Any material on the planet that is NOT able to be replaced in a useful amount of time, and could therefore run out.

A viewpoint that states that humans should be allowed to use all of earth's resources (land, animals, oil, plants, etc.) for their benefit, no matter the cost or effect on the environment. "Motto" = USE RESOURCES FOR MONEY/BENEFIT.

A viewpoint that states that humans should not use earth's resources (especially ones not able to be replaced), no matter how beneficial they may be to us - because all species should be treated with respect. "Motto" = DO NOT USE RESOURCES.

A viewpoint that states that humans should be allowed to use earth's resources as needed, as long as they do so in a responsible manner. "Motto" = USE, BUT DON'T ABUSE, RESOURCES.

A basic series of interactions between living members of an ecosystem. There are usually only a few species connected in a direct pathway, showing a simple flow of energy through each of the species.

A complex series of interactions between the living members of an ecosystem. There are usually several species connected based on the flow of energy through that ecosystem.

An organism that creates its own food through the process of photosynthesis. (AKA: plants.) These are the base of every food web.

An organism that cannot perform photosynthesis to create food. These must eat other organisms as their food source. (AKA: animals.) These are the upper levels of every food web.

A specific type of consumer with a digestive system that can only process plants (as a food source).

A specific type of consumer with a digestive system that can only process animals (as a food source).

A specific type of consumer with a digestive system that can process both plants and animals (as food sources).

The trapping of solar heat near the earth's surface, caused by natural levels of certain gases in our atmosphere. Because of this, our temperatures stay 'normal' and life on our planet can exist. Without this, our daily temperatures would be about 100 degrees F colder - too cold for life!

The intensified trapping of solar heat near the earth's surface, due to larger amounts of certain gases in our atmosphere. We know it's happening: we can measure the higher levels of gases and the warmer temperatures. The reason it's a theory is due to questions about how much of an influence humans have on these changes.

A difference in the global or regional patterns of temperature and precipitation, largely linked to increased levels of carbon dioxide (and other gases) in the atmosphere. These changes can significantly affect the ability of certain species to live in certain ecosystems.

One of the gases in our atmosphere that naturally keeps in some of the sun's heat around earth's surface. Too much of this gas (from the burning of trees & fossil fuels) can cause too much solar heat to be trapped.

One of the gases in our atmosphere that naturally keeps in some of the sun's heat around earth's surface. It's the most "powerful" greenhouse gas and is THE BEST at absorbing heat. Too much of this gas (from agriculture & transportation emissions) can cause way too much solar heat to be trapped.

One of the gases in our atmosphere that naturally keeps in some of the sun's heat around earth's surface. It's a more "powerful" greenhouse gas than CO2 and is very good at absorbing heat. Too much of this gas (from an increase of agriculture farms, the burning of fossil fuels, & melting of underground Arctic ice) can cause too much solar heat to be trapped.