B18 - Biodiversity Flashcards
biodiversity
measure of variety of all different species of organisms within an ecosystem
high biodiversity =
stability of ecosystems
-loss of species has limited effect = replaced easier
how does high biodiversity affect dependency of species on one another
-reduces dependency
-for water, shelter, food
Humans effect on biodiversity
-land used
-farming
-human waste
-quarrying
Humans effect on biodiversity: land used
-building = destruction of habitat
Humans effect on biodiversity: farming
-strips soil of nutrients
-less biodiversity
Humans effect on biodiversity: waste
-pollutes environment
Humans effect on biodiversity: quarrying
reduces habitat
soil pollution
-with chemicals and parasites from sewage
landfills issue
-take up room
-destroy habitats
-toxins from waste enter soil
Farming = land pollution
-toxins from fertilisers wash into soils/streams
-strips land of nutrients
farming = water pollution
-toxins poisons aquatic life
-bio accumulation effect
bioaccumulation
-toxins cannot be broken down in organisms
-as food chain builds up = toxins
-dangerous amount of toxins in top predators
untreated sewage effect on stream
allows nitrates to enter
-eutrophication
eutrophication
-nitrates = algae to grow
-they block light = no photosynthesis for other plants
-decomposers feed on dead plants
-they respire = lack of O2 and
-fish die = decomposers to repeat process
bio indicators
-salmon = really clean water
-blood worms = really dirty water
monitor pollution levels
measure pH
-measure o2 levels
cause of acid rain
-due to combustion of fossil fuels
-acidic sulfur dioxide + nitrogen oxides dissolve in rainwater
-react with o2 = dilute sulfuric and nitric acid
effect of acid rain
-falls onto trees = kills leaves/fruit
-soaks into soil = destroys roots
-lakes = acidic = no life
smoke pollution
-high number of particulates
-reflect sunlight = less light hits Earth
-dimming effect = cooling temp of Earth
-lung cancer
particulates
tiny solid particles
smog
-sulfur dioxide + nitrogen oxides
-haze of small particles and acidic gases
reasons for deforestation
-grow staple foods
-rear more cattle
-grow crops = biofuel
effects of deforestation
-more co2
-slash and burn
-decomposes feed on dead vegetation = co2
-carbon sink is lost
loss of biodiversity
species become extinct
peat bog destruction
-massive carbon store
-burnt as a fuel = co2
peat
-doesnt decay
-very acidic
-improves soil and produces compost
eg co2 sinks
-plants and water
methane production
-from rice and cattle farming
greenhouse effect
-sun warms Earth
-rays are radiated back into space
-co2 absorbs rays
-keeps surface warm = thicker blanket
consequences of greenhouse effect
-loss of habitat = flooding and rising sea levels
-change in migration = climate changes
-reduced biodiversity
seasonal changes
-amount of rainfall
-water available
-sunlight hours
climate changes
-animals migrate to avoid weather changes
geographical changes
-pH
-altitude
-saltiness of water
Negative aspects of human interaction
-climate change
-effect of acid rain on soil
-pollution from farming/industry
Positive aspects of human interaction
-conserving forests
-reducing water pollution
-maintaining pH
-replantation
breeding programmes
-restore endangered species
-bread in zoos and returned when safe
protection and regeneration of habitats
-protects species
-protects biodiversity
reintroduction of of hedgerows
-prevents soil erosion
-increases biodiversity
-reduces monoculture
reduction of deforestation
-laws against it
-investment in electricity generated industry = less co2
recycling
-less landfills
-organic waste as compost
