Ecology Unit 6 Practice Flashcard

Front

What is the primary reason most of the freshwater on Earth is unusable?

Back

Most of the freshwater on Earth is unusable because it is frozen in the ice caps and glaciers.

Front

What form of water pollution can result from removing vegetation near a water body?

Back

Removing vegetation can cause sediment pollution in water bodies.

Front

Which household activity consumes the most water in the average US home?

Back

Flushing toilets uses the most water in the average US home.

Front

What chemicals are responsible for the thinning of the ozone layer?

Back

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are responsible for the thinning of the ozone layer.

Front

What legislation must municipal wastewater treatment systems comply with to protect the environment?

Back

Municipal wastewater treatment systems must comply with the Clean Water Act.

Front

Define 'aquifer'.

Back

An aquifer is a geological formation that can store and transmit water, often tapped for drinking water.

Front

What is sediment pollution?

Back

Sediment pollution occurs when soil and other particles are washed into water bodies, affecting water quality and aquatic life.

Front

Explain the role of the Clean Water Act.

Back

The Clean Water Act regulates discharges of pollutants into US waters and sets quality standards for surface waters.

Front

What are CFCs and why are they harmful?

Back

CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) are chemicals used in refrigeration and aerosol propellants that deplete the ozone layer.

Front

What is the significance of the ozone layer?

Back

The ozone layer protects Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.