Biological response modifiers are substances that enhance the body's immune response against diseases like cancer, by either stimulating or restoring the immune system's ability to fight infections and disease. They include a variety of agents such as cytokines, monoclonal antibodies, and vaccines, which are used in immunotherapy to improve the body's natural defense mechanisms.
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An ecosystem is a dynamic complex of living organisms, their physical environment, and the interactions that occur within and between them. This intricate web of relationships supports the flow of energy and nutrients, enabling the survival and evolution of species within a defined area.
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Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of life on Earth, encompassing the differences within species, between species, and among ecosystems. It is crucial for ecosystem resilience, human survival, and provides numerous ecological services, yet is threatened by human activities such as habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change.
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Climate change refers to significant, long-term changes in the global climate, largely driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. It results in global warming, extreme weather events, sea level rise, and disruptions to ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and human societies worldwide.
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Conservation biology is a multidisciplinary science aimed at protecting and managing biodiversity by understanding the effects of human activities and natural processes on ecosystems. It integrates principles from ecology, genetics, and environmental science to develop strategies that mitigate species extinction and habitat destruction.
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Habitat destruction is the process by which a natural habitat becomes incapable of supporting its native species, primarily due to human activities such as deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture. This leads to biodiversity loss, ecosystem service disruption, and contributes significantly to climate change and species extinction.
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Sustainability is the practice of meeting current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs, emphasizing a balance between economic growth, environmental health, and social well-being. It involves adopting strategies and practices that promote resource efficiency, reduce waste, and support long-term ecological balance.
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The ecological footprint measures the environmental impact of human activities in terms of the amount of biologically productive land and water area required to produce the resources consumed and to assimilate the wastes generated. It serves as a critical tool for assessing sustainability, highlighting the disparity between human demand and the Earth's ecological capacity to regenerate resources and absorb waste.
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Environmental degradation refers to the deterioration of the natural environment through the depletion of resources, destruction of ecosystems, and extinction of wildlife, primarily driven by human activities. It poses significant threats to biodiversity, human health, and the sustainability of life on Earth by disrupting ecological balance and contributing to climate change.
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Natural resource management is the sustainable utilization and stewardship of natural resources such as land, water, soil, plants, and animals to ensure their availability for current and future generations. It involves balancing ecological health, economic viability, and social equity to mitigate environmental impacts and promote biodiversity conservation.
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Ecosystem services are the benefits that humans derive from natural ecosystems, encompassing provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services. These services are crucial for human survival and well-being, as they include essential processes like pollination, water purification, climate regulation, and nutrient cycling.
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Attention Restoration Theory (ART) suggests that exposure to natural environments can replenish depleted cognitive resources, enhancing focus and mental clarity. It posits that nature provides a setting that allows for effortless attention, offering a respite from the demands of directed attention required in daily life.
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Negative ions are atoms or molecules that have gained one or more extra electrons, giving them a net negative charge. They are often found in nature, especially in environments like waterfalls, beaches, and forests, and are believed to have health benefits, including improving mood and reducing stress.
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