Quintuan, Nathan John D. 20210134002.
ZGE 4301-3ECE-1A
I.
1. Ecology
Ecology is the field of biology that examines the relationships between
living organisms and their surroundings. It emphasizes how various life
forms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, engage with each
other and the physical and chemical elements of their environment.
2. Biology
Biology is the scientific exploration of life and living entities. In the
realm of environmental science, biology contributes to the understanding of
ecological components, encompassing species variety, population behavior,
and the impact of environmental changes on living beings.
3. Chemistry
Chemistry is the examination of matter, including its properties,
composition, structure, and reactions. Environmental chemistry is concerned
with the chemical processes that take place in the natural world, such as
interactions between pollutants, the behavior of harmful substances, and the
chemical cycles within natural systems like the water, carbon, and nitrogen
cycles.
4. Physics
Physics entails the study of matter, energy, and the fundamental
forces governing nature. In the context of environmental science, physics is
vital for grasping energy movements, including solar energy, heat transfer,
and the dynamics of atmospheric systems. It plays a crucial role in
investigating climate change, energy generation, and the physical
characteristics of environmental systems.
5. Geology
Geology involves examining the Earth's structure, materials, and
processes. Environmental geology centers on natural resources, geological
risks (such as earthquakes and landslides), and the effects of human
activities on the Earth’s crust, encompassing land usage, pollution, and the
consequences of mining and similar undertakings.
6. Oceanography
Oceanography encompasses the examination of the Earth's oceans,
focusing on their physical, chemical, biological, and geological
characteristics. Environmental oceanography specifically investigates marine
ecosystems, the impacts of pollution, the effects of climate change on
oceans, and the sustainable management of marine resources.
7. Environmental Engineering
Environmental engineering entails the application of engineering
concepts aimed at improving and preserving the natural environment. This
field primarily concentrates on the treatment of water and wastewater,
managing air quality, waste disposal, and developing sustainable
infrastructure.
8. Soil Science
Soil science involves investigating soil as a natural resource, including
its development, categorization, mapping, and its significance within
ecosystems. Environmental soil science studies how soil influences water
quality, biodiversity, agriculture, and the global carbon cycle.
9. Geography
Geography is the exploration of locations and the interactions between
people and their environments. Environmental geography looks into how
environmental phenomena are distributed spatially, considering human
effects on landscapes, ecosystems, and natural resources.
10. Environmental Economics
Environmental economics is a subset of economics that focuses on the
financial implications of environmental policies, the valuation of
environmental assets, and the analysis of costs and benefits regarding
environmental protection strategies. It assists in making informed decisions
related to sustainable development, resource management, and pollution
control.
II.
1. Individual(organism)
is the most basic unit of ecology, referring to a single living entity,
whether it be a plant, animal, or microorganism. It centers on how this
organism interacts with its environment and manages to survive,
reproduce, and behave.
2. Population
is defined as a collection of individuals belonging to the same species
that coexist in a specific area at a given time. Ecologists examine
populations to gain insights into aspects such as size, density, distribution,
and dynamics, including birth and death rates as well as migration patterns.
3. Community
encompasses a variety of different species living in a shared area and
engaging with one another. It consists of all the various populations of
organisms within an ecosystem. The study of community ecology focuses on
interactions such as predation, competition, symbiosis, and the overall
structure of the community.
4. Ecosystem
is made up of a community of living organisms (biotic elements) that
interact with their physical surroundings (abiotic elements) like soil, water,
air, and climate. It highlights the processes of energy flow and nutrient
cycling. Ecosystems can range in scale from a small pond to an expansive
forest or ocean.
5. Biome
refers to a large geographical area defined by particular climate
conditions, types of vegetation, and animal species. Examples include
tropical rainforests, deserts, tundras, and grasslands. Biomes extend across
continents and usually encompass multiple ecosystems.
6. Biosphere
represents the top tier of ecological organization, incorporating all
living organisms on Earth along with their interactions with the atmosphere,
hydrosphere (water), and lithosphere (land). It embodies the collective total
of all ecosystems present on the planet.
III.
Observation – Notice and describe a phenomenon or problem.
Question – Ask a specific question about what you observed.
Hypothesis – Propose a possible explanation or answer (an educated
guess).
Experiment – Design and perform experiments to test the hypothesis.
Data Collection – Gather and record data from the experiment.
Analysis – Analyze the data to see if it supports or contradicts the
hypothesis.
Conclusion – Make a conclusion based on the analysis; accept, reject, or
modify the hypothesis.
Communication – Share the results with others (reports, publications,
presentations).
IV.
Air Pollution
Air pollution is caused by the release of harmful substances into the
atmosphere, such as smoke from factories, vehicle emissions, and burning of
fossil fuels. It leads to smog, acid rain, and health problems like respiratory
diseases.
Cost:
Air pollution costs the global economy billions of dollars annually due to
healthcare expenses, lost labor productivity, and environmental damage. In
the Philippines, the health cost alone is estimated to be billions of pesos
yearly.
Law: (Philippines):
The Clean Air Act of 1999 (Republic Act No. 8749) is the primary law in the
Philippines addressing air pollution. It sets emission standards, regulates
industries, and promotes the use of clean energy technologies.
Effects:
Human Health: Causes asthma, lung cancer, heart diseases, and premature
deaths.
Environment: Leads to acid rain, damages crops, forests, and bodies of
water.
Climate: Increases greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming.
Economy: Reduces worker productivity due to health issues, impacts tourism,
and increases healthcare costs.
