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APES 1st Semester Review Flashcards

Vocab from chapters 3-12, 15-16 of Living in the Environment 15th edition

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5704279666tragedy of the commonsThe depletion of the world's marine fish stocks due to overfishing is a classic example of _____.0
5704279671EvergladesThe largest wetlands restoration project in the US is in the _____.1
5704279672US Army Corps of EngineersThe _____ is responsible for undoing the development of the Everglades that the same agency has done since the 1940s.2
5704279674Columbia RiverThe worlds largest hydroelectric power system is located on the _____.3
5704279675Zebra mussel_____ was introduced into the Great Lakes and has now spread through most of the major river systems in central and eastern U.S.4
5704279676national wild and scenic rivers actUnder _____ protection can be offered to rivers and river segments with cultural and historic value, wildlife and scenic value, and recreational value.5
5704279677biodiversitythe genetic, species, and ecological diversity of the organisms in a given area6
5704279678biodiversity hot spotsAreas with exceptionally high numbers of endemic species7
5704279679endangered speciesA species considered to be in imminent danger of extinction8
5704279680intrinsic valueValue of an organism, species, ecosystem, or the earth's biodiversity based on its existence, regardless of whether it has any usefulness to us.9
5704279681extinctionThe irrevocable elimination of species; can be a normal process of the natural world as species out-compete and kill off others or as environmental conditions change10
5704279682habitat conservation planAgreements under which property owners are allowed to harvest resources or develop land as long as habitat is conserved or replaced in ways that benefit resident endangered or threatened species in the long run. Some incidental "taking" or loss of endangered species is generally allowed in such plans11
5704279683invasive speciesOrganisms that thrive in new territory where they are free of predators, diseases, or resource limitations that may have controlled their population in their native habitat12
5704279684threatened speciesWhile still abundant in parts of its territorial range, this species has declined significantly in total numbers and may be on the verge of extinction in certain regions or localities13
5704279685vulnerable speciesNaturally rare organisms or species whose numbers have been reduced by human activities that they are susceptible to actions that could push them into threatened or endangered status14
5704279686crude oilthe form petroleum takes when in the ground15
5704279687energythe capacity to work16
5704279688fissiona nuclear reaction in which an atomic nucleus, especially a heavy nucleus such as an isotope of uranium, splits into fragments, usually two fragments of com¬parable mass, releasing from 100 million to several hundred million electron volts of energy.17
5704279689fossil fuela hydrocarbon deposit, such as petroleum, coal, or natural gas, derived from living matter of a previous geologic time and used for fuel.18
5704279690First Law of Thermodynamicssays that energy can neither be created nor destroyed; it can only be transferred and transformed.19
5704279691fly asha waste product produced by the burning of coal.20
5704279692half lifethe amount of time it takes for half of a radioactive sample to disappear.21
5704279693fusionthe process of fusing two nuclei.22
5704279694overburdenthe rocks and Earth that is removed when mining for a commercially valuable mineral resource.23
5704279695petroleuma hydrocarbon that forms as sediments are buried and pressurized.24
5704279696scrubbersdevices containing alkaline substances that precipitate out much of the sulfur dioxide from industrial plants.25
5704279697Second Law of Thermodynamicswhen energy is changed from one form to another, some useful energy is always degraded into lower quality energy (usually heat)26
5704279698strip mininginvolves the removal of the Earth's surface all the way down to the level of the mineral seam.27
5704279699underground mininginvolves the sinking of shafts to reach underground deposoits. In this type of mining, networks of tunnels are dug or blasted and humans enter these tunnels in order to manually retrieve the coal.28
5704279700Surface miningremoving shallow deposits such as nonfuel mineral and rock resources and 60% of U.S. coal29
5704279701Open-pit miningis used to create large pits to extract iron, copper, sand, gravel, and stone30
5704279702Strip miningused for extracting mineral deposits that lie close to the earth's surface in large horizontal beds31
5704279703Contour strip miningused on mountainous terrain; Terraces cut into the sides of hills; highwalls32
5704279704Orethe material that is extracted from the ground33
5704279706Tailingssolid waste left over from ore mineral removal34
5704279707Smeltingthe process of heating ores to remove metals35
5704279709Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Actrequires mining companies to restore most surface-mined land by grading and replanting it36
5704279710Net energythe amount of high-quality energy that is available to be used from a resource after subtracting the energy needed to make it usable37
5704279711Crude oila thick liquid hydrocarbon that is extracted from underground deposits and separated into a wide variety of products38
5704279712Hydrocarbonsmade of long chains of carbon atoms bonded together and also bonded to hydrogen, as well as smaller amounts of sulfur, oxygen, and nitrogen39
5704279713Peak productionpasses when the pressure starts to decline and more and more energy is expended to get oil to the surface (Generally only 35-50% of oil is retrieved from any particular well)40
5704279714Natural gasis a mixture of gases, with a majority of methane (CH4)41
5704279715Conventional natural gasfound above most reservoirs of crude oil42
5704279716PeatPartially decayed plant matter in swamps and bogs, low heat content43
5704279717Lignitebrown coal; coal with a low heat content; low sulfur content; limited supplies in most areas44
5704279718Bituminoussoft coal; Coal that is extensively used as a fuel because of its high heat content and large supplies; normally has a high sulfur content45
5704279719Anthracitehard coal; highly desirable fuel because of its high heat content and low sulfur content; supplies are limited in most areas46
5704279720Coal gasificationthe process behind the concept of "clean coal," and is designed to remove carbon dioxide from the emissions produced by burning coal and turn coal into liquid gas fuel47
5704279723BiomesA broad, regional type of ecosystem characterized by distinctive climate and soil conditions and a distinctive kind of biological community adapted to those conditions.48
5704279724BogsAn area of waterlogged soil that tends to be peaty; fed mainly by precipitation; low productivity; some are acidic.49
5704279725Boreal ForrestA broad band of mixed coniferous and deciduous trees that stretches across northern North America (and also Europe and Asia); its northernmost edge, the taiga, intergrades with the arctic tundra,50
5704279726ChaparralThick, dense, thorny evergreen scrub found in Mediterranean climates.51
5704279727Cloud ForestHigh mountain forests where temperatures are uniformally cool and fog or mist keeps vegetation wet all the time.52
5704279728ConiferNeedle-bearing trees that produce seeds in cones.53
5704279729Coral ReefsProminent oceanic features composed of hard, limy skeletons produced by coral animals; usually formed along edges of shallow, submerged ocean banks or along shelves in warm, shallow, tropical seas.54
5704279730DeciduousTrees and shrubs that shed their leaves at the end of the growing season.55
5704279731DesertsA type of biome characterized by low moisture levels and infrequent and unpredictable precipitation. Daily and seasonal temperatures fluctuate widely.56
5704279732EstuariesA bay or drowned valley where a river empties into the sea.57
5704279733GrasslandsA biome dominated by grasses and associated herbaceous plants.58
5704279734MangrovesTrees from a number of genera that live in salt water.59
5704279735MarshesWetland without trees; in North America, this type of land is characterized by cattails and rushes.60
5704279736ReefsA ridge of rocks or sand, often of coral debris, at or near the surface of the water.61
5704279737SwampsWetland with trees.62
5704279738TaigaThe northernmost edge of the boreal forest, including species-poor woodland and peat deposits; intergrading with the arctic tundra.63
5704279739Temperate RainforestThe cool, dense rainy forest of the northern Pacific coast; enshrouded in fog much of the time; dominated by large conifers.64
5704279740Tropical RainforestForests in which rainfall is abundant- more than 00 cm (80 in.) per year- and temperatures are warm to hot year-round.65
5704279741TundraTreeless arctic or alpine biome characterized by cold, harsh winters, a short growing season, and potential for frost any month of the year; vegetation includes low-growing perennial plants, mosses, and lichens.66
5704279742WetlandsEcosystems of several types in which rooted vegetation is surrounded by standing water during part of the year.67
5704279743Abioticnon-living68
5704279744bioticpertaining to life; environmental factors created by living organisms69
5704279745biotic potentialThe maximum reproductive rate of an organism when given unlimited resources and ideal environmental conditions.70
5704279746carrying capacitythe maximum number of individuals of any species that can be supported by a particular ecosystem on a long term basis71
5704279747demographic bottlenecka population founded when just a few members of a species survive a catastrophic event or create a new habitat geographically isolated from other members of the same species72
5704279748diebacka sudden decline in population73
5704279749emigrationthe movement of members from a given population74
5704279750environmental resistanceall the limiting factors that tend to reduce population growth rates, set the maximum allowable population growth rates and set the maximum allowable population size or carrying capacity of an ecosystem75
5704279751exponential growthgrowth at a constant rate of increase per unit of time; can be expressed as a constant fraction or exponent76
5704279752fecunditythe actual physical ability to reproduce77
5704279753fertilitymeasurement of actual number of offspring produced through sexual reproduction: usually described in terms of number of offspring of females, since paternity can be difficult to determine78
5704279754founder effectthe effect on a population founded when just a few members of a species survive a catastrophic event or when they create a new habitat geographically isolated from other members of the same species79
5704279755genetic driftthe gradual changes in gene frequencies in a population due to random events80
5704279756irruptive growtha population explosion followed by a population crash81
5704279757island biogeographythe study of rates of colonization and extinction of species on islands or other isolated areas based on size, shape, and distance from other inhabited regions82
5704279769AdaptationAny genetically controlled structural, physiological, or behavioral characteristic that helps an organism survive and reproduce under a given set of environmental conditions. It usually results from a beneficial mutation.83
5704279770adaptive radiationProcess in which numerous new species evolve to fill vacant and new ecological niches in changed environments, usually after a mass extinction. Typically, this takes millions of years.84
5704279771artificial selectionProcess by which humans select one or more desirable genetic traits in the population of a plant or animal species and then use selective breeding to produce populations containing many individuals with the desired traits. Compare genetic engineering, natural selection.85
5704279772background extinctionNormal extinction of various species as a result of changes in local environmental conditions. Compare mass depletion, mass extinction.86
5704279773Biological evolutionChange in the genetic makeup of a population of a species in successive generations. If continued long enough, it can lead to the formation of a new species. Note that populations not individuals evolve. See also adaptation, differential reproduction, natural selection, theory of evolution.87
5704279775chemical evolutionFormation of the earth and its early crust and atmosphere, evolution of the biological molecules necessary for life, and evolution of systems of chemical reactions needed to produce the first living cells. These processes are believed to have occurred about 1 billion years before biological evolution. Compare biological evolution.88
5704279776coevolutionEvolution in which two or more species interact and exert selective pressures on each other that can lead each species to undergo various adaptations. See evolution, natural selection.89
5704279778domesticated speciesWild species tamed or genetically altered by crossbreeding for use by humans for food (cattle, sheep, and food crops), pets (dogs and cats), or enjoyment (animals in zoos and plants in gardens). Compare wild species.90
5704279779ecological nicheTotal way of life or role of a species in an ecosystem. It includes all physical, chemical, and biological conditions a species needs to live and reproduce in an ecosystem. See fundamental niche, realized niche.91
5704279780endemic speciesSpecies that is found in only one area. Such species are especially vulnerable to extinction.92
5704279781extinctionComplete disappearance of a species from the earth. This happens when a species cannot adapt and successfully reproduce under new environmental conditions or when it evolves into one or more new species. Compare speciation. See also endangered species, mass depletion, mass extinction, threatened species.93
5704279782fossilsSkeletons, bones, shells, body parts, leaves, seeds, or impressions of such items that provide recognizable evidence of organisms that lived long ago.94
5704279783fundamental nicheThe full potential range of the physical, chemical, and biological factors a species can use if there is no competition from other species. See ecological niche. Compare realized niche.95
5704279784gene poolThe sum total of all genes found in the individuals of the population of a particular species.96
5704279785generalist speciesSpecies with a broad ecological niche. They can live in many different places, eat a variety of foods, and tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions. Examples are flies, cockroaches, mice, rats, and human beings. Compare specialist species.97
5704279786genetic adaptationChanges in the genetic makeup of organisms of a species that allow the species to reproduce and gain a competitive advantage under changed environmental conditions. See differential reproduction, evolution, mutation, natural selection.98
5704279787genetic engineeringInsertion of an alien gene into an organism to give it a beneficial genetic trait. Compare artificial selection, natural selection.99
5704279788geographic isolationSeparation of populations of a species for long times into different areas.100
5704279789invertebratesAnimals that have no backbones.101
5704279790macroevoluionLong-term, large-scale evolutionary changes among groups of species. Compare microevolution.102
5704279791mass depletionWidespread, often global period during which extinction rates are higher than normal but not high enough to classify as a mass extinction. Compare background extinction, mass extinction.103
5704279792mass extinctionA catastrophic, widespread, often global event in which major groups of species are wiped out over a short time compared with normal (background) extinctions. Compare background extinction, mass depletion.104
5704279793microevolutionThe small genetic changes a population undergoes. Compare macroevolution.105
5704279794mutationRandom change in DNA molecules making up genes that can alter anatomy, physiology, or behavior in offspring. See mutagen.106
5704279795natural selectionProcess by which a particular beneficial gene (or set of genes) is reproduced in succeeding generations more than other genes. The result of natural selection is a population that contains a greater proportion of organisms better adapted to certain environmental conditions. See adaptation, biological evolution, differential reproduction, mutation.107
5704279796realized nicheParts of the fundamental niche of a species that are actually used by that species. See ecological niche, fundamental niche.108
5704279797reproductive isolationLong-term geographic separation of members of a particular sexually reproducing species.109
5704279798specialist speciesSpecies with a narrow ecological niche. They may be able to live in only one type of habitat, tolerate only a narrow range of climatic and other environmental conditions, or use only one type or a few types of food. Compare generalist species.110
5704279799speciationFormation of two species from one species because of divergent natural selection in response to changes in environmental conditions; usually takes thousands of years. Compare extinction.111
5704279800subpopulationIndividuals of a species that live in a habitat patch.112
5704279801theory of evolutionWidely accepted scientific idea that all life forms developed from earlier life forms.113
5704279802vertebratesAnimals that have backbones.114
5704279803adaptive traitany heritable trait that enables an organism to survive through natural selections and reproduce better under prevailing environmental conditions115
5704279806biospherezone of earth where life is found, abiotic and biotic factors116
5704279807ecosystemscommunities with different species interacting with each other and the environment117
5704279808communitiespopulations of different species occupying an area118
5704279809populationsa group of the same species occupying a specific region119
5704279810organismsany form of life- cells (prokaryotic and eukaryotic)120
5704279811speciessame appearance, chemical and genetic composition, able to reproduce121
5704279812range of tolerancethe extent to which an organism can handle a specific factor in a ecosystem122
5704279813limiting factorabiotic factors that limit an organisms ability to survive in an area according to their range of tolerance and genetic makeup123
5704279814Hhabitat destruction and degradation-(deforestation, land development)124
5704279815IInvasive species- deliberately or accidentally take away from the natives125
5704279816PPopulation growth- crowds out wildlife and degrades their lives126
5704279817PPollution-putting nondegradeable materials into the environment, chemicals into the waters, burning fossil fuels, leads to climate change127
57042798180Overexploitation- overhunting of species and overconsumption of resources that the wildlife needs128
5704279819functional diversitybiological and chemical processes such as energy flow and mater recycling needed for the SURVIVAL of ORGANISMS (species, communities, and ecosystems)129
5704279820ecological diversityvariety of terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems found in an area of the earth130
5704279821genetic diversityvariety of genetic material within a species or population131
5704279822species diversitynumber of species present in different habitats132
5704279823biogeochmical cyclenutrients cycling in a continuous flow in various forms from the environment to organisms and back to the environment133
5704279824nutrientschemicals and compounds134
5704279825water cycleevaporation + transpiration-->condensation-->precipitation->infiltration+peroculation-->ground water movement+surface runoff-->evaporation + transpiration135
5704279826nitrogen cyclenitrogen fixation-->ammonification-->nitrification + nitrifying bacteria-->assimilation-->nitrification-->nitrifying bacteria-->denitrifying bacteria-->nitrogen fixation136
5704279827soilmixture of decomposed organic matter, organic matter, inorganic minerals (rocks, sand, clay, insects), water and air137
5704279828weatheringwhen solid rock is decomposed then moved as sediment138
5704279829erosionthe process by which the surface of the earth is worn away139
5704279830humusfertile soil. partially decomposed bodies of dead plants and animals that the topsoil (a horizon) is a porous mixture of.140
5704279831soil texturedetermined by the amounts, size, and texture of sand, clay, and silt particles141
5704279832porositythe volume of all open spaces between the solid grains of soil142
5704279833permeabilitythe property of the soil pore system that allows fluid to flow143
5704279834o horizonsurface litter layer- forest litter leaf mold144
5704279835a horizontopsoil layer- humus-minteral mixture145
5704279836b horizonsubsoil- light grayish brown, silt loam146
5704279837c horizonparent material- dark brown firm clay147
5704279851eutrophic lakeLake with a large or excessive supply of plant nutrients, mostly nitrates and phosphates.148
5704279864runoffFresh water from precipitation and melting ice that flows on the earth's surface into nearby streams, lakes, wetlands, and reservoirs.149
5704279865streamFlowing body of surface water. Examples are creeks and rivers.150
5704279866surface waterPrecipitation that does not infiltrate the ground or return to the atmosphere by evaporation or transpiration.151
5704279867thermoclineZone of gradual temperature decrease between warm surface water and colder deep water in a lake, reservoir, or ocean.152
5704279868transpirationProcess in which water is absorbed by the root systems of plants, moves up through the plants, passes through pores (stomata) in their leaves or other parts, and evaporates into the atmosphere as water vapor.153
5704279870watershedLand area that delivers water, sediment, and dissolved substances via small streams to a major stream (river).154
5704279871zooplanktonAnimal plankton. Small floating herbivores that feed on plant plankton (phytoplankton).155
5704279872old-growth forestan uncut or regenerated primary forest that has not been seriously disturbed by human activities or natural disasters for 200 years or more156
5704279873second-growth foresta stand of trees resulting from secondary ecological succession157
5704279874tree plantationsmanaged tracts with uniformly aged trees of one or two genetically uniform species that usually are harvested by clear-cutting as soon as they become commercially valuable158
5704279875selective cuttingmature trees in an uneven-aged area are cut down separately159
5704279876clear-cuttingloggers remove all the trees from an area160
5704279877strip cuttingclear-cutting a strip of trees along the contour of land within a corridor narrow enough to allow natural regeneration161
5704279880deforestationthe temporary or permanent removal of large expanses of forest for agriculture, settlements, or other uses162
5704279883grasslandsprovide soil formation, erosion control, nutrient cycling, storage of atmospheric Co2 in biomass, and maintenance of biodiversity163
5704279884rangelandsunfenced grasslands in temperate and tropical climates that supply vegetation for grazing or browsing animals164
5704279885pasturesmanaged grasslands or enclosed meadows usually planted with domesticated grasses or other forage165
5704279886overgrazingoccurs when too many animals graze for too long and exceed the carrying capacity of a rangeland area; reduces grass cover, exposes the soil to erosion by water166
5704279887undergrazingabsence of grazing for long periods can reduce the NPP of grassland vegetation167
5704279888rotational grazingcattle are confined by portable fencing to one area for a short time and then moved to a new location168
5704279889riparian zonesespecially thin strips of lush vegetation along streams or rivers169
5704279895Wilderness Actallows the government to protect undeveloped tracts of public land from development170
5704279897ecological restorationreturning a particular degraded habitat to a condition as similar as possible to its natural state171
5704279898rehabilitationturning a degraded ecosystem into a functional ecosystem without trying to restore it to its original state172
5704279899replacementreplacing a degraded ecosystem with another type of ecosystem173
5704279900reconciliation ecologyworking together, compromising, finding ways to share land; inventing, establishing and maintaining new habitats to conserve species diversity in places where people live, work, or play174
5704279901native specieslive and thrive in a particular community.175
5704279902nonnative speciesmigrate to/are deliberately or accidentally introduced into a community.176
5704279903indicator specieswarn us of damage to a community or ecosystem177
5704279904keystone specieshelp main the structure of/play a critical role in sustaining other communities178
5704279905mutualismwhen 2 species interact in a way that they both benefit.179
5704279906commensualisman interaction that benefits one species but has little/no effect on the other.180
5704279907parasitismwhen a parasite feeds on part of the host (usually by living on or inside of them). Promotes biodiversity and controls population by keeping one species from being too plentiful that they eliminate other species181
5704279908interspecific competitionthe ability of one species to become most efficient in acquiring resources leading another species to 1)migrate and therefore change its feeding habits through natural selection or 2) population decline or 3) extinction in that area.182
5704279909ecological successionthe biological change in communities over time due to changing environmental conditions183
5704279910primary successionthe gradual establishment of various biotic communities in lifeless areas184
5704279911secondary successionthe establishment of various communities in places that contain soil or bottom sentiment, life was there prior185
5704279912facilitationwhen the species of a community modifies/changes the environment by creating beneficial conditions for another species to move in186
5704279913disturbancenatural (earth quakes, plate tectonics, climate change) and human made environmental changes that leads ecosystems to readjust theirselves187
5704279914ecological sustainabilitysustainable environments have greater biodiversity. the ability of the earth's various systems to survive and adapt to changing environmental conditions.188
5704279915ecological stabilitywhen an ecosystem adapts/changes in order to survive changing environmental conditions189
5704279918resilienceability to recover after a disturbance190
5704279919CITESagreement to ban/limit trade in endangered species191

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