4.7 Measuring environmental change Flashcards
If an environment changes, what effect will this have on the animals/plants living there
They may no longer be able to survive there, eg may only be found further south if the climate gets colder.
May be able to extend their range, eg plants found further north as climate warms up.
What are the factors which may change in the environment? 7 (3 +2)
Living factors
- new predator
- new plants
- new disease
Non living factors
- temperature
- rainfall
- light
- oxygen levels
What type of plants are used to monitor pollution?
Indicator species, eg lichens
Why can lichens be used to indicate the level of air pollution (esp sulfur dioxide)
The more species of lichen there are the cleaner the air.
What is an indicator species for fresh water?
Freshwater invertebrates, they do better water which has a lot of oxygen dissolved in it. However some invertebrates will only live in polluted water.
What non living things are used to monitor the environment? 5
rain gages, thermometers, ph levels, oxygen sensors and data loggers (eg river levels)
