With Flying Colours 11 Unit 2: The Environment

Study Notes

Environmental Terminology

Fossil Fuels: Energy sources derived from biological materials found underground, such as coal, oil, and natural gas.
Exhaust Fumes: Gaseous waste emitted from engines, contributing to air pollution.
Emission: The process where toxic gases are released into the atmosphere, impacting air quality.
Ozone Depletion: The breakdown of the ozone layer, which protects Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
Overconsumption: The excessive consumption of goods and services, leading to resource depletion and environmental strain.
Overpopulation: A condition where the human population surpasses the environment’s carrying capacity, causing negative effects like resource scarcity.

Atmospheric and Climate Concepts

Oxygen (O2): Essential gas for life, produced mainly by plants through photosynthesis.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2): A greenhouse gas released through human activities like burning fossil fuels, contributing to global warming.
Greenhouse Effect: A natural process where certain gases trap heat in the atmosphere, maintaining Earth’s temperature.
Global Warming: The long-term increase in Earth's average temperature due to rising greenhouse gas emissions.

Environmental Issues and Solutions

Contamination: The introduction of harmful chemicals into natural resources such as water and soil, endangering ecosystems and human health.
Bio-degradable: Materials that can naturally decompose through biological processes, reducing landfill waste.
Renewable Energy: Energy gathered from resources that are replenished naturally, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, aiming for sustainable energy use.
Herbicide: Chemicals used to eliminate unwanted or invasive plant species in agriculture, affecting biodiversity.
Deforestation: The clearing of forests for agriculture, urban development, or mining, leading to habitat loss and climate change.
Pollution: The introduction of harmful substances into the environment, including air, water, and soil pollution, causing ecological damage.
Endangered Species: Organisms at risk of extinction due to factors like habitat destruction, climate change, and overexploitation.

Description

This quiz features flashcards on key terms related to environmental science, including fossil fuels, exhaust fumes, and ozone depletion. Enhance your understanding of these critical concepts and their impact on the environment. Perfect for students studying Unit 2 of the With Flying Colours 11 curriculum.