CAPE Environmental Science - Unit 1 Study Notes
Module 1: Fundamental Ecological Principles
1.1 Ecological Terms and Concepts
- Species: Group of organisms that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring.
- Population: Individuals of the same species living in a specific area.
- Community: All the different populations in a given area.
- Ecosystem: Interactions between living organisms (biotic) and their non-living environment (abiotic).
- Habitat: Natural environment where an organism lives.
- Niche: The role or function of an organism in an ecosystem.
1.2 Ecological Relationships
- Predation, Competition, Parasitism, Mutualism, Commensalism.
1.3 Biogeochemical Cycles
- Carbon, Nitrogen, Water, and Phosphorus cycles.
1.4 Energy Flow
- Trophic levels, 10% rule, food chains/webs, energy pyramids.
1.5 Interactions Within Ecosystems
- Succession, carrying capacity, ecosystem stability.
1.6 Population Sampling Techniques
- Quadrats, Transects, Capture-Mark-Recapture.
1.7 Ecosystem Stability and Sustainability
- Resilience, biodiversity, sustainability.
Module 2: Human Population and the Environment
2.1 Demographic Concepts
- Birth rate, Death rate, Fertility rate, Life expectancy, Age structures.
2.2 Factors Affecting Population Growth
- Economic development, culture, healthcare, policies, disasters.
CAPE Environmental Science - Unit 1 Study Notes
2.3 Population Growth Models
- Exponential (J-curve), Logistic (S-curve).
2.4 Population-Related Problems
- Overpopulation, urbanization, migration.
2.5 Population Control Methods
- Family planning, education, incentives, gender equality.
2.6 Sustainable Development
- Definition, three pillars, strategies: renewable energy, recycling, etc.
Module 3: Sustainable Use of Natural Resources
3.1 Types of Natural Resources
- Renewable, non-renewable, perpetual, potential.
3.2 Resource Use and Overexploitation
- Deforestation, mining, overfishing, consequences.
3.3 Conservation and Management
- Sustainable yield, protected areas, agroforestry, laws.
3.4 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
- Steps: screening, scoping, analysis, mitigation, etc.
3.5 Indigenous Knowledge and Practices
- Crop rotation, herbal medicine, eco-friendly techniques.