Define the first law of thermodynamics

Energy is neither created nor destroyed, only transformed.

Define and explain the precautionary principle

Preventative action in the face of uncertainty, shifting the burden of proof to those proposing an action that may harm the environment.

Describe how the nitrogen cycle affects ecosystems

Cycles nitrogen through the environment, essential for DNA and proteins.

Define and contrast mitigation and adaptation in climate change

Mitigation reduces climate change causes, adaptation involves adjusting to its effects.

Define urban sprawl and its environmental impacts

Unplanned city expansion, leads to habitat loss, increased pollution, inefficiency.

Describe sustainable development

Meeting current needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet theirs.

Define the term 'biome'

Large community of plants and animals occupying a distinct region.

Define environmental resilience

Ability of an ecosystem to recover after disturbance or stress.

Define the concept of a keystone species

Species with disproportionate effect on its environment relative to abundance.

Define and explain environmental ethics

Moral principles guiding human interaction with the natural world.

Describe how energy flows through an ecosystem

Flows from producers to consumers, energy is lost as heat at each trophic level.

Describe the difference between renewable and nonrenewable resources

Renewable resources regenerate, nonrenewable resources are finite.

Define environmental justice

Fair treatment of all people regarding environmental laws and policies.

Describe the impact of acid rain on ecosystems

Lowers pH of soil and water, harms aquatic life, damages vegetation.

Describe the impact of deforestation

Loss of biodiversity, carbon release, disruption of water cycles.

Define point source pollution

Pollution from a single, identifiable source, like a factory or sewage treatment plant.

Describe non-point source pollution

Pollution from diffuse sources, such as agricultural runoff or urban runoff.

Define and explain carbon sequestration

Long-term storage of carbon dioxide or other forms of carbon to mitigate global warming.

Describe how renewable energy sources impact the environment

Generally lower environmental impact, but may have land use, habitat, or resource issues.

Describe the impact of invasive species

Disrupt ecosystems, outcompete native species, alter habitats.

Define the trophic level

Position an organism occupies in a food web, e.g., producer, consumer.

Describe the impact of overfishing on marine ecosystems

Depletes fish stocks, disrupts food webs, decreases biodiversity.

Define and contrast primary and secondary air pollutants

Primary pollutants are directly emitted, secondary form from reactions in the atmosphere.

Define carrying capacity

Maximum population size an environment can sustain indefinitely.

Describe the concept of integrated pest management (IPM)

Combines biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools to manage pests sustainably.