Friend to Nature
The Science, but simple.
What you need to know and why you should know it.
This page covers aspects of science relevant to the site's content, along with keywords and definitions of things you should know to deepen your knowledge.
Ecology
What is Ecology?
Ecology is the branch of biology that studies the interactions among organisms and their physical environment. It encompasses the relationships between living organisms, including humans, and their biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) surroundings.
Why is it important?
Ecology is important because it helps us understand the relationships between living things and their environment.
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This understanding is essential for preserving biodiversity, which keeps ecosystems stable and resilient. Ecosystems provide crucial services such as food, water, clean air, and disease control, all of which are vital for our survival and health.
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What does this mean for the environment?
Ecology also guides us in managing natural resources sustainably and addressing pollution. It plays a key role in tackling climate change by showing us how ecosystems like forests absorb carbon dioxide. This knowledge helps us develop strategies to adapt to changing climates.
Biodiversity
What is Biodiversity?
Biodiversity is the variety of all living things on Earth, including plants, animals, microorganisms, and the ecosystems they form. It encompasses the differences within species, between species, and the various ecosystems they inhabit.
Why is it important?
Biodiversity is essential because it supports ecosystem health and stability, provides resources like food and medicine, and helps ecosystems recover from disturbances. In short, biodiversity is the richness of life that makes our planet vibrant and resilient.
What does this mean for the environment?
Biodiversity is crucial for the environment because it ensures healthy, stable, and resilient ecosystems. It keeps ecosystems balanced and functional, supporting all life on Earth.
Climate Change
What is Climate Change?
Climate change refers to significant and lasting changes in the Earth's climate patterns over time. It's largely driven by human activities, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane.
Why is this important?
Climate change leads to various environmental impacts, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events such as heatwaves and storms, shifts in precipitation patterns, and disruptions to ecosystems.
What does this mean for the environment?
If climate change continues, earth will be unable to sustain life. A lot of the effects of climate change are irreversible. It poses significant challenges to human societies, economies, and the natural world.
Emissions
What are Emissions?
Emissions are substances released into the atmosphere as a result of human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, industrial processes, agriculture, and transportation. These substances can include gases like carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and particulate matter.
Why is it important?
Emissions sometimes contain substances, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons, which can break down ozone molecules through chemical reactions. This results in holes or thinning in the ozone layer. Greenhouse gasses generally trap heat as well.
What does this mean for the environment?
Emissions contribute to air pollution, climate change, and environmental degradation. BY trapping heat and degrading the ozone layer, they significantly contribute to global warming.
Leeching
What is Leeching?
Leaching is the process where water washes out soluble substances from soil or other materials. This can happen naturally with rain or through human activities like irrigation and mining.
Why is it important?
Leaching can remove essential nutrients from soil, reducing its fertility, and can also transport harmful substances, contaminating groundwater and surface water.
What does this mean for the environment?
This process can lead to soil degradation and environmental pollution, making it important to manage, especially in agriculture and waste disposal.