temperature of the air and water is changed by climate change Climate changes can affect the production of soy and corn crops, which are used to feed the farmed salmons.

Allopatric Speciation

One population broken into multiple smaller isolated populations Separation may be due to glacial ice sheets, rivers changing course, dry climate, etc. Any mutations that arise in one population can't spread to the other; genetic divergence occurs Populations may become different enough that they can no longer mate with each other; speciation has occurred

Competition

Organisms compete when they seek the same limited resource. In rare cases, one species can entirely exclude another from using resources.(competitive exclusion) To reduce competition, species often partition resources, which can lead to character displacement. The full niche of a species is called its fundamental niche Without competitors an organism can use its entire fundamental niche A niche restricted by competition is called a realized niche Realized niche represents only a portion of what an organism can do and what resources it can use. Resource partitioning - a process that allows different species to share common resources. Character displacement - when resource partitioning leads to the evolution of physical characteristics among competing species that reflect their specialized roles in the environment.

genetically modified (GM) organisms

Organisms that have undergone genetic engineering. -are engineered using a technique called recombinant DNA technology

Consumers (Heterotrophs)

Rely on other organisms for energy and nutrients Herbivores: plant-eaters Carnivores: meat-eaters Omnivores: combination-eaters Detritivores and decomposers: recycle nutrients within the ecosystem by breaking down nonliving organic matter Detrivores consume nonliving organic material; decomposers break down nonliving organic material Use oxygen to break bonds in sugar and release its energy through cellular respiration (primary producers do this, too)

In-Between Resource

Resource that replenishes over time (if not overused) ex: fresh water, forest products, agricultural crops and soil

Keystone Species

Species that have strong and/or wide-reaching effects on a community Removal of a keystone species can significantly alter the structure of a community.

Industrial Revolution

The shift from rural life to an urban society which was power by nonrenewable energy sources like oil, gas and coal which are known as fossil fuels. It introduced many improvements like medical technology, sanitation and agricultural production. Humans lived longer, were healthier ad enjoyed new technologies.

biotechnology

The use of genetic engineering to introduce new genes into organisms to produce more valuable products -has helped us develop medicines, clean up pollution, understand the causes of diseases, dissolve life-threatening blood clots, an improve crops and livestock

coral bleaching

the death or expulsion of the algae that live in coral reefs and give the coral its bright color; often caused by a change in water temperature or other conditions

Law of Conservation of Matter

matter cannot be created or destroyed

oil

nonrenewable resource

biogeochemical cycles

nutrient cycles, where nutrients circulate endlessly throughout the environment

micronutrients

nutrients needed in small amounts ex: iron, calcium

macronutrients

nutrients required in relatively large amounts ex: nitrogen and phosphorus

seed banks

organizations that preserve seeds of diverse plants as a kind of insurance policy against a global crop collapse

climate model

programs that combine what is known about the atmosphere and oceans to stimulate climate processes

environmental justice movement

promotes the fair and equitable treatment of all people with respect to environmental policy and practice, regardless of their income, race, or ethnicity

sunlight

renewable resource

wave energy

renewable resource

sustainable

resource use is considered sustainable if it can continue at the same rate into the foreseeable future

nonrenewable natural resources

resources that are naturally formed much more slowly than we use them ex: crude oil, natural gas, coal, copper, aluminum and other metals

oil shale

rock filled with a mixture of hydrocarbons (that can be buried directly like coal)

observational studies

scientists look for evidence in the natural world that would help confirm or contradict the predictions generated by their hypotheses, they also rely on correlation

experiments

scientists manipulate variables that change to help them prove hypotheses

predictions

specific statements about what we would expect to observe if the hypotheses are true

sunspot cycles

the amount of radiation the sun emits over time (11 years)

Environmental ethics

the application of ethical standards to relationships between humans and their environment

culture

the ensemble of knowledge, beliefs, values and learned ways of life shared by a group of people