A Abiotic Absorption Acid Acid Rain Adaptation Additive Adsorption Aerobic Aerosols Air Quality Standard Allergens Alocohol

Fuels Alpha Particle Ammonia Anthropocentric Aquaculture Aquifers Atlantic conveyor belt Without life: any system characterized by a lack of living organisms Incorporation of a substance into a solid or liquid body. Any compound capable of reacting with a base to form a salt; a substance containing a high hydrogen ion concentration (low pH). Precipitation containing a high concentration of acid. Adjustment of an organism to the conditions of it environment, enabling reproduction and survival. A substance added to another in order to impart or improve desirable properties or suppress undesirable ones. Surface retention of solid, liquid, or gas molecules, atoms, or ions by a sloid or liquid. Environmental conditions where oxygen is present; aerobic organisms require oxygen in order to survive. Tiny mineral particles in the atmosphere onto which water droplets, crystals, and other chemical compounds may adhere. A prescribed level of a pollutant in the air that should not be exceeded. Substances that activate the immune system and cause an alergic reaction. The processing of sugary or starchy products (such as sugar cane, corn, or potatoes) into fuel. A positively charged particle given off from the nucleus of some radioactive substances; it is identical to a helium atom that has lost its particles. A colorless gas comprised of one atom of nitrogen and three atoms of hydrogen; liquefied ammonia is used as a fertilizer. Considering humans to be the central or most important part of the universe. Propagation and/or rearing of any aquatic organism in artificial "wetlands" and/or pools. Porous, water-saturated layers of sand, gravel, or bedrock that can yield significant amounts of water economically. The global recirculation of water masses in the Atlantic Ocean that determines today's climate for Europe The smallest particle of an element, composed of electrons moving around an inner core (nucleus) of protons and neutrons. Atoms of elements combine to form molecules and chemical compounds. A structure fueled by radioactive materials that generates energy usually in the form of electricity; reactors are also utilized for medical and biological research. Organisms capable of using chemical elements in the synthesis of larger compounds; green plants are autotrophs.

Atom

Atomic Reactor Autotrophs B Background Radiation

The normal radioactivity present; coming principally from outer space and naturally occuring radioactive substances on Earth. One-celled microscopic organisms found in the air, water, and soil. Bacteria cause many diseases of plants and animals; they also are beneficial in agriculture, decay of dead matter, and food and chemical industries.

Bacteria

Benthos Biocentrism Biochemical Cycles Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) Biodegradable Biodiversity Biomass Biome Biosphere Biota Biotic Biotic Potential Birthrate Breeder Reactor C Cancer Carbon Cycle Carbon farming Carbon Monoxide (CO) Carcinogens Carrying Capacity CFL (compact fluorescent light)

Organisms living on the bottom of bodies of water. Belief that all creatures have rights and values and that humans are not superior to other species. The cylical series of transformations of an element through the organisms rather than chemical means. The oxygen utilized in meeting the metabolic needs of aquatic organisms. Capable of being reduced to simple compounds through the action of biological processes. Biological diversity in an environment as indicated by numbers of different species of animals and plants. The weight of all living tissue in a sample. A major climax community type covering a specific area on earth. The overall ecosystem of Earth. It consists of parts of the atmosphere (troposphere), hydrosphere (surface and ground water), and lithosphere (soil, surface rocks, ocean sediments, and other bodies of water). The flora and fauna in a given region. Biological; relating to living elements of an ecosystem. Maximum possible growth rate of living systems under ideal conditions. Number of live births in one year per 1,00 midyear population. A nuclear reactor in which the production of fissionable material occurs.

Invasive, out-of-control cell growth that results in malignant tumors. Process by which carbon is incoprporated into living systems, released to the atmosphere, and returned to living organisms. Carbon farming is a proposed subsidy program that would pay farmers to adopt environmentally sensitive practices; specifically to hold carbon on their land. A gas, poisonous to most living systems, formed when incomplete combustion of fuel occurs. Substances capable of producing cancer. The population that an area will support without deteriorating. Small fluorescent lamps used as more efficient alternatives to incandescent lighting. Also called PL, CFL, Twin-Tube, or BIAX lamps.

Chlorinated Synthetic organic poisons containing hydrogen, carbon, and chlorine. Hydrocarbon Insecticide Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) Circle of Poisons Clear Cutting Climate Any of several simple gaseous compounds that contain carbon, chlorine, fluorine, sometimes hyrogen; they are suspected of being a major cause of stratospheric ozone depletion. Importation of food contaminated with pesticides banned for use in this country but made here and sold abroad. The process of removing all trees in any specific area. Description of the long-term pattern of weather in any particular area.

Climax Community Coal Gasification Commensalism Community Ecology Competitive Exclusion Conservation

Terminal state of ecological succession in an area; the redwoods are a climax community. Process of converting coal to gas; the resultant gas, if used for fuel, sharply reduces sulfur oxide. Symbiotic relationship between two different species in which one benefits while the other is neither harmed or benefited. Study of interactins of all organisms existing in a specific region. Resulting from competition; one species forced out of part of an available habitat by a more efficient species. The planned management of a natural resource to prevent overexploitation; destruction, or neglect.

Seven substances (sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, Conventional Pollutants photochemical oxidants, and lead)that make up the largest volume of air quality degradation, as defined by the Clean Air Act. Core Cornucopian Theory Corridor Crankcase Smog Devices (PCV System) Critical Factor Cultural Eutrophication D Death Rate Decarbonization Decomposer Deforestation Degradation (of water resource) Demography Desert Desertification Number of deaths in one year per 1,000 midyear population. To remove carbon dioxide or carbonic acid from a substance. Any organism that causes the decay of organic matter; bacteria and fungi are two examples. The action or process of clearing forests without adequate replanting. Deterioration in water quality caused by contamination or pollution that makes water unsuitable for many purposes. The statistical study of principally human populations. An arid biome characterized by little rainfall, high daily temperatures, and low diversity of animal and plant life. Converting arid or semiarid lands into deserts by inappropriate farming practices or overgrazing. A synthetic soap-like material that emulsifies fats and oils and holds dirt in suspension; some detergents have caused pollution problems because of certain chemicals used in their formulation. Organisms that consume organic litter, debris, and duing. Any of a family of compounds known chemically as dibenzo-p-dioxins. Concern about them arises from their potential toxicity as contaminants in commercial products. Tests on laboratory animals indicate that it is one of the more toxic anthropogenic Dense, intensely hot molten metal mass, thousands of kilometers in diameter, at Earth's center. The belief that nature is limitless in its abundance and that perpetual growth is both possible and essential. Connecting strip of natural habitat that allows migration of organisms from one place to another. A system, used principally in automobiles, designed to prevent discharge of combustion emissions into the external environment. The environmental factor closest to a tolerance limit for a species at a specific time. Increase in biological productivity and ecosystem succession resulting from human activities.

Detergent Detrivores Dioxin

(man made) compounds. Diversity Number of species present in a community (species richness), as well as the relative abundance of each species. DNA contains two principle acids, the other bing RNA (Ribonucleic Acid). DNA contains information used for the control of a living cell. Specific segments of DNA are now recognized as genes, those agents controlloing evolutionary and heriditary processes. Any species of plant or animal that is particularly abundant or controls a major portion of the energy flow in a community. Pipe or perforated tubing used to deliver water a drop at a time directly to soil around each plant. Conserves water and reduces soil waterlogging and salinization.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

Dominant Species Drip Irrigation E Ecological Density Ecology Ecosystem Ecotourism Edge Effects Effluent Electron El Nino

The number of a singular species in a geographical area, including the highest concentration points within the defined boundaries. Study of the interrelationships between organisms and their environments. The organisms of a specific area, together with their functionally related environments; considered as a definitive unit. Wildlife tourism that could damage ecosystems and disrupt species if strict guidelines governing tours to sensitive areas are not enforced. Change in ecological factors at the boundary between two ecosystems. some organisms flourish her; others are harmed. A liquid discharged as waste. Small, negatively charged particle; normally found in orbit around the nucleus of an atom. Climatic change marked by shifting of a large warm water pool from the western Pacific Ocean toward the East. Superior dominion exerted by a governmental state over all proerty within its boundaries that authorizes it to appropriate all or any part thereof to a necessary public use, with reasonable compensation being made. Species considered to be in imminent danger of extinction. Plants or animals that are native to a particular ecosystem. Physical and biological aspects of a specific area. A study of the probable environmental impact of a development project before federal funding is provided (required by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1968). Federal Agency responsible for control of air and water pollution, radiation and pesticide problems, ecological research, and solid waste management. Progressive destruction or impairment of a geographical area; wind and water are the principal agents involved. Water passage where an ocean tide meets a river current. Well nourished; refers to aquatic areas rich in dissolved nutrients. A change in the gene frequency within a population, sometimes involving a visible change in the population's characteristics. Earth's geological endowment of minerals, nonmineral resources, fossil fuels, and other materials present in fixed amounts.

Eminent Domain Endangered Species Endemic Species Environment Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Erosion Estuary Eutrophic Evolution Exhaustible Resources

Extinction F Fallow Fauna Feral Fission Floodplain Flora Flyway Food Additive Food Chain Fossil Fuels

Irrevocable elimination of species due to either normal processes of the natural world or through changing environmental conditions.

Cropland that is plowed but not replanted and is left idle in order to restore productivity mainly through water accumulation, weed control, and buildup of soil nutrients. The animal life of a specified area. Refers to animals or plants that have reverted to a non-cultivated or wild state. The splitting of an atom into smaller parts. Level land that may be submerged by floodwaters; a plain built up by a stream deposition. The plant life of an area. Geographic migration route for birds that includes the breeding and wintering areas that it connects. Substance added to food usually to improve color, flavor, or shelf life. The sequence of organisms in a community each of which uses the lower source as its energy supply. Green plants are the ultimate basis for the entire sequence. Coal, oil, natural gas, and/or lignite; those fuels derived from former living systems; usually called nonrenewable fuels. Manufactured chemical systems capable of producing electrical energy; they usually derive their capabilities via complex reactions involving the sun as the driving energy source. The formation of a heavier atomic complex brought about by the addiction of atomic nucclei; during the process there is an attendant release of energy.

Fuel Cell

Fusion G Gala Hypothesis

Theory that Earth's biosphere is a living system whose complex interactions betweens its living organisms and nonliving processes regulate environmental conditions over millions of years so that life continues. A ray given off by the nucleus of some radioactive elements. A form of energy similar to X rays. Unit of heredity; segment of DNA nucleus of the cell containing information for the synthesis of a specific protein. Storage of seed varieties for future breeding experiments. Infinite variation of possible genetic combinations among individuals; what enables a species to adapt to ecological change. Heat derived from the Earth's interior. It is the thermal energy contained in the rock and fluid (that fills the fractures and pores within the rock) in the Earth's crust. Genetic material that may be preserved for future use (plant seeds, animal eggs, sperm, and embryos). An increase in the near surface temperature of the Earth. Global warming has occured in the distant past as the result of natural influences, but the term is most often used to refer to the warming redicted to occur as a result of increase emissions of greenhouse gases. Scientists generally agree that the Earth's surface has warmed by about 1 degree fahrenheit in the past 140 years. The effect noticed in greenhouses when shortwave solar radiation penetrates glass, is converted to longer wavelengths, and is blocked from escaping by the windows. It

Gamma Ray Gene Gene Banks Genetic Diversity Geothermal Energy Germ Plasm

Global Warming

Greenhouse Effect

results in a temperature increase. Earth's atmosphee acts in a similar manner. Green Revolution Gross National Product (GNP) Groundwater H Habitat Habitat Fragmentation The natural environment of a plant or nimal. Process by which a natural habitat/landscape is broken up into small sections of natural ecosystems, isolated rom each other by sections of land dominated by human activities. Waste that poses a risk to human or ecological health and thus requires special disposal techniques. Any substance used to kill plants. Organism that cannot synthesize its own food and must feed on organic compounds produced by other organisms. Organic compounds containing hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon. Commonly found in petroleum, natural gas, and coal. Lightest-known gas; major element found in all living systems. Compound of hydrogen and sulfur; a toxic air contaminant that smells like rotten eggs. Eletrical energy produced by flowing or falling water. The great increase in production of food grains (as in rice and wheat) due to the introduction of high yielding varieties, the use of pesticides, and to better management techniques. The total value of the goods and services produced by the residents of a nation during a specified period (such as a year). Water found in porous rock and soil below the soil moisture zone and, generally below the root zone of plants. Groundwater that saturates rock is seperated from an unsaturated zone by the water table.

Hazardous Waste Herbicide Heterotroph Hydrocarbons Hydrogen Hydrogen Sulfide Hydropower I Infiltration Intangible Resources Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Invasive Ion Ionizing Radiation Irradiation Isotopes K Keystone Species Kilowatt

Process of water percolation into soil and pores and hollows of permeable rocks. Open space, beauty, serenity, genius, information, diversity, and satisfaction are a few of these abstract commodities. Designed to avoid economic loss from pests, this program's methods of pest control strive to minimize the use of environmentally hazardous, synthetic chemicals. Refers to those species that have moved into an area and reproduced so aggressively that they have replaced some of the native species. An atom or group of atoms, possessing a charge; brought about by the loss or gain of electrons. Energy in the form of rays or particles that have the capacity to dislodge electrons and/or other atomic particles from matter that is irradiated. Exposure to any form of radiation. Two or more forms of an element having the same number of protons in the nucleus of each atom but different number of neutrons.

Species that are essential to the functioning of many other organisms in an ecosystem. Unit of power equal to 1,000 watts.

L Leaching Limnologist M Malnutrition Malthusian Theory Metabolism meta-trends Methane Migration Monoculture Mutation N Natural Selection Niche Nitrate Nitrogen Oxides Nonrenewable Resources Nutrient O Oil Shale Oligotrophic Organophosphates Ozone P paleoclimatology Study of prehistoric climates: the study of prehistoric climates on a global or regional scale from evidence preserved in glacial deposits, sedimentary structures, and fossils Rock impregnated with oil. Regarded as a potential source of future petroleum products. Most often refers to those lakes with a low concentration of organic matter. Usually contain considerable oxygen; Lakes Tahoe and Baikal are examples. A large group of nonpersistent synthetic poisons used in the pesticide industry; include parathion and malathion. Molecule of oxygen containing three oxygen atoms; shields much of Earth from ultraviolet radiation. The agent of evolutionary change by which organisms possessing advantageous adaptions leave more offspring than those lacking such adaptions. The unique occupation or way of life of a plant or animal species; where it lives and what it does in the community. A salt of nitric acid. Nitrates are the major source of nitrogen for higher plants. sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate are used as fertilizers. Common air pollutants. Formed by the combination of nitrogen and oxygen; often the products of petroleum combustion in automobiles. Any natural resource that cannot be replaced, regenerated, or brought back to its original state once it has been extracted, for example, coal or crude oil. Any nutritive substance that an organism must take in from its environment because it cannot produce it as fast as it needs it or, more likely, at all. Faulty or inadequate nutrition. The theory that populations tend to increase by geometric progression (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, etc.) while food supplies increase by arithmetic means (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.). The chemical processes in living tissue through which energy is provided for continuation of the system. A change occurring over time which has many parts or facets; it indicates a transformation over time Often called marsh gas (CH4); an oderless, flammable gas that is the major constituent of natural gas. In nature it develops from decomposing organic matter. Periodic departure and return of organisms to and from a population area. Cultivation of a single crop, such as wheat or corn, to the exclusion of other land uses. Change in genetic material (gene) that determines species characteristics; can be caused by a number of agents, including radiation and chemicals, called mutagens. Dissolving out of soluble materials by water percolating through soil. Individual who studies the physical, chemical, and biological conditions of aquatic systems.

Particulate Peroxyacyl Nitrates (PAN) Pesticide Pesticide Treadmill Petrochemicals pH Phosphate Photochemical Smog Photosynthesis Photovoltaic Cells Physical Half-Life Phytoplankton Pioneer Species Plankton Plutonium Pollution pollution taxes Polychlorinated Biphenyis (PCBs) Population Predator Primary Production R RAD (Radiation Absorbed Dose) Radioactive Waste Radioactivity

Existing in the form of small seperate particles; various atmospheric pollutants are industrially produced particulates. Compound making up part of photochemical smog and the major plant toxicant of smog-type injury; levels as low as 0.01 ppm can injure sensitive plants. Also causes eye irritation in people. Any material used to kill rats, mice, bacteria, fungi, or other pests of humans. A situation in which the cost of using pesticides increases while the effectiveness decreases (because pest species develop genetic resistance to the pesticides). Chemicals derived from petroleum bases. Scale used to designate the degree of acidity or alkalinity; ranges from 1 to 14; a neutral solution has a pH of 7; low pHs are acid in nature, while pH above 7 are alkaline. A phosphorous compound; used in medicine and as fertilizers. Type of air pollution; results from sunlight acting with hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen in the atmosphere. Formation of carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and hydrogen in plants exposed to sunlight; involves a release of oxygen through the decomposition of water. An energy-conversion device that captures solar energy and directly converts it to electrical current. Time required for half of the atoms of a radioactive substance present at some beginning to become disintegrated and transformed. That portion of the plankton community comprised of tiny plants, e.g., algae, diatoms. Hardy species that are the first to colonize a site in the beginning stage of ecological succession. Microscopic organisms that occupy the upper water layers in both freshwater and marine ecosystems. Highly toxic, heavy, radioactive, manmade, metallic element. Possesses a very long physical half-life. The process of contaminating air, water, or soil with materials that reduce the quality of the medium. taxes intended to promote ecologically sustainable activities via economic incentives by taxing for emission of pollutants Poisonous compounds similar in chemical structure to DDT. PCBs are found in a wide variety of products ranging from lubricants, waxes, asphalt, and transformers to inks and insecticides. Known to cause liver, kidney, spleen, and heart damage. All members of a particular species occupying a specific area. Any organism that consumes all or part of another system; usually responsible for death of the prey. The energy accumulated and stored by plants through photosysnthesis.

Measurement unit relative to the amount of radiation absorbed by a particular target, biotic or abiotic. Any radioactive by-product of nuclear ractors or nuclear processes. The emission of electrons, protons (atomic nuclei), and/or rays from elements capable of emitting radiation.

Rain Forest Recycle

Forest with high humidity, small temperature range, and abundant precipitation; can be tropical or temperate. To reuse; usually involves manufactured items, such as aluminum cans, being restructured after use and utlized again. Population exlposion or bloom of minute single-celled marine organisms (dinoflagellates), which can accumulate in protected bays and poison other marine life. Resources normally rplaced or replenished by natural processes; not depleted by moderate use. powerful groups shift laws & property rights governing local resources in their favor in order to control valuable resources Legal right of an owner of land bordering a natural lake or stream to remove water from that aquatic system.

Red Tide

Renewable Resources resource capture Ripparian Water Right S Salinization Sanitary Landfill Scrubber Sediment Seepage Selection Selective Breeding Selective Harvesting Sewage Smog Soil Erosion Solid Waste Species

An accumulation of salts in the soil that could eventually make the soil too salty for the growth of plants. Land waste disposal site in which solid waste is spread, compacted, and covered. Antipollution system that uses liquid sprays in removing particulate pollutants from an airstream. Soil particles moved from land into aquatic systems as a result of human activities or natural events, such as material deposited by water or wind. Movement of water through soil. The process, either natural or artificial, of selecting or removing the best or less desirable members of a population. Process of selecting and breeding organisms containing traits considered most desirable. Process of taking specific individuals from a population; the removal of trees in a specific age class would be an example. Any waste material coming from domestic and industrial origins. A mixture of smoke and air; now applies to any type of air pollution. Detachment and movement of soil by the action of wind and moving water. Unwanted solid materials usually resulting from industrial processes. A population of morphologically similar organisms, capable of interbreeding and producing viable offspring. The number and relative abundance of species present in a community. An ecosystem is said to more diverse if species present have equal population sizes and less diverse if many species are rare and some are very common. Mining in which Earth's surface is removed in order to obtain subsurface materials. Radioactive isotope of stronium;it results from nuclear explosions and is dangerous, especially for vertebrates, because it is taken up in the construction of the bone. Change in the structure and function of an ecosystem; replacement of one system with another through time. Very corrosive acid produced from sulphur dioxide and found as a component of acid rain. Gas produced by burning coal and as a by-product of smelting and other industrial

Species Diversity Strip Mining Strontium-90 Succession Sulfuric Acid (H2 SO4) Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)

processes. Very toxic to plants. Sulphur Oxides (SOx) sunshine policy Sustainability Sustainable Agriculture T Technology Tetraethyl Lead Thermal Inversion Thermal Pollution Thermocline Threshold Efffect Tolerance Limit Total Fertility Rate (TFR) Toxic Tragedy of the Commons Trophic Turbidity U Uranium 235 Z Zero Population Growth The condition of a population in which birthrates equal death rates; it results in no growth of the population. An isotope of uranium that when bombarded with neutrons undergoes fission, resulting in radiation and energy. Used in atomic reactors for electrical generation. Applied science; the application of knowledge for practical use. Major source of lead found in living tissue; it is produced to reduce engine knock in automobiles. A layer of dense, cool air that is trapped under a layer of less dense warm air (prevents upward flowing air currents from developing). Unwanted heat, the result of ejection of heat from various sources into the environment. The layer of water in a body of water that seperates an upper warm layer from a deeper, colder zone. The situation in which no effect is noticed, physiologically or psychologically, until a certain layer of concentration is reached. The point at which resistance to a poison or drug breaks down. An estimate of the average number of children that would be born alive to a woman during her reproductive years. Poisonous; capable of producing harm to a living system. Degradation or depletion of a resource to which people have free and unmanaged access. Relating to nutrition; often expressed in trophic pyramids in which organisms feeding on ther systems are said to be at a higher trophic level; an example would be carnivores feeding on herbivores, which, in turn, feed on vegetation. Usually refers to the amount of sediment suspended in an aquatic system. Oxides of sulphur produced by the burning of oils and coal that contain small amounts of sulphur. Common air pollutants. the practice of naming and shaming of specific companies that don't follow or comply with environmental regulations Ability of an ecosystem to maintain ecological processes, functions, biodiversity, and productivity over time. Agriculture that maintains the integrity of the soil and water resources so that it can continue indefinitely.