ECOSYSTEMS Biome
A biome is a type of ecosystem. It refers to many unique ecosystems that share certain common characteristics. Biosphere
The largest possible ecosystem is a biosphere. It includes every organism and species on earth, combining all of the planet's individual ecosystems. Biotic Communities
The living organisms in a certain area form the biotic community. Climate
The climate of an area is the typical weather patterns it experiences. Deserts
A desert is a type of ecosystem fitting under the category of biome. Deserts are extremely dry, and their unique conditions cause highly different plant and animal life to exist. Habitat
A habitat is a more permanent ecosystem that has stabilized and reached dynamic equilibrium. Savanna
A savanna is a grassland that is
greatly lacking in moisture. Often, the area has a few trees throughout the grassy areas. Species
A group of related living organisms is known as a species. The members of the species must share physical traits and interbreed. Studying Ecosystems
The ways to study ecosystems have been broken down into the holistic and meristic approaches. The Ecosystem
An ecosystem relates the biotic and abiotic elements of a certain area and the relationships between them. Tropical Rain Forests
Topical rain forests contain extremely diverse species and a highly productive community. Tundra
A tundra is a type of ecosystem where the climate is highly stressed. It is usually
very difficult for any living organism to survive in a tundra. ENERGY ISSUES Biomass
Materials such as wood, animal waste, and crops are called biomass. These materials can be burned to generate energy for human consumption. Coal Energy
Coal is a fossil fuel that is commonly used in producing energy. Conserving Energy
Many scientists feel that conservation of current energy resources, not the development of new energy sources, will be the method of the future. Energy Efficiency
The rise in use of energy resources has led people to try to use energy in a more efficient manner. Energy Recovery
One of the problems with
current energy usage is that it is highly inefficient and vast quantities of energy are wasted. Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy seeks to generate power from the high temperatures below the Earth's surface. Hydroelectric Power
Water, like wind, has been used to do work throughout history. Interest in using hydroelectric power was sparked largely by the
desire for a new source of energy. Nuclear Fission
Nuclear fission is being used in nuclear power plants to generate substantial amounts of power. However, there are dangers to using it and it won't be possible to use it forever. Nuclear Fusion
Nuclear fusion is an alternative energy source of tremendous potential. If properly developed, it could solve all of
the world's energy problems. Photovoltaics
The energy of the sun can be acquired through solar energy panels, but Photovoltaics provide another option. Solar Power
Solar power is an extremely clean and renewable form of energy that comes from the sun. The Energy Path to the Future
Many people have
different views concerning the future of energy usage, and the current path is uncertain. Wind Energy
Wind power has been used at least since 600 BC. The energy source has become popular in the search for a clean and renewable energy source. ENVIRONMENTAL PROCESSES Deforestation
Deforestation is the process of destroying or removing a forest ecosystem. Denitrification
During the denitrification process nitrates are converted to another form. Desalinization
The process of desalinization occurs when salts dissolved in sea water or brackish water are removed. Desertification
Desertification is the expansion of desert lands into previously non-desert areas. Detoxification
Toxic substances that enter the natural environment are often changed into another form through the process of detoxification. Emissions
Emissions are created when humans or natural forces release chemicals or other substances into the environment. Environmental Degradation
When the environment becomes less valuable or damaged, environmental degradation is said to occur. Erosion
The process of erosion occurs when the surface of the land is worn away and lost. Extinction
Natural causes have always been a source of extinction, but many human processes have intensified the
rate at which extinction occurs. MEASURING THE ENVIRONMENT Accuracy and Error in Measuring
Scientific analysis can only be useful if the data a scientist gathers is accurate. Measuring Air Pollution
There are good reasons for measuring air pollution, because it can pose a major threat to
people's health if levels get out of control. Measuring the Water
Many water-based ecosystems are constantly changing, causing data from scientific experiments to vary greatly. Monitoring the Environment
Monitoring the environment requires the collection and analysis of data about all of the different environmental topics we want to study. Sampling the Soil
Like many other substances that scientists want to study, soils vary greatly and thus present many challenges in measuring them. NATURAL RESOURCES Animal Resources
In modern times, high levels of extinction have increased the level of loss of the world's animals. Comparative Resource Consumption
The world's richer nations use tremendously more of its resources than do the poorer ones. Food Resources
Although there is more than enough food available to feed everyone in the world, as many as 20 million people die annually from a lack of good food. Fossil Fuel Resources
Fossil fuels are a nonrenewable resource. They are used in the production of energy, and have been consumed at increasing rates in recent history. Land Resources
Humans need to have significant portions of land for crops, forests, rangeland, watersheds, and estuaries. Mineral Resources
Human civilizations rely on raw materials, especially minerals, to produce
goods. But, there is only a limited amount of minerals available. Natural Plant Resources
Natural plants growing in the wild are a form of wildlife resource. Natural Resources
A natural resource is something that exists naturally, not because it was produced by human beings. Renewable Resources
Renewable resources are those that are replenished through biogeochemical and physical cycles. Soil Resources
Throughout human history, soil has been repeatedly ruined and destroyed. Water Supplies
Water is what makes the Earth unique; without it and its unique properties, life could not survive on the planet | 
