Our Environment Through Time
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Transcript of Our Environment Through Time
Our Environment Through Time
Periods of Human History that Impacted the Environment
1) Hunter - Gatherers
2) Agricultural Revolution
3) Industrial Revolution
Hunter - Gatherers
Definition:
People who obtain food by collecting plants and hunting wild animals
Hunter - Gatherer's Impact on the Environment
1) Overhunting caused some species of animals to become extinct
2) Destruction of trees and grass (ex: burned down trees to make it easier to hunt bison)
Hunter Gatherers Clip
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdYH8m6HOCo
Agricultural Revolution
Definition:
Growing, breeding, and caring for plants and animals that are used for food, clothing, housing, transportation and other purposes
Agricultural Revolution's Impact on the EnvironmentPros
• Increased human population
• Created domesticated crops out of wild plants
Cons
• Habitats were destroyed to create farmland
• Soil became infertile due to over use
Industrial Revolution
Definition:
Shift from energy sources such as animal muscle and running water to fossil fuels such as coal and oil
Industrial Revolution's Impact on the EnvironmentPros
• Less demand for land to farm
Cons
• Air pollution from fossil fuels
• Invention of non biodegradable materials (plastics)
Industrial Revolution's Impact on Society
1) Less expensive to purchase goods
2) Motorized vehicles allowed goods to be shipped across greater distances
3) Improved sanitation, nutrition and medical care
Industrial Revolution Clip
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fUBXe7_7Bg
With a partner decide what type of society we live in today (Hunter - Gatherer, Agricultural, or Industrial). List 5 examples that support your choice. Discuss your responses as a class.
Planet EarthThe Earth is a CLOSED SYSTEM
The following things CANNOT be added to the Earth or its atmosphere
• Water• Air• Land• Elements• Ozone Layer
Planet Earth Continued
ENERGY is the only thing that can enter and leave the Earth
2 Forms of Energy:
1) Sunlight into Earth
2) Heat leaving Earth
Problems with Earth Being a Closed System
1) Limited natural resources
2) Wastes produced more quickly than we can dispose of them
3 Main Environmental Problems
1) Resource Depletion
2) Pollution
3) Loss of Biodiversity
Resource Depletion
Definition:
Any natural material used by humans that is depleting
2 Types of Natural Resources:
1) Renewable
2) Nonrenewable
Renewable Resources
Definition:
A resource that can be replaced naturally very quickly
Examples:
Soil
Trees
Nonrenewable Resources
Definition:
A resource that renews at a slower rate than it is consumed
Examples:
Minerals
Fossil Fuels
Pollution
Definition:
An undesired change in air, water, or soil that adversely affects the health, survival, or activities of humans or other organisms
2 Types of Pollution:
1) Biodegradable Pollutants
2) Nondegradable Pollutants
Biodegradable PollutantsDefinition:
Pollutants that CAN be broken down by natural processes
Examples:
Human sewage, Food wastes
* CAN BE A PROBLEM if they accumulate quicker than they can be broken down
Nondegradable Pollutants
Definition:
Pollutants that CANNOT be broken down by natural processes
Examples:
Mercury, lead and some types of plastics
Loss of Biodiversity
Biodiversity
Definition:
Number and variety of species that live in an area
Problem:
Extinction of species due to humans