NR 576 MIDTERM STUDY GUIDE
1. Ecology and Ecosystem Concepts
Definitions and principles of ecology
Types of ecosystems (terrestrial, aquatic, etc.)
Energy flow and nutrient cycles (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus)
Trophic levels and food webs
2. Environmental Science Fundamentals
Biogeochemical cycles and their importance
Population dynamics and growth models (exponential, logistic growth)
Carrying capacity and limiting factors
Biodiversity: definitions, importance, threats, and conservation
3. Human Impact on the Environment
Human population growth and environmental consequences
Pollution types (air, water, soil) and their sources
Climate change: causes, impacts, and mitigation strategies
Resource depletion and sustainable resource management
4. Conservation Biology and Restoration Ecology
Conservation strategies and protected areas
Restoration practices and principles
Endangered species management and recovery plans
Community-based conservation approaches
5. Environmental Policy and Law
Key environmental policies and laws (e.g., Clean Air Act, Endangered Species Act)
The role of government agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
International agreements and conventions (e.g., Kyoto Protocol, Paris Agreement)
6. Sustainable Development and Resource Management
Principles of sustainability
Renewable vs. non-renewable resources
Sustainable agriculture and forestry practices
Water resources management and conservation
,7. Ecotoxicology and Risk Assessment
Toxicology basics and types of pollutants
Bioaccumulation and biomagnification
Human health impacts of pollutants
Environmental risk assessment process
8. Data Collection and Analysis in Environmental Science
Common methodologies in environmental research
Field sampling techniques and lab analysis
Statistical analysis and data interpretation
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing
in environmental studies9. Climate Science and Atmospheric
Studies
Structure and composition of the atmosphere
Greenhouse gases and their effects
Ozone depletion and consequences
Weather patterns and climate zones
Impact of climate on ecosystems and species distribution
10. Hydrology and Water Resources
The hydrological cycle and water distribution
Watershed management and river basin planning
Aquifer depletion and groundwater contamination
Water quality indicators and pollution sources
Wetland ecology and conservation
11. Soil Science and Land Use
Soil composition and types
Soil erosion, degradation, and conservation practices
Land use changes: deforestation, desertification, and urbanization
Agriculture impacts on soil and sustainable farming methods
, 12. Wildlife Ecology and Habitat Management
Species interactions (competition, predation, symbiosis)
Habitat requirements for different species
Wildlife corridors and habitat fragmentation
Population management techniques (culling, reintroduction)
13. Energy Resources and Environmental Impact
Types of energy resources (fossil fuels, renewable energy sources)
Environmental impacts of energy extraction and use
Alternative energy technologies and sustainable energy
Energy conservation and efficiency measures
14. Environmental Ethics and Philosophy
Major ethical frameworks in environmental science (anthropocentrism,
biocentrism, ecocentrism)
Environmental justice and equity
Indigenous perspectives on environmental stewardship
The precautionary principle and decision-making in conservation
15. Sociopolitical Aspects of Environmental Issues
Public perception and attitudes toward environmental issues
Role of media and education in shaping environmental awareness
Stakeholder engagement and public participation in policy
Social impacts of environmental degradation and restoration efforts
16. Urban Ecology and Environmental Planning
Urbanization effects on ecosystems
Green infrastructure and urban sustainability initiatives
Challenges in urban environmental management (air quality, waste
management)
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