Definitions for Chapters 1 and 2

Ecology: Science which deals with the relationships between living organisms and each other as well as with their physical environment.
Heat: Energy which is manifested by changes in temperature and which will flow between physical materials when their temperatures differ
Termodynamics: The study of the transfer of heat and energy
Conservation of energy: Energy may be transformed from one form to another, but cannot be created or destroyed (although matter and energy may be interconverted in nuclear reactions)
Electromagnetic radiation: Energy can be carried through space as radiation. This radiation moves at the speed of light and posesses both wave and particle properties.
Pollution: A substance which exists in the environment in greater than normal concentrations due to human activities. It has a net detrimental effect on environmental quality.
Atmosphere: The gaseous envelope of the earth. The atmosphere has a structure involving layers of differing temperatures and pressures.
Hydrosphere: Encompasses the oceans and other bodies of water as well as the water which permeates the geosphere.
Limnology: Study of freshwater bodies
Oceanography: Study of the oceans of the earth.
Geosphere: The solid mass of the earth. Soil is an important part of the geosphere, as it is involved in agriculture.
Biosphere: Includes all living creatures from single cell organisms on.