B6.1.6 - Monitoring biodiversity Flashcards
How do scientists monitor pollution?
They take regular samples of animals and plants to monitor the type and number of organisms present. A decrease indicates that environmental changes have taken place
The more polluted an area…
the fewer species that are present
What are indicator species?
Organism that can be used to measure environmental quality. Their presence (or absence) tells biologists that an area is polluted
How are organisms used to monitor air pollution?
Lichens are indicator soviet used to measure sulfur dioxide air pollution. They have no root system so most nutrition for them comes from the air. Rainwater contain nutrients that keep them alive so air pollutants can damage lichens and prevents their growth when dissolved in rainwater
What is a lack of lichens a sign of?
High pollution
How are organisms used to monitor water pollution?
The indicator species present in the water tells us how polluted it is. If there is a large number of mayfly larvas then it is cycle an but if there is a large number of sludge worms then there is very high pollution
What is water pollution caused by?
The discharge of harmful substances into rivers, lakes and seas
What is a mayfly larva?
An indicator species found in clean, in unpolluted water
What are sludge worms?
They are one of the only organisms that can live in water containing little oxygen
