BW for the week of 10/15 On the front of your paper define: genus, species, classification, adaptation, engineering, technology, prototype, natural selection On the back of your paper: write a scientific story that uses all of these vocabulary words correctly. Underline each vocabulary word in your story. This is due on Friday, October 19. We will take the vocab quiz after this is turned in

Chapter 6 Environmental Problems & Solutions

Pollution An unwanted change in the environment caused by substances, such as wastes, or forms of energy, such as radiation, is called pollution. Anything that causes pollution is called a pollutant. Some pollutants are produced by natural events, such as volcanic eruptions. Many pollutants are human-made. Pollutants may harm plants, animals, and humans.

Objective List five kinds of pollutants. Garbage - This trash often goes to a landfill. Chemicals - The same chemicals that help people may harm the environment. High-Powered Wastes - Nuclear power plants produce radioactive wastes. Gases – Due to more human technologies, such as cars, more CO2 is in the atmosphere Noise - affects your ability to hear and think clearly, and it may damage your hearing.

Objective Distinguish between renewable and nonrenewable resources. A renewable resource is one that can be replaced at the same rate at which the resource is used.. A nonrenewable resource is one that cannot be replaced or that can be replaced only over thousands or millions of years.

Renewable or Nonrenewable? Scientists used to think that fresh water was a renewable resource. However, in some areas, water supplies are being used faster than they are being replaced. Scientists are working on ways to keep these water supplies from being used up.

Objective Describe the impact of exotic species. People may carry plant seeds, animals eggs, or adult organisms with them as they move from one part of the world to another. An organism that makes a home for itself in a new place outside its native home is an exotic species. Exotic species often thrive in new places, and can become pests and compete with native species.

Objective Explain why human population growth has increased. Advances in medicine, such as immunizations, have made human population growth possible. Advances in farming have also made human population growth possible.

Objective Describe how habitat destruction affects biodiversity. When land is cleared for construction, crops, mines, or lumber, organisms that were living in the areas may be left without food and shelter. These organisms may die. An organism ’ s habitat is where it lives. Every habitat has a number and variety of organisms, or biodiversity. If a habitat is damaged or destroyed, biodiversity is lost.

Habitat Destruction, continued Forest Habitats Trees provide humans with oxygen, lumber, food, rubber, and paper. For some of these products, trees must be cut down. Deforestation is the clearing of forest lands. Marine Habitats Many people think of oil spills when they think of pollution in marine habitats. Spilled oil pollutes both open waters and coastal habitats. In addition to oil, chemicals and plastics are sometimes dumped into marine habitats.

Objective Give two examples of how pollution affects humans. 1. Polluted air affects people with respiratory problems. 2. Polluted drinking water makes people sick. Some chemicals that pollute water cause cancers many years after exposure to them.

Objective Explain the importance of conservation. Conservation is the preservation and wise use of natural resources.

Objective Describe the three Rs. The three R ’ s describe three ways to conserve resources: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.

Objective Explain how biodiversity can be maintained. Protecting Species One way to maintain biodiversity is to protect individual species. In the United States, a law called the Endangered Species Act was designed to do just that. Protecting Habitats Each organism is part of a huge, interconnected web of organisms. The entire web should be protected to protect these organisms.

Objective List four environmental strategies. Reduce pollution. Reduce pesticide use. Protect habitats. Develop alternative energy sources.