Human Consumption of Natural Resources

Front

What is runoff?

Back

The portion of water that flows across the surface that does not soak into the ground and runs into water bodies.

Front

What type of pollution is caused by a ship spilling gasoline on shore?

Back

Point source pollution.

Front

What is sustainability in the context of natural resources?

Back

Using resources at a rate that ensures those resources will be available for future generations.

Front

What is a nonrenewable resource?

Back

A resource that forms much more slowly than it is consumed.

Front

Which material's recycling would reduce the largest portion of America’s trash?

Back

Paper.

Front

What is ecological footprint?

Back

A measure of the demand placed on Earth's resources by individuals or communities.

Front

Define biocapacity.

Back

The capacity of an ecosystem to produce biological materials and absorb waste generated by humans.

Front

What is the difference between renewable and nonrenewable resources?

Back

Renewable resources can be replenished naturally at a rate equal to or faster than their consumption, while nonrenewable resources cannot.

Front

What is an example of a renewable resource?

Back

Solar energy.

Front

What does ecological deficit mean?

Back

When the demand on an ecosystem exceeds its capacity to regenerate resources.