What This Document Is
This document is a midterm review for SC 253, Ecology and Environmental Problems, at the Fashion Institute of Technology, dated October 21, 2019. It’s designed to help students prepare for an upcoming midterm exam by outlining key concepts covered in the lectures up to that point. The review focuses on foundational ecological principles and their connection to environmental issues.
Why This Document Matters
This review is essential for students enrolled in SC 253 who are preparing for their midterm. It serves as a concentrated overview of core material, helping students identify areas for further study and reinforce their understanding of complex topics. It’s most valuable when used in conjunction with lecture notes and assigned readings.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This review is not a substitute for attending lectures or completing assigned coursework. It provides a summary of topics, but doesn’t offer in-depth explanations or detailed examples. It’s a starting point for review, not a comprehensive learning tool. It also doesn’t include practice questions or solutions.
What This Document Provides
The review includes key terms and concepts such as the definition of ecology, the components of an environment (biotic and abiotic), different types of ecological units (population, community, ecosystem, biosphere), and the importance of positive and negative feedback loops. It also touches on the agricultural and industrial revolutions, carrying capacity, the process of evolution (mutation, adaptation, natural selection), and the concept of climate refugees.
This preview *does not* include the full essay question that will be on the midterm, detailed explanations of biogeochemical cycles, or a comprehensive discussion of how human advancements have impacted carrying capacity.