B18 Biodiversity and ecosystems Flashcards
what is biodiversity
the variety of all the different species of organisms on earth within an ecosystem
what is eutrophication
where excess fertilisers (or sewage) enters rivers/ponds/seas and causes algae blooms leading to the death in the aquatic ecosystem
what is bioaccumulation
where toxic chemicals build up in food chains
what ways can we maintain biodiversity
breeding programs for endangered species
protection and regeneration of rare habitats
reintroduction of field margins and hedgerows
reductions of deforestation and co2 emissions
recycling resources
what’s a trophic level
the position of an organism within a food chain is known by its trophic level
explain eutrophication (step by step)
excess fertilisers run into rivers/ponds
algae grows excessively
blocks out light
oxygenating plants die
not enough oxygen in the water
animals in the water then die
what are some impacts of deforestation
less co2 removed by photosynthesis
destroys habitat for animals
reduction in biodiversity
flooding
extinction of animals and plants
how is acid rain formed
sulfur and nitrogen oxides released from fossil fuels dissolve into rainwater in clouds causing it to become acidic
what are the effects of acid rai
caused reduced soil and water ph affects enzyme activity for organisms
destroy leaves -> less photosynthesis in the plant-> can lead to plant death
what are peat bogs
partially decomposed plant material that is a massive carbon stone with very acidic conditions.
describe global warming/ the greenhouse effect
sun releases high energy/ short wavelength radiation
radiation goes through the atmosphere and strikes the earth
earth absorbs some and heats up
emits longer wave radiation back
greenhouse gases absorb the wave, get excited and remits the energy back to the earth
energy absorbed by the earth causing it to heat up
what’s global dimming
caused by smog, gases and particles reduce light transmitted through the atmosphere
