Add. Reviewee science q4

• Species


  A group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring
• Speciation


  The process by which new species arise
• Example of speciation


  • Two populations of birds with different beak sizes living on separate islands
• Panthera leo is classified correctly based on the hierarchical taxonomic system
• Genus


  The taxonomic category that contains organisms that share the most characteristics with each other
• Biodiversity


  The variety of different species in an ecosystem
• Importance of high biodiversity


  • Enhances ecosystem stability and resilience
• High biodiversity contributes to the stability of an ecosystem by providing redundant species that can fulfill similar ecological roles
• Trophic levels


  The positions in a food chain or food web
• Producers


  The first level in the food chain and food web which are the plants that can manufacture their own food through photosynthesis to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen and glucose
• Energy movement through trophic levels in an ecosystem


  Energy is lost as heat and waste at each trophic level
• Decomposers


  Break down dead organisms and waste materials, releasing nutrients back into the environment for reuse by other organisms
• Detritivores


  Break down organic matter into smaller molecules
• Nitrogen-fixing bacteria


  Convert nitrogen gas into a form that plants can use to make proteins
• Sunlight


  Primary source of energy for material cycling in ecosystems
• Photosynthesis


  Main process by which carbon cycles through an ecosystem
• Water cycle


  Ensures that water is continuously recycled and available for all living organisms within the ecosystem
• Reducing human impact on the environment


  • Using renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power
• Reducing individual carbon footprint


  • Using public transportation or carpooling
• Conserving water resources


  • Fixing leaky pipes and faucets promptly
• Ways to minimize human impact on the environment

  • Reducing
  • Reusing
  • Recycling
• Industries reducing environmental impact

  • Implementing technologies that reduce emissions and waste production
• Challenges with implementing sustainable practices on a global scale

  • Economic factors
  • Resistance to change from certain industries and governments