Page 255 - The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 11 and 12: Science, 2008 (revised)

Note: This glossary covers terms from, and provides definitions within the context of, the Environmental Science and Science courses only.
absorption. The movement of a fluid or dissolved substance across a membrane.
adaptation. The occurrence of genetic changes in a population or species as the result of natural selection, enabling the population or species to adjust to new or altered environmental conditions.
air pollution. Chemicals, particulate matter, or biological materials in the atmosphere that harm living organisms or damage the environment.
alternative energy source. An energy source based on renewable resources (e.g., solar, wind, geothermal, tidal, hydroelectric sources).
antiseptic. A substance used to destroy or prevent the growth of infectious microorganisms on or in a body system.
aquatic environment. A water-based environ- ment (e.g., pond, lake, river, ocean, underground water body).
aseptic technique. A technique used to ensure that a procedure is conducted under conditions free from pathogenic microorganisms.
bioamplification. Concentration of a persistent substance within an organism in the food chain.
biodegradable. A substance that can be broken down by microorganisms.
biodiversity. The variety of species (types) of organisms at all levels of classification in an eco- system, and the variety of ecosystems, globally or within a specific geographic area.
biofuel. A solid, liquid, or gaseous fuel derived from carbon-based renewable resources (e.g., plants, organic waste).
biohazard / biological hazard. A biological agent or condition that presents a threat to living things.
bioremediation. A process that uses biological organisms, such as microorganisms, fungi, plants, or enzymes, to remove hazardous substances from a contaminated environment.
biosolid. The solid portion of sewage that contains primarily organic material produced by waste- water treatment processes and that can be used for different applications.
biosphere. The zone on Earth that can sustain life, including the lower part of the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, soil, and the upper parts of the lithosphere.
biotechnology. A technological application that uses microorganisms or biological substances to perform specific processes, including industrial, agricultural, and medical processes.
2
GLossARy