1. Module 2 Intro

1.17. Module Glossary

Module 2 Glossary

Module 2—Biosphere Equilibrium and the Impact of Humans

Module Glossary

 

anoxic: lacking free oxygen

 

ecological footprint: an analysis of human consumption of natural resources compared to the ability of Earth to recreate them

 

An ecological footprint gives an estimate of the area in hectares that is required for a human to live based on his or her lifestyle. Most North American lifestyles are not currently sustainable, according to the analyses.

 

stromatolites: sedimentary rock in oceans built from fossilized micro-organisms, such as bacteria

 

sustainable: capable of being continued with minimal long-term effects on the environment