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Questions and Answers
What term describes the sum total of our surroundings, including all biotic and abiotic factors?
What term describes the sum total of our surroundings, including all biotic and abiotic factors?
Which term refers to the study of how the natural world works and the interactions between us and our environment?
Which term refers to the study of how the natural world works and the interactions between us and our environment?
What defines a Renewable Natural Resource?
What defines a Renewable Natural Resource?
What was the Neolithic Revolution?
What was the Neolithic Revolution?
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What term describes a nonrenewable natural resource produced by biological decomposition?
What term describes a nonrenewable natural resource produced by biological decomposition?
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What does an Ecological Footprint measure?
What does an Ecological Footprint measure?
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.... is an academic program that incorporates social sciences and natural sciences.
.... is an academic program that incorporates social sciences and natural sciences.
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The .... method is a technique for testing ideas through observations and assumptions.
The .... method is a technique for testing ideas through observations and assumptions.
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What is a hypothesis?
What is a hypothesis?
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What does the term 'Controlled Experiment' mean?
What does the term 'Controlled Experiment' mean?
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Sustainability requires us to live in a way that maintains Earth's systems and resources for the indefinable future.
Sustainability requires us to live in a way that maintains Earth's systems and resources for the indefinable future.
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What does Environmental Justice refer to?
What does Environmental Justice refer to?
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What is the primary focus of Biocentrism?
What is the primary focus of Biocentrism?
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Define Conservation.
Define Conservation.
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What is the primary goal of the Theory in science?
What is the primary goal of the Theory in science?
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Match the following environmental philosophies with their founder:
Match the following environmental philosophies with their founder:
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The 'Tragedy of the Commons' refers to the depletion of shared resources due to collective failures.
The 'Tragedy of the Commons' refers to the depletion of shared resources due to collective failures.
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What encapsulates the Environmental 'Five'?
What encapsulates the Environmental 'Five'?
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What is meant by Non-Renewable Natural Resources?
What is meant by Non-Renewable Natural Resources?
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Study Notes
Key Concepts in Environmental Science
- Environment: Encompasses all biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors surrounding us.
- Environmental Science: Studies the interactions between the natural world and human influence.
- Renewable Natural Resources: Resources like sunlight and wind that can be replenished quickly.
- Fossil Fuels: Nonrenewable resources formed from ancient organic matter through decomposition.
Historical Context
- Neolithic Revolution: Transition to agriculture (~10,000 years ago), leading to population growth.
- Industrial Revolution: Shift to urban, fossil fuel-driven societies in the mid-1700s, causing significant population growth.
Research and Methodology
- Scientific Method: Framework for testing hypotheses through observation and experiments.
- Hypothesis: A testable statement to explain phenomena (educated guess).
- Controlled Experiment: All variables held constant except one to analyze effects.
Data and Evaluation
- Quantitative Data: Numerical information that provides precise measurements.
- Peer Review: Evaluation process by experts in the field for quality and validity of research.
Ethical Perspectives
- Environmental Ethics: Applies ethical standards to environmental dilemmas, questioning obligations to future generations.
- Anthropocentrism: Human-centered ethical perspective, focusing solely on human benefits.
- Biocentrism: Ethical view that includes the welfare of all living organisms in environmental decisions.
- Ecocentrism: Prioritizes the environment in ethical considerations, irrespective of human impact.
Sustainability and Conservation
- Sustainability: Guiding principle focused on maintaining Earth’s systems and resources for future generations.
- Conservation: Utilizes resources responsibly while managing and protecting them (Gifford Pinchot).
- Preservation: Advocates for the protection of the natural environment in its unaltered state (John Muir).
Ecosystem Interactions
- Biotic & Abiotic Factors: Living organisms versus non-living components (e.g., rocks, water).
- Ecology: Study of interactions among organisms and their environments.
Societal Impact and Perspectives
- Environmental Justice: Ensures equitable enforcement of environmental laws across all demographics.
- Tragedy of the Commons: Overexploitation of shared resources leads to depletion due to individual greed (Garrett Hardin).
- Perceived Environmental Problems: Varied perceptions influenced by age, gender, class, nationality, etc.
Basic Principles of Sustainability
- Solar Energy: Emphasis on harnessing solar power for sustainable energy needs.
- Chemical Recycling: Focus on reusing Earth's resources to maintain ecological balance.
- Sustaining Biodiversity: Essential for natural services and maintaining ecological health.
Important Terms
- Ecological Footprint: Measures society's direct and indirect impact on natural resources and the environment.
- Interdisciplinary Field: Integrates knowledge from natural and social sciences for more effective environmental understanding.
- Correlation: Relationship between variables where changes in one relate to changes in another.
- Natural Experiments: Utilize existing conditions to study impacts without manipulation.
Research Validation Techniques
- Hypothesis Validation: Involves peer review, repeatability, grants, and theory development to solidify scientific findings.
- Conference Presentations: Opportunities for researchers to share their work, gather feedback, and refine their studies.
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Description
Dive into the basics of Environmental Science with these flashcards. Explore key terms such as Environment, Renewable Natural Resources, and the essence of Environmental Science itself. Perfect for beginners looking to understand our interactions with the natural world.
