Across
- 3. An ecosystem is a community of living organisms (plants, animals, and microorganisms) interacting with each other and their physical environment. This interaction involves the exchange of energy and nutrients among different components within the ecosystem.
- 4. Organic refers to materials or substances derived from living organisms, such as plants or animals, that are produced without the use of synthetic chemicals or pesticides. In agriculture, organic farming practices focus on promoting soil health and biodiversity while minimizing environmental impact.
- 6. To recycle means to convert waste materials into reusable objects or materials through a process of collection, sorting, processing, and remanufacturing. Recycling helps to conserve natural resources, reduce pollution, and decrease the amount of waste sent to landfills.
- 7. Solar refers to anything related to the sun. It commonly refers to energy derived from sunlight, such as solar power or solar panels used to generate electricity.
- 11. Emissions are the release of gases, particles, or other substances into the atmosphere, usually as a result of human activities such as burning fossil fuels, industrial processes, or transportation.
- 12. Ozone is a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms (O3) found in the Earth's atmosphere, particularly in the ozone layer, which absorbs most of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Ground-level ozone, however, is a pollutant and a component of smog, formed by chemical reactions between air pollutants emitted from vehicles, industrial facilities, and other sources.
- 15. The environment refers to the sum of all external conditions and influences affecting the life and development of an organism or group of organisms. It includes both biotic factors (living organisms) and abiotic factors (non-living elements such as air, water, and soil).
- 17. Renewable refers to energy sources that are naturally replenished over time and can be used indefinitely, such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and biomass energy. Unlike fossil fuels, which are finite and non-renewable, renewable energy sources are sustainable and environmentally friendly.
- 18. Sustainable refers to practices or processes that can be maintained over the long term without depleting natural resources or causing harm to the environment, society, or economy.
Down
- 1. Upcycling is the process of repurposing or transforming discarded or unused materials into new products of higher value or quality, without breaking them down into raw materials. Upcycling reduces waste and promotes creative reuse of resources.
- 2. Litter refers to waste material, such as paper, plastic, or other debris, that is disposed of improperly and remains in the environment, often causing pollution and harm to ecosystems and wildlife.
- 3. Ecology is the scientific study of the relationships between organisms and their environments, including the interactions between living organisms and their physical surroundings, as well as the flow of energy and nutrients through ecosystems.
- 5. To preserve means to protect and maintain something in its original or existing state, often with the goal of preventing its loss, decay, or destruction. This can apply to natural habitats, cultural heritage, or historic sites.
- 8. A landfill is a designated area of land where waste is disposed of by burying it under layers of soil or other materials. Landfills are a common method of waste management but can have negative environmental impacts if not managed properly.
- 9. To conserve means to protect and preserve natural resources, such as water, forests, wildlife, and energy, by using them wisely and efficiently to ensure their availability for future generations.
- 10. Extinct refers to a species that no longer exists anywhere in the world. Extinction occurs when all members of a species have died out, often due to environmental changes, habitat destruction, or human activities.
- 13. Compost refers to organic matter that has decomposed and transformed into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. It is typically made from kitchen scraps, yard waste, and other organic materials through a process called composting.
- 14. To pollute means to contaminate or make impure, especially by introducing harmful or toxic substances into the environment, air, water, or soil, thereby causing damage to ecosystems and endangering human health.
- 16. A habitat is the natural environment or home of a particular species, providing the necessary resources and conditions for its survival and reproduction. Habitats can range from forests and grasslands to rivers and oceans.