Chapter 1 Environmental Science: Studying the State of Our Earth

Name as many conditions surrounding this frog as you can— include living & nonliving.

Work with a partner and list five ways you interact with the environment daily.

Key terms The sum of all the conditions surrounding us that influence life Environment Include living organisms and nonliving components such as soil, temperature, and water. The field of study that looks at interactions among human systems and those found in nature Environmental science System—any set of interacting components that influence one another by exchanging energy or materials The system can be completely man-made (like a subway system) or natural (like weather)

Ecosystem—a particular location on earth with interacting biotic (living) and abiotic (nonliving) components Environmentalism—social movement that seeks to protect the environment through lobbying, activism, and education Environmentalist—a person who participates in environmentalism Environmental scientist—like any scientist, follows the process of observation, hypothesis testing, and field and laboratory research. Environmental studies—broader than environmental science; includes environmental policy, economics, literature, and ethics

Environmental Scientist vs. Environmentalist Researcher Uses scientific method Objective Activist Lobbyist Political

How have humans manipulated their environment? Covert land from natural state into urban, suburban, and agricultural areas Change the chemistry of our air, water, and soil Intentionally—fertilizers Unintentionally—generating pollution