BIOL 106 Final Exam Definitions
Chapter 10
Causes of soil erosion:
Soil erosion is caused by natural forces like water and wind, and human activities such as deforestation,
overgrazing, and poor agricultural practices.
Concerns of pesticide use:
Pesticides may harm non-target organisms, cause environmental contamination, lead to pest resistance, and
pose health risks to humans.
Pheromones:
Chemical signals released by organisms to affect the behavior or physiology of others in the same species,
often used in pest control.
Percentage of GMO crops in U.S.:
Over 90% of U.S. crops like soy, corn, and cotton are genetically modified, primarily for pest resistance or
herbicide tolerance.
Monoculture:
The agricultural practice of growing a single crop in a large area, which can increase pest outbreaks and
reduce soil health.
Conservation tillage:
A farming technique that leaves crop residue on fields to reduce erosion and improve soil quality.
Chapter 11
Dead zone in Gulf of Mexico:
An area with extremely low oxygen levels caused by nutrient pollution, mainly from agriculture, leading to
massive marine die-offs.
Effects of dams on fish:
Dams block migration routes, change river flow, and can harm fish populations, especially species like
salmon.
Largest use of domestic water in U.S.:
Toilets and outdoor uses like lawn watering consume the most household water in the U.S.
Cultural eutrophication:
Over-enrichment of water bodies with nutrients from human activity, causing excessive algae growth and
oxygen depletion.
Reduction of photosynthesis in bodies of water:
Algal blooms block sunlight from reaching aquatic plants, reducing oxygen and harming aquatic ecosystems.
Point and nonpoint pollution:
Point source pollution comes from identifiable sources like factories; nonpoint comes from diffuse sources like
runoff.
Effects of channelization and loss of vegetation:
Alters natural stream flow, increases erosion, and reduces habitat for aquatic life.
Chapter 12
Sedimentary rock formation:
Formed by the accumulation and compression of sediments over time, often in water bodies.
Aluminum recycling:
Saves 95% of the energy needed to produce aluminum from raw materials, reducing environmental impact.
Industry with most toxic pollution:
Mining and metal manufacturing are among the top sources of industrial toxic waste.
Location of earthquakes and volcanoes:
Typically found along tectonic plate boundaries, such as the Ring of Fire.
Acid mine drainage:
Polluted runoff from mines that contains sulfuric acid and harmful metals, contaminating water sources.
Ore:
A naturally occurring rock containing valuable minerals that can be extracted profitably.
Hazardous waste storage in U.S.:
Stored in landfills, deep-well injection sites, or specially lined containment facilities.
Chapter 13
Locations of wind farms:
Often found in flat, open areas or offshore where wind speeds are consistent, like the Midwest or coastal
areas.
Storage of nuclear fuel rods:
Kept in cooling pools or dry casks at nuclear plants before permanent disposal.
Fracking:
Hydraulic fracturing technique used to extract oil and gas from shale rock, associated with groundwater
concerns.
Leading source of renewable energy:
Hydropower is the most widely used renewable energy source globally.
Nuclear waste disposal:
Long-term solutions include deep geological repositories to isolate radioactive waste for thousands of years.
Cogeneration:
The simultaneous production of electricity and useful heat from the same energy source, improving efficiency.
Chapter 14
Bisphenol-A (BPA):
A chemical used in plastics and food cans that may mimic hormones and disrupt endocrine function.
Mutagens, teratogens, and carcinogens:
Mutagens alter DNA, teratogens cause birth defects, and carcinogens promote cancer.
Bacterial resistance to antibiotics:
Bacteria evolve to survive antibiotic exposure, making infections harder to treat.
Cancer:
Uncontrolled cell growth caused by genetic mutations, sometimes triggered by environmental factors.
Antibacterial hand soap:
May contain triclosan, which can contribute to antibiotic resistance and disrupt hormones.
Chapter 15
Photochemical smog:
A type of air pollution formed when sunlight reacts with pollutants like nitrogen oxides and VOCs.
Acid deposition:
Rain or snow containing sulfuric or nitric acid from industrial emissions, damaging ecosystems and buildings.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs):
Emitted as gases from products like paints and fuels; can form smog and affect health.
Role of ocean in climate change:
Oceans absorb CO and heat, regulating Earth's climate but leading to ocean acidification.
Scientific community on climate change:
The vast majority agree climate change is real and driven by human activities.
Carbon monoxide poisoning:
Occurs when CO gas interferes with oxygen transport in the body, leading to suffocation.
Chapter 16
Size of North Pacific Garbage Patch:
A massive collection of floating plastic debris, estimated to be twice the size of Texas.
Bioremediation:
Using organisms, like bacteria or plants, to clean up contaminated environments.
World's largest producer of solid waste:
The U.S. generates more municipal solid waste per capita than any other country.
Plastic bags:
Non-biodegradable and commonly found litter that harms wildlife and ecosystems.
Biomimicry:
Design inspired by nature to solve human problems, like Velcro mimicking burrs.
Chapter 17
Environmental literacy:
Understanding environmental concepts and systems to make informed, responsible decisions.
Green taxes:
Taxes on environmentally harmful activities or products to encourage sustainable choices.
Worldviews:
A person's belief system that shapes how they view the environment and their role in it.
5 major causes of environmental problems:
Population growth, unsustainable resource use, poverty, exclusion of environmental costs, and isolation from
nature.
Environmental justice principle:
The right of every person to be protected from environmental hazards regardless of race, income, or origin.