Urban Ecosystems Homework

What is an ecosystem?

Urban ecosystems have developed because of ?

__________ is the process by which towns and cities are formed and become larger as more and more people begin living and working in central areas.

_______   is the study of humans in cities, of nature in cities and the coupled relationship between humans and natural systems.

Ecology is the study of the interactions between the biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem. What are the four principles of ecology?

Scientists and public health advocates have asserted that the preservation of __________ is crucial for present and future human health.

Nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, sulfur and water are essential ________ for all organisms.

A ________ species has the ability to profoundly affect natural ecosystems by altering the abiotic and biotic components.

Which type of soil has optimal mineral composition to facilitate healthy plant growth?

Urban soils generally have a greater compaction, a higher pH, and are less aerated than undisturbed soils.

Organic waste and fertilizer can cause surface waterways to become ____________, the process by which a body of water becomes highly enriched in dissolved nutrients, resulting in the depletion of dissolved oxygen.

The process of carving the stream bank into a smooth, straight channel, usually removing trees and other vegetation at the same time is called __________.

_______ feature more predictable, more consistent and more plentiful nutrient sources than food webs in undeveloped areas because of intentional and accidental supplemental feedings.

Urban plant communities include a relatively high number of nonnative species which require a great deal of maintenance to survive.

Urban wildlife communities feature a large number of species with high levels of ________.