Environmental Science Quiz
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Questions and Answers

Which step follows 'Hypotheses' in the Scientific Method?

  • Tests
  • Observations
  • Predictions (correct)
  • Results

Pseudoscience embraces peer review and adapts based on new evidence.

False (B)

What is the difference between scientific uncertainty and action uncertainty?

Scientific uncertainty refers to incomplete knowledge, while action uncertainty involves dilemmas in decision-making.

A ___________ hypothesis proposes no effect in an experiment.

<p>null</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

<p>Theory = A widely accepted explanation supported by evidence Law = A fundamental principle that describes natural phenomena Hypothesis = A testable and falsifiable explanation for observations Pseudoscience = A belief system that lacks scientific rigor and verification</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a barrier in sustainability science?

<p>Peer review (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Environmental science and environmentalism refer to the same concept.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of fostering logical thinking in science?

<p>To approach problem-solving systematically and verify outcomes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of eutrophication in surface waters?

<p>Nutrient pollution (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Pathogens primarily originate from treated waste in water bodies.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name two natural sources of groundwater pollution.

<p>Mercury and arsenic</p> Signup and view all the answers

By 2030, approximately _______ million people could be displaced by intense water scarcity.

<p>700</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the types of water scarcity with their descriptions:

<p>Physical Scarcity = Caused by ecological conditions like drought Economic Scarcity = Caused by inadequate infrastructure despite available water</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of sediment pollution?

<p>Causes genetic damage (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Agriculture is the largest consumer of water worldwide.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What drives adaptation in species through the favoring of advantageous traits?

<p>Natural Selection (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary challenge faced in monitoring groundwater pollution?

<p>It is hard to detect and monitor.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Genetic drift can introduce new alleles into a population.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the process called when humans intentionally or unintentionally influence the traits of organisms?

<p>Artificial Selection</p> Signup and view all the answers

The type of speciation that occurs without physical barriers is called ______.

<p>Sympatric Speciation</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts with their definitions:

<p>Adaptive Radiation = Rapid speciation due to environmental changes Directional Selection = Favors one extreme trait Type III Survivorship = High mortality in youth, survival in old age Density-Dependent Factors = Population factors influenced by density</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of a negative individual per capita growth rate?

<p>Population is shrinking (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Extinction is a rare event and only happens under extreme conditions.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is genetic variation and why is it important in evolution?

<p>Genetic variation refers to differences in alleles among individuals in a population, and it is important because it allows for natural selection to occur, enabling adaptation to changing environments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

A species with a ______ niche will have higher vulnerability factors, such as small populations.

<p>narrow</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which pattern of selection favors both extremes of a trait within a population?

<p>Disruptive Selection (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the Earth is solid and brittle and includes the crust and the upper mantle?

<p>Lithosphere (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Oceanic crust is thicker and less dense than continental crust.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What process drives the movement of tectonic plates?

<p>Mantle convection</p> Signup and view all the answers

At divergent boundaries, new crust forms due to __________ activity.

<p>volcanic</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each type of plate boundary with its correct description.

<p>Divergent = Plates move apart, new crust forms Convergent = Plates collide, crust consumed or compressed Transform = Plates slide horizontally past each other Subduction = Oceanic crust sinks due to higher density</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which item is considered indirect evidence for studying plate tectonics?

<p>Seismic wave refraction (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Positive feedback loops stabilize systems.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of feedback loops in ecological systems?

<p>To maintain balance and stability</p> Signup and view all the answers

The largest reservoir of nitrogen in the Earth’s atmosphere is __________.

<p>the atmosphere</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each biogeochemical cycle with its key characteristic.

<p>Hydrologic Cycle = Involves precipitation and groundwater flow Carbon Cycle = Includes atmospheric processes and fossil fuels Nitrogen Cycle = Largest reservoir is the atmosphere Phosphorus Cycle = No atmospheric component</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes an open system?

<p>Exchanges both energy and matter (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Gravitational force acts on new crust, causing it to slide away at convergent boundaries.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What major human activity impacts the nitrogen cycle?

<p>Fertilizer production</p> Signup and view all the answers

Beluga whales are considered __________ and act as indicators of ecosystem health.

<p>vulnerable</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the IPATS model stand for?

<p>Impact = Population × Affluence × Technology × Sensitivity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Sustainability Science focuses on advocating for change in environmental policies.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is biocapacity?

<p>Ecosystem capacity to absorb impacts and remain functional.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ______ is a proposed epoch that reflects unprecedented human-induced changes.

<p>Anthropocene</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the planetary boundaries that have been breached?

<p>Freshwater use (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following hypotheses about the origin of life with their descriptions:

<p>Heterotrophic Hypothesis = Life arose from inorganic chemicals in oceans. Panspermia Hypothesis = Microbes arrived via meteorites. Chemoautotrophic Hypothesis = Life originated at deep-sea hydrothermal vents.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Great Oxygen Event is linked to the activity of photosynthetic cyanobacteria.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main types of planets formed in the Solar System?

<p>Jovian planets and terrestrial planets.</p> Signup and view all the answers

____ changes and feedback loops complicate the understanding of natural systems.

<p>Interrelationships</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process is primarily responsible for driving the rock cycle?

<p>Plate tectonics (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Earth's early atmosphere consisted mainly of oxygen.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary impact of life on Earth's environmental systems?

<p>Chemically transformed Earth's atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ______-rich atmosphere is essential for sustaining life on Earth.

<p>N- and O-</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following rock types with their descriptions:

<p>Igneous = Formed from cooled magma. Sedimentary = Formed from compressed sediments. Metamorphic = Altered by heat or pressure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the major effects of climate change on ecosystems?

<p>Habitat loss (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What describes the fundamental niche of an organism?

<p>The range of conditions and resources the organism could theoretically use. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The realized niche considers only environmental constraints and ignores competition.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one example of mutualism.

<p>Pollinators and flowers</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a trophic level, ___________ are known as producers.

<p>autotrophs</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following species interactions with their definitions:

<p>Competition = Multiple species seek the same limited resources Commensalism = One species benefits while the other is unaffected Mutualism = Both species benefit from the relationship Amensalism = One species is harmed, the other is unaffected</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes energy transfer in trophic levels?

<p>Only 10% of energy typically moves to the next level. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Primary succession happens in areas where soil is already intact.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a keystone species?

<p>A species that has a disproportionately large impact on its community.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The process through which ecosystems recover from disturbances is called ___________.

<p>resilience</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of invasive species?

<p>They exhibit rapid population growth. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Amensalism is when both species benefit from the interaction.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do decomposers do in an ecosystem?

<p>They break down dead material.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Groundwater is a __________ resource that requires sustainable management.

<p>critical</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of succession with their characteristics:

<p>Primary Succession = Starts with bare substrate Secondary Succession = Occurs after partial disturbance</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is a hypothesis?

A testable and falsifiable explanation for observations. It proposes a possible answer to a scientific question.

What is a null hypothesis?

A type of hypothesis suggesting no effect or difference between groups being compared.

What is a research hypothesis?

A type of hypothesis suggesting an effect or difference between groups being compared.

What is a scientific theory?

A widely accepted explanation supported by a large body of evidence, often generated through the scientific method. It's a comprehensive explanation of a phenomenon.

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What is a scientific law?

A fundamental principle that describes a universal phenomenon, often expressed as a mathematical equation.

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What is peer review?

The process of evaluating scientific research by experts in the same field to ensure its quality, rigor, and relevance.

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What is Environmental Science?

The scientific study of how the environment functions, our interactions with it, and the mutual influence between humans and the natural world.

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What is Environmentalism?

The philosophical and social movement advocating for the protection and conservation of the natural environment.

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IPATS Model

A model that calculates environmental impact based on population, affluence, technology, and environmental sensitivity.

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Environmental Footprint

The biologically productive land and water area required to provide a population's resources and absorb its waste.

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Biocapacity

The capacity of an ecosystem to regenerate resources and absorb environmental impacts while maintaining functionality.

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Role of Science in Environmental Studies

The process of observing, monitoring, and analyzing environmental systems to understand their functions and impacts.

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Complexity of Natural Systems

The complex interrelationships and feedbacks within natural systems, making them difficult to predict and manage.

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Current Human Impacts on the Environment

The combined impact of human activities on the planet, including resource depletion, pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change.

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Planetary Boundaries

A framework outlining planetary boundaries for human activity to avoid pushing Earth's systems beyond their safe operating limits.

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Anthropocene Epoch

A proposed geological epoch characterized by significant human-induced changes to Earth's systems, including climate and biogeochemical cycles.

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Sustainability Science

The study of the interactions between human societies and natural systems, seeking to understand and achieve sustainable solutions.

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Sustainable Development

Meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

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Solar System Formation (Nebular Hypothesis)

The process of gravitational collapse of an interstellar molecular cloud, leading to the formation of the Sun and planets.

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Primitive Solar System Objects

Objects formed early in the solar system, providing evidence for its origin and age.

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Early Earth Atmosphere

The initial state of Earth's atmosphere, lacking free oxygen and with high levels of volcanic gases.

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Hydrosphere Development

The formation of oceans as water vapor condensed and solidified over time, creating a fundamental condition for life.

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Hypotheses on Life Origin

Hypotheses proposing different origins of life on Earth, including inorganic chemicals in oceans, extraterrestrial sources, and deep-sea hydrothermal vents.

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Evolution

The process of evolutionary change over generations within a population due to genetic variations and environmental pressures.

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Natural Selection

The idea that organisms with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive, reproduce, and pass on those advantageous traits.

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Mutation

Changes in DNA sequences that introduce new genetic variations into a population.

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Migration

The movement of individuals between populations, introducing new alleles and increasing genetic diversity.

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Genetic Drift

Random changes in allele frequencies within a population, especially significant in small populations, leading to a loss of genetic diversity.

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Adaptation

Traits that enhance an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.

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Sympatric Speciation

The process of speciation where populations evolve into distinct species in the same geographic location due to reproductive isolation.

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Allopatric Speciation

The process of speciation where populations evolve into distinct species due to physical separation, leading to independent adaptation.

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Adaptive Radiation

The rapid evolution of diverse species from a common ancestor, often driven by ecological opportunity, like on islands.

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Extinction

A natural process where species go extinct due to factors like environmental changes, competition, or catastrophic events.

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Nutrient pollution: What is it?

Excess nutrients, mainly from fertilizers, cause excessive algae growth, leading to oxygen depletion and harm to aquatic life.

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Pathogens and Waterborne Diseases: How are they linked?

Untreated sewage and wastewater introduce harmful bacteria and viruses into water, causing diseases.

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Toxic Chemicals: What are their impacts?

Industrial waste releases toxic substances into water, harming aquatic organisms and ecosystems.

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Sediment Pollution: How does it affect aquatic life?

Erosion from agriculture, construction, and mining leads to sediment buildup in waterways, suffocating aquatic life and reducing water clarity.

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Thermal Pollution: What are its consequences?

Release of heated water from power plants and factories changes water temperature, harming aquatic species and disrupting ecosystems.

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Natural Sources of Groundwater Pollution: What are some examples?

Naturally occurring substances like mercury, arsenic, and radon contaminate groundwater sources.

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Anthropogenic Sources of Groundwater Pollution: What are some examples?

Human activities such as waste disposal, agricultural runoff, and fracking contribute to groundwater contamination.

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Challenges of Groundwater Pollution: What makes it hard to address?

Groundwater pollution is challenging to detect and remediate due to its hidden nature and slow contaminant decay.

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Asthenosphere

The weak, ductile layer of the upper mantle that allows tectonic plates to move.

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Lithosphere

The rigid, brittle outer layer of Earth, consisting of the crust and the uppermost mantle. It's divided into tectonic plates.

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Oceanic Crust

The thinner, denser, and basaltic layer of Earth's crust that forms the ocean floor.

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Continental Crust

The thicker, less dense, and granitic layer of Earth's crust that forms the continents.

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Mantle Convection

The process where hot, less dense mantle material rises, while cooler, denser material sinks, driving plate movement.

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Divergent Boundary

A type of plate boundary where plates move apart, leading to the creation of new crust.

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Convergent Boundary

A type of plate boundary where plates collide, resulting in the destruction of old crust or compression.

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Subduction

A type of convergent boundary where denser oceanic crust sinks beneath lighter continental crust.

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Transform Boundary

A type of plate boundary characterized by horizontal sliding of plates, resulting in earthquakes.

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Systems Thinking

The concept that Earth is a dynamic system with interconnected parts that influence each other. This approach helps understand complex environmental issues.

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System

A defined portion of the universe that is studied under changing conditions, with inputs and outputs flowing constantly.

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Closed System

A system that exchanges energy but not matter with its surroundings.

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Open System

A system that exchanges both energy and matter with its surroundings.

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Positive Feedback

A feedback loop that amplifies change in a system, often leading to instability.

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Negative Feedback

A feedback loop that stabilizes a system by counteracting change, ensuring equilibrium.

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Fundamental Niche

The complete range of conditions and resources an organism could theoretically use in absence of competition or other limiting factors.

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Realized Niche

The actual conditions and resources used by an organism after accounting for competition, predators, and environmental constraints.

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Competition

Occurs when two species compete for the same limited resources, leading to adaptations like resource partitioning or character displacement.

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Commensalism

One species benefits while the other is unaffected.

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Amensalism

One species is harmed, the other is unaffected.

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Mutualism

Both species benefit, often through obligate (essential) or facultative (optional) relationships.

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Exploitative

One species benefits at the expense of another, including predation, parasitism, and herbivory.

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Trophic Levels

Distinct feeding levels within an ecosystem, representing energy flow.

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Producers

Organisms that create energy from sunlight or chemicals.

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Primary Consumers

Herbivores that eat producers.

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Secondary Consumers

Carnivores that eat herbivores.

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Tertiary Consumers

Top predators in the food chain.

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Decomposers/Detritivores

Organisms that break down dead material.

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Keystone Species

A species that has a disproportionate impact on its community, maintaining biodiversity and affecting multiple trophic levels.

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Invasive Species

Non-native organisms that can quickly grow, disrupt native communities, and have economic and ecological consequences.

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Anthropogenic Effects

Human-caused changes in ecosystems, including habitat fragmentation, altered species distributions, and modified ecosystem processes.

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Resilience

Species that are adapted to regular disturbances, making them resistant to change and allowing them to bounce back.

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Species Redundancy

Species that are important for community stability, ensuring the ecosystem recovers from disturbances.

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Recovery Mechanisms

Processes that help restore an ecosystem to its original state after disturbance.

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Succession

The process of ecological change, where species replace each other over time, starting with bare substrate (primary succession) or after partial disturbance (secondary succession).

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Biomes

Major life zones on Earth, characterized by climate patterns, dominant vegetation, and unique adaptations of species.

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Altitudinal Effects

Temperature decreases as elevation increases, creating distinct vegetation zones and affecting species distribution.

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Primary Succession

The process of ecological change, where species replace each other over time, starting with bare substrate after a major disturbance (volcano, glacier retreat).

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Secondary Succession

The process of ecological change, where species replace each other over time after a disturbance, like a forest fire or abandonment, where soil is still present.

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Primate Characteristics

A characteristic of primates that includes forward-facing eyes, opposable thumbs, and a diurnal lifestyle.

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Human Distinctive Features

A distinctive feature of humans, including a larger brain size and complex social behavior.

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Groundwater

The underground layer of water that is vital for human use but faces threats from over-withdrawal and pollution.

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Compensatory Wetland Mitigation

The process of creating or restoring wetlands to offset the loss of existing wetlands.

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Restoration and Mitigation Efforts

Activities that attempt to repair damage caused to ecosystems, such as restoring wetlands or removing dams.

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Point Sources

Pollutants released from discrete locations, such as factories, sewage outfalls, and mines.

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Non-Point Sources

Diffuse pollution from multiple cumulative inputs, such as atmospheric fallout or agricultural run-off.

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The Global Water Crisis

The growing global problem of water scarcity and pollution, impacting human health and ecosystems.

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Water Quality and Quantity

Water quality is as important as water quantity, and pollution can have severe consequences.

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Cuyahoga River Fire

A historic example of water pollution, highlighting the need for environmental protection.

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Dam Decommissioning

The process of removing a dam, often leading to ecological recovery.

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Lakes and Wetlands

The importance of protecting lakes and wetlands, which are vital ecosystems facing significant threats.

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Sustainable Groundwater Management

Protecting and managing groundwater requires sustainable practices to avoid depletion and contamination.

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Restoration Potential

The potential of restoration efforts to partially mitigate previous damage and protect future resources.

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Study Notes

Science Overview

  • Science aims to foster logical thinking and problem-solving.
  • Example: Measuring Earth's average surface temperature requires specific methods.
  • Science adapts to evidence, welcomes criticism, and uses peer review.
  • Pseudoscience avoids criticism, cherry-picks data, and lacks verification.
  • The scientific method involves observations, questions, hypotheses, predictions, tests, and results.
  • Assumptions include natural laws govern the universe and cause-effect relationships exist.
  • A hypothesis is a testable, falsifiable explanation for observations; types include null and research.
  • Science communication involves hypotheses leading to theories, then laws, supported by evidence.
  • Sustainability science faces challenges including language barriers, perception issues, process time frames, public mistrust, and explaining uncertainty.
  • Evidence-based decision-making uses reliable evidence to inform policies and distinguishes between scientific and action uncertainty.

Environmental Science

  • Environmental science is an interdisciplinary study of environments, human interactions, and mutual influences.
  • Key attributes are objectivity and interdisciplinarity.
  • An environment is defined by biotic and abiotic components, interactions, and human relationships (legal, cultural, and spiritual).
  • Environmental science is distinct from environmentalism; the latter can embrace pseudoscience.
  • Environmental science is supported by biology (life interactions, evolution, extinction), physics (matter/energy, planetary cycles), geology (Earth systems), geography (human impacts), and chemistry (materials interaction).
  • The IPATS model (Impact=Population × Affluence × Technology × Sensitivity) reflects resource use and environmental sensitivity.
  • Environmental footprint measures the biologically productive area needed for resources and waste.
  • Biocapacity is the ecosystem's capacity to absorb impacts and remain functional.
  • Science observes, monitors, understands processes, develops solutions, quantifies human impact, and assesses ecosystem resilience.
  • Global challenges include natural system complexity, current human impacts (resource exploitation, pollution, biodiversity loss, climate change), and positive potentials (restoration and sustainability).
  • The planetary boundaries framework limits safe human activity, including breached boundaries like climate change, nitrogen cycle, and biodiversity loss.
  • Other concerns encompass ocean acidification, freshwater use, and land/pollution changes.
  • The Anthropocene epoch proposes an epoch reflecting human-induced changes.

Solar System Formation

  • The solar system formed ~4.6 billion years ago through the gravitational collapse of an interstellar molecular cloud.
  • Evidence includes stellar evolution models and dating of primitive solar system objects(e.g., meteorites).
  • The stages involve a solar nebula (gas/dust), collapse (triggered by events), sun formation, planet formation, and planetary differentiation (forming layers).
  • Jovian planets are large and gaseous/icy; terrestrial planets are small and rocky/metallic.
  • The Sun's future involves hydrogen conversion to helium and eventual death.

Evolution of Earth's Systems

  • Early Earth conditions had no free oxygen, an atmosphere of H, He, and volcanic gases, and surfaces bombarded by meteorites.
  • Hydrosphere development involved water and its unique properties: polarity, wide liquid range, high heat capacity for chemical transport. Ice floating is crucial for supporting ecosystems.
  • Early atmosphere was initially hot and dense; gradual cooling led to liquid water which allowed for cyclical processes.
  • Hypotheses for life origin include heterotrophic (from inorganic chemicals in oceans), panspermia (via meteorites), and chemoautotrophic (at deep-sea vents).
  • Early fossil records show single-cell bacteria and, later, multicellular life. Mass extinction events have wiped out 99% of species.
  • Biogeochemical cycles highlight early life (chemosynthetic bacteria, photosynthetic cyanobacteria), the great oxygen event (increased oxygen and reduced CO2), banded iron formations (indicators of atmospheric changes), and carbon sequestration (stabilizing CO2).

Goldilocks Factors for Life

  • Earth's qualities for life include chemical composition (N and O-rich atmosphere), water availability (solid, liquid, vapor states), and dynamic systems (lithosphere, weather, ecosphere, biosphere).
  • Life chemically transformed Earth's systems.

Cycles on Earth

  • The rock cycle involves heating, melting, cooling, breaking rocks and reassembling them, driven by plate tectonics and surface/internal processes. Three major rock types are igneous (fire-originated magma), sedimentary (compressed sediments), and metamorphic (altered by heat and pressure).
  • Geological cycles interrelate rock, tectonic, and hydrological cycles, influencing landscapes and affecting soil chemistry, nutrients, and climate distribution.

Plate Tectonics

  • Earth's interior is layered: mantle (silicate rock), asthenosphere (ductile upper mantle), and lithosphere (solid, brittle outer shell). Plates are sections of lithosphere.
  • Plate movements result from mantle convection (hot rising, cool sinking), mantle drag, ridge push, and slab pull.
  • Plate boundaries (divergent, convergent, transform/strike-slip) result in geological activity.
  • Direct (rocks, samples, lava, xenoliths) and indirect (seismic waves, gravity/magnetism) evidence supports plate tectonic theory.

Systems Approach in Environmental Science

  • Environmental science is best addressed through understanding systems; A system is a portion of the universe with inputs, outputs, and constant changes.
  • Systems vary in scale and are dynamic, with constant inputs and outputs.
  • A systems approach acknowledges interconnectedness within ecosystems and human-modified environments.
  • Box models represent energy/matter transfer.
  • Ecosystems have nested hierarchies and emergent properties, and resilience is essential for ecosystem stability.
  • Human impacts alter reservoirs, fluxes, and natural cycles.

Evolution

  • Evolution occurs over long periods, affecting populations over generations.
  • Key concepts include descent with modification and natural selection.
  • Genetics connects traits to genes and variations (alleles).
  • Mechanisms of evolution include migration, genetic drift, mutation, and natural selection.
  • Adaptation is a trait aiding survival and reproduction, resulting only from natural selection.
  • Artificial selection mimics natural selection, and convergent evolution sees unrelated species evolve similar traits due to similar environments.
  • Speciation happens due to reproductive isolation (sympatric) or geographic isolation (allopatric).
  • Adaptive radiation is rapid speciation following environmental change, common in isolated areas like islands.
  • Extinction is a natural process, but human activities raise extinction rates.

Population Ecology

  • Populations interact with their environment, affecting dynamics due to density impacts.
  • Populations exhibit spatial and temporal patterns.
  • Age and sex dynamics are significant to understand population resilience.
  • Life history patterns (survivorship types) and the r-K continuum (rapid vs. slow growth) are important.
  • Population growth (exponential vs. logistic) and growth limits (density-dependent, independent) are key concepts.

Ecological Niche Concepts

  • Ecological niche is the full range of conditions an organism needs.
  • Fundamental niche is theoretical ideal conditions while realized niche is the practical, limited niche due to competition and constraints.

Species Interactions

  • Species interactions shape community structure and evolution, including competition, commensalism, amensalism, mutualism, and exploitative interactions (predation, parasitism, herbivory).

Trophic Relationships

  • Energy moves through ecosystems in trophic levels: producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers, tertiary consumers, and decomposers.
  • Energy transfer is inefficient (only 10% to the next level).
  • Biomass patterns are pyramidal, potentially inversed in aquatic ecosystems.

Community Dynamics

  • Community disturbances show responses in resistance (maintaining structure) and resilience (recovering).
  • Succession (primary and secondary) shows how communities develop over time.
  • Biomes are major communities with climate, vegetation, and species distribution shaped by altitude and latitude.
  • Keystone species, invasive species, and human impacts (habitat fragmentation, altered processes) significantly impact community dynamics.

Human Evolution and Environmental Impact

  • Primates share characteristics like arboreal lifestyle and sociality.
  • Humans stand out with larger brains.
  • Human activities impact both water quality and quantity, e.g., pollution and scarcity.

The Global Water Crisis

  • Water quality and quantity issues are crucial, impacting both surface and groundwater.
  • Pollution sources include point sources (discrete) and non-point sources (diffuse).
  • Types of surface water pollution include nutrient pollution, pathogens, toxic chemicals, and sediment.
  • Groundwater pollution sources are natural (mercury, arsenic) and anthropogenic (landfills, runoff, leaks).
  • Water scarcity types are physical (ecological) and economic (infrastructural).
  • Human consumption patterns are large in agriculture and industry.

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Description

Test your knowledge on key concepts in environmental science, including the scientific method, pollution sources, and sustainability challenges. This quiz covers various aspects of environmental issues and encourages logical thinking. Dive in to understand more about the interactions between humans and the environment.

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