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Ecology Flashcards
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Ecology Flashcards
Ecology Flashcards
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1
Question
Strength of models
Answer
Illustrate complex concepts and formulate hypotheses; Bring out patterns; Simplified and easy to understand; Can study things too small or too large
2
Question
Weakness of models
Answer
Lack detail; Inaccurate predictions; No figures on the models gives a false impression; Over-simplified; Misunderstanding how largesmall is it in real life?; Assumptions; Different interpretations depend on individual
3
Question
1st law of thermodynamics
Answer
Energy can neither be created nor destroyed
4
Question
2nd law of thermodynamics
Answer
The entropy of a system increases over time
5
Question
Entropy
Answer
The increase in disorder and randomness in a system
6
Question
Negative feedback
Answer
Reverses the change and returns the system to the original state of equilibrium (Predator-prey relationship)
7
Question
Positive feedback
Answer
The change is in the same direction, and the change is amplified (albedo effect) - Reaches tipping point pushes to a new state of equilibrium
8
Question
Static equilibrium
Answer
No inputs or outputs
9
Question
Stable static equilibrium
Answer
Returns to the original equilibrium after disturbance
10
Question
Unstable static equilibrium
Answer
Creates a new equilibrium after disturbance
11
Question
Steady-state equilibrium
Answer
Stable system due to the constant inflow and outflow - Small changes in part of the system will be countered by negative feedback
12
Question
Stability
Answer
The ability of an ecosystem to remain in balance - Resistance self-regulating during a disturbance - Resilience self-regulating after a disturbance
13
Question
Natural resources
Answer
Things that are found in nature that are of value to humans in some way - Renewable and non-renewable
14
Question
Natural capital
Answer
Natural resources that produce sustainable natural income of goods and services - the global stock of natural resources that can be used for the long-term supply of goods and services
15
Question
Natural income
Answer
The annual yield of resources - sustainable natural income the income that can be taken without reducing the capital - Extraction can not be bigger than the replenishment; Services natural processes
16
Question
Sustainability
Answer
The management of the exploitation of resources that allows for the replacement of the resources
17
Question
What is Ecological Footprint (EF)?
Answer
The amount of land and water required to support a human population at a given standard of living.
18
Question
What are some Sustainable indicators?
Answer
Air quality, life expectancy, poverty, gender parity.
19
Question
What is Sustainable development?
Answer
Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations.
20
Question
What are the steps of Environmental impact assessment (EIA)?
Answer
Scoping, baseline study, predicting and assessing influences, mitigation, environmental statement.
21
Question
What is Environmental impact assessment (EIA)?
Answer
A formal process that is put into action before something major can be changed a project.
22
Question
What is Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA)?
Answer
Research on how the earth changed over time
23
Question
What is Pollution?
Answer
Addition of substances into the natural environment at a rate that is greater than that at which they can be rendered harmless and which causes adverse changes.
24
Question
What is Point source pollution?
Answer
A single identifiable source of pollution.
25
Question
What is Non-point source pollution?
Answer
Pollution from diffuse sources
26
Question
What are Biodegradable pollutants?
Answer
Substances that will break or decompose.
27
Question
What is Acute pollution?
Answer
Occurs suddenly and in large quantities over a short period of time.
28
Question
What is Chronic pollution?
Answer
Persistent long-term release of a pollutant at low concentrations
29
Question
What are Primary pollutants?
Answer
Released into the environment directly from a source in the form they are produced.
30
Question
What are Secondary pollutants?
Answer
When primary pollutants react with the environment and other pollutants.