Page 256 - The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 11 and 12: Science, 2008 (revised)

THE ONTARIO CURRICULUM, GRADES 11 AND 12 | science
British thermal unit (BTU). A unit of measure- ment for heat. The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of liquid water by one degree Fahrenheit (from 60° to 61° F) at a constant pressure.
carbon footprint. A way of measuring the im- pact of human activities on the environment, a carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse gases an activity produces, measured in units of carbon dioxide.
carbon neutral. Neither contributing to nor reducing net carbon emissions.
carrying capacity. The maximum population size of a given species that an ecosystem can support without reducing its ability to support the same species in the future.
chemical hazard. A chemical preparation in any form (solid, liquid, or gas) that presents a threat to living things.
chlorinated hydrocarbons. Compounds that contain chlorine, carbon, and hydrogen and are persistent in the environment.
cholesterol. A fat-like substance found in the blood and cells of humans and many other animals. Although it is essential to the cellular functioning of the body, too much cholesterol can contribute to the risk of stroke and heart disease.
chronic disease. A disease that is long lasting or recurrent (e.g., asthma, high blood pressure).
communicable disease. An infectious disease that can be transmitted from one individual to another through either direct contact or contact with inanimate objects or substances capable of carrying infectious organisms.
companion planting. The process of planting more than one type of plant in an area in such a way that they enhance the growth and quality of nearby plants (e.g., by repelling pests, provid- ing ground cover, improving the soil).
compost. A mixture of decaying organic matter used to fertilize and condition the soil.
contaminants. Substances that, when accidentally or deliberately introduced into the environment, have the potential to harm people, animals, and/or plants.
conventional energy sources. Energy sources based on non-renewable resources (e.g., fossil fuels, nuclear energy).
crop rotation. A method of protecting the soil and replenishing its nutrients by planting a suc- cession of different crops on the same land.
deforestation. The permanent clearance of a for- est without replanting or natural regeneration.
designated substance regulations (DSR).
Provincial laws regulating the exposure of workers to substances such as biological, chemical, and/or physical agents that are prohibited or controlled.
disease. Any condition that impairs normal functioning of tissues, organs, or body systems.
disinfectant. A chemical agent that destroys microorganisms but not bacterial spores.
disturbed environment. An environment that has been altered by human activity.
ecosystem. A complex, self-regulating system through which energy and materials are trans- ferred, made up of a group of living organisms and their abiotic environment, which interact as a unit.
emulsification. The process of dispersing one liquid in a second immiscible liquid.
endangered species. An organism that is at risk of becoming extinct because it is either few in numbers or threatened by changing environ- mental factors or predation.
EnerGuide. A rating system for home appliances based on the cost in energy of operating the appliance.
environmental contaminants. Toxic substances that, when accidentally or intentionally intro- duced to the environment, can harm people, animals, and/or plants.
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