Unit 1 - Intro to Environmental Science

Front

What is the definition of 'Environment'?

Back

The environment is made up of all the living and nonliving things with which an organism interacts.

Front

What is an ecological footprint?

Back

An ecological footprint measures the environmental impact of an individual or population, expressed as the amount of land and water area required to produce the resources consumed and to absorb the waste generated.

Front

Which country is likely to have a higher ecological footprint, and why?

Back

Country 'A' is expected to have a higher ecological footprint due to higher consumption rates and resource use.

Front

What are some short-term problems that can arise from overpopulation?

Back

Short-term problems include overpopulation, deforestation, poverty, and disease.

Front

What does the term 'Tragedy of the Commons' refer to?

Back

The Tragedy of the Commons refers to a situation where individuals, acting in their own self-interest, deplete shared resources, leading to negative consequences for the whole community.

Front

Give an example of the Tragedy of the Commons.

Back

Various nations overfishing in international waters, leading to a collapse of fish stocks.

Front

What is the primary focus of environmental science?

Back

Environmental science focuses on understanding how the natural world works, how our environment affects us, and how we affect our environment.

Front

What is the significance of greenhouse gas production in environmental science?

Back

While greenhouse gas production is important, environmental science primarily focuses on broader interactions and impacts rather than just quantifying emissions.

Front

What are the components of an ecosystem?

Back

An ecosystem consists of living organisms (biotic factors) and nonliving elements (abiotic factors) interacting in a specific environment.

Front

How does deforestation impact the environment?

Back

Deforestation leads to loss of biodiversity, disruption of water cycles, and contributes to climate change by increasing carbon dioxide levels.