B3.4 Biofuels and food production Flashcards
If the Earth’s temperature increased by just a few degrees Celsius, what might happen? (5)
- Large-scale climate change
- Rise in sea-levels
- Reduce biodiversity
- Change in migration patterns (e.g. birds)
- Change in distribution of species
What is sequestered carbon?
Carbon that’s absorbed and ‘locked away’ in oceans, lakes and ponds
How does carbon become sequestered?
- C=soluble and dissolves.
- Phytoplankton photosynthesis and absorb C (in their biomass)
What are phytoplankton?
Microscopic aquatic plants
By what process can biofuels be made?
From natural products by fermentation
What is most biogas made up of and how can you produce this?
- Methane
- ANAEROBIC fermentation of a wide range of PLANT PRODUCTS or waste material containing CARBS
What happens at each stage in a food chain?
Less material and less energy are contained in the biomass of the organisms
How can the efficiency of food production be improved? (2 ways)
- By reducing the number of stages in food chains
- Restricting energy loss (movement/temp)
It is important to keep fish stocks at a level where breeding continues. What are the two affecting factors?
Net size and fishing quotas (only allowed to catch a certain amount)
What is the fungus Fusarium useful for producing?
Mycroprotein; a protein rich food for vegetarians
Where is the fungus Fusarium grown?
- On glucose syrup
- Aerobic conditions
- The biomass harvested and purified
What are three advantages of factory farming animals?
- Less energy lost through movement
- And keeping warm
- Easier to protect from predators
What are three disadvantages of factory farming animals?
- It is animal cruelty and inhumane
- Faster spread of diseases
- Their antibiotics are in the food chain
Name three methods of factory farming
Controlled:
- temperature
- lighting
- feeding (modified/growth hormones)
What is the problem with ‘food miles’?
- Greater distance= greater impact on environment
- Pollution from CO2 from transporting vehicles.
