Environmental Science
Chapter 15 Summary
Our Environment
The environment consists of both natural and human-made components. The natural environment includes biotic and abiotic elements, while the human-made environment encompasses urban and rural settings created by human activities.
- Natural Environment: The biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components that surround and influence organisms.
- Human-made Environment: Urban and rural settings created by human activities.
Components of the Environment
The environment comprises biotic and abiotic components:
- Biotic: Plants, animals, microorganisms.
- Abiotic: Air, water, soil, sunlight, temperature.
Ecosystems
An ecosystem is a biological community interacting with its physical environment. Ecosystems can be classified into terrestrial (land) and aquatic (water) ecosystems.
Biodiversity
Biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem resilience and provides essential services. Threats to biodiversity include habitat destruction, pollution, overexploitation, and climate change.
Pollution
Pollution can take many forms and affects various aspects of the environment:
- Air Pollution: Emission of harmful substances into the atmosphere.
- Water Pollution: Contamination of water bodies by pollutants.
- Soil Pollution: Degradation of soil quality by hazardous chemicals.
- Noise Pollution: Excessive noise that disrupts normal activities.
Conservation
Conservation efforts aim to protect and sustainably manage natural resources. This includes preserving habitats, regulating resource use, and promoting biodiversity.
Climate Change
Climate change refers to long-term alterations in temperature and weather patterns, primarily caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes.
Chapter 15 Quiz
1. What are the two main types of environments?
2. Which of the following is a biotic component?
3. What is an ecosystem?
4. What is biodiversity?
5. What is a major threat to biodiversity?
6. What is air pollution?
7. Which is not a form of pollution?
8. What does conservation aim to do?
9. What is climate change primarily caused by?
10. Which of the following is an abiotic component?
11. What does an ecosystem consist of?
12. Which activity is a major threat to biodiversity?
13. What is the primary cause of air pollution?
14. Which of the following is not a form of pollution?
15. Which of the following is a major threat to biodiversity?
16. Which of the following is a biotic component?
17. What is the primary goal of conservation?
18. What is the main cause of climate change?
19. Which of the following is an abiotic component?
20. What is biodiversity?