Introduction to Environmental Science
Biocentrism - ANSWER-An ethical environmental perspective that considers the impact
on the environment as well as humans
Biotic & Abiotic - ANSWER-All living organisms (bacteria to largest whales)
All non-living organisms (rocks, water, atmosphere)
Chemical Recycling - ANSWER-A principle of sustainability that says to reuse Earth's
nutrients, chemicals, and metals
Conference Presentations - ANSWER-Scientists frequently present their work at
conferences where they interact with colleges and receive comments
Conservation - ANSWER-The environmental philosophy by Gifford Pinchot that says to
utilize natural recourses but manage and protect them simultaneously
Controlled Experiment - ANSWER-A study in which the effects of ALL variables are held
constant (controlled), except the one being tested by comparison of treatment and
control conditions
Correlation - ANSWER-Relationship between variables - Both up, both down, etc.
Dependent Variable - ANSWER-Variable that is the outcome/result and depends on
change
Ecocentrism - ANSWER-An ethical environmental perspective that only considers the
impacts on the environment (good or bad)
Ecological Footprint - ANSWER-The total of "direct" and "indirect" (usually negative)
impacts on natural resources that we as a society make on the environment to maintain
our lifestyle.
Ecology - ANSWER-The science of organisms and their interactions with themselves
and their environment
Environment - ANSWER-The sum total of our surroundings, including all biotic and
abiotic factors
Environmental "Five" - ANSWER-Every decision made concerning environmental
issues is accomplished or impacted by 5 parameters:
Political, Economical, Technological, Social, Ethical
Biocentrism - ANSWER-An ethical environmental perspective that considers the impact
on the environment as well as humans
Biotic & Abiotic - ANSWER-All living organisms (bacteria to largest whales)
All non-living organisms (rocks, water, atmosphere)
Chemical Recycling - ANSWER-A principle of sustainability that says to reuse Earth's
nutrients, chemicals, and metals
Conference Presentations - ANSWER-Scientists frequently present their work at
conferences where they interact with colleges and receive comments
Conservation - ANSWER-The environmental philosophy by Gifford Pinchot that says to
utilize natural recourses but manage and protect them simultaneously
Controlled Experiment - ANSWER-A study in which the effects of ALL variables are held
constant (controlled), except the one being tested by comparison of treatment and
control conditions
Correlation - ANSWER-Relationship between variables - Both up, both down, etc.
Dependent Variable - ANSWER-Variable that is the outcome/result and depends on
change
Ecocentrism - ANSWER-An ethical environmental perspective that only considers the
impacts on the environment (good or bad)
Ecological Footprint - ANSWER-The total of "direct" and "indirect" (usually negative)
impacts on natural resources that we as a society make on the environment to maintain
our lifestyle.
Ecology - ANSWER-The science of organisms and their interactions with themselves
and their environment
Environment - ANSWER-The sum total of our surroundings, including all biotic and
abiotic factors
Environmental "Five" - ANSWER-Every decision made concerning environmental
issues is accomplished or impacted by 5 parameters:
Political, Economical, Technological, Social, Ethical
