4 c+d Flashcards
1
Q
3 molecules which are cycled through ecosystems
A
-Oxygen
-Carbon dioxide
-Water
2
Q
Describe how carbon dioxide is cycled through an ecosystem
A
-Carbon dioxide is fixed through photosynthesis
- Respiration releases carbon dioxide
- Decomposition releases carbon dioxide
- Combustion releases carbon dioxide
3
Q
What detrimental impacts can sulfur dioxide have on the environment?
A
- Formed when fossil fuels containing impurities are burnt
- Sulfur dioxide can dissolve in water to form acid rain which can pollute water sources, cause damage to plants (deforestation) and cause breathing problems to humans and animals
4
Q
What detrimental impacts can carbon monoxide have on the environment?
A
- Carbon monoxide is formed from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels
- Carbon monoxide binds irreversibly to haemoglobin which prevents it from carrying oxygen
- Too much exposure can cause unconsciousness and death
5
Q
5 greenhouse gases
A
- Water vapour
- Carbon dioxide
- Nitrous oxide
- Methane
- CFCs
6
Q
3 human activities that contribute to greenhouse gases
A
- Burning fossil fuels
- Deforestation
- Large scale livestock farming
7
Q
How do greenhouse gases leef to global warming?
A
- Greenhouse gases allow heat from the sun to enter the atmosphere
- The gases act as a “blanket” and trap the heat in the atmoshpere
8
Q
3 negative consequences of global warming
A
- Sea level rise caused by melting icebergs
- Disrupted farming and agriculture
- Increased spread of diseases in warmer climates
9
Q
Describe how sewage in waterways can affect aquatic life
A
- Waste from houses pollute the water
- Bacteria decompose faeces, using up oxygen
- Water becomes anoxic, many species including fish die
- Few species survive
10
Q
What is eutrophication?
A
- Fertilisers (nitrates + phosphates) leach into rivers
- Algal bloom
- Algae and water plants die
- Bacteria decompose dead algae plants
- Water becomes anoxic. Fish die. Biodiversity decreases
