Disrupting Ecosystems Flashcards
What is biodiversity?
The variety of all the different species of organisms on earth or within an ecosystem.
How does a high level of biodiversity help ecosystems to become more stable?
Because species are less likely to have to rely on just one other for food and shelter.
What is eutrophication?
Fertiliser __________ from fields during __________ that _____________________________ and ____________________________________________.
run-off
heavy rain
pollutes nearby bodies of water
increases the nitrate concentration of the water
Process of eutrophication:
- Sewage or fertiliser run-off increases the ________________________________.
- Extra nutrients cause __________________ of the _____________________.
- The _____________ covers the water’s surface, killing any plants below the surface as ____________________ cannot reach them.
- Algae die as the ______________________.
- ___________________________ the dead plants.
- Bacteria use up oxygen for ______________.
- Fish and other organisms die from a ___________________.
nutrient concentration of the water
increased growth
aquatic plants/algae
algal bloom
light and oxygen
nutrients run out
Aerobic bacteria decompose
respiration
lack of oxygen
What does the combustion of fossil fuels releasing carbon dioxide contribute to:
1.
2.
- Greenhouse effect.
- Global warming.
What does the combustion of fossil fuels releasing sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides contribute to:
Acid rain.
What is smog?
Air pollution that is a mixture of smoke and fog.
Bogs are muddy areas of land.
What are 2 characteristics of bogs?
1.
2.
Acidic.
Very low level of nutrients.
In bogs, is decomposition very fast or slow?
Slow.
What is decomposition?
The process of breaking down material to release nutrients back into the soil.
What is peat?
Partly decomposed plant matter.
What are the 2 uses of peat?
1.
2.
- Used to produce compost.
- Burned to release energy.
Give 3 reasons why gardeners should use less peat-based compost in
the future:
1.
2.
3.
Peat mixes with the air to release carbon dioxide.
Peat is non-renewable.
Peat reduces biodiversity.
Explain why mixing peat with air leads to the release of carbon dioxide: (4 marks)
Leads to the ___________________ of peat by __________________ when _______________________.
They __________ using ___________________________ when peat mixes with the air as ____________.
So large amounts of carbon dioxide are released into the atmosphere.
decomposition
microorganisms
peat is mixed with air
respire
substances in peat and oxygen
reactants
Peat bogs are ________________.
carbon sinks
