Ecology and the Environment

Question 1

What are the main biological consequences of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) pollution?

Answer 1

1.Combines with water vapor to form acid rain, damaging plants, aquatic life & soil.
2.Causes respiratory problems in humans.

Question 2

How does acid rain form, & what are its effects?

Answer 2

Formation: SO₂ combines with water vapor in the atmosphere.
Effects: Damages plants, aquatic life, and depletes soil nutrients.

Question 3

How does carbon monoxide (CO) affect the human body?

Answer 3

-CO binds to haemoglobin in the blood.
-This reduces oxygen transport.
-High concentrations can cause suffocation & death.

Question 4

What are the main pollutants that cause air pollution?

Answer 4

-Sulfur dioxide (SO₂).
-Carbon monoxide (CO).

Question 5

How does air pollution impact human health?

Answer 5

SO₂: Causes respiratory issues.
CO: Reduces oxygen transport, potentially causing suffocation.

Question 6

A patient went to see their doctor, after noticing that they were suttering trom breathlessness and fatigue. The doctor suggested that this could be related to the patient’s regular walks beside a busy road.
Explain the possible connection between walking near a busy road and the patient’s symptoms (4 marks)

Answer 6

-Vehicles release carbon monoxide
-Carbon monoxide binds to haemoglobin
-Haemoglobin cannot bind to oxygen / carries less oxygen
-Cells receive a reduced oxygen supply
-(Aerobic) respiration is reduced
-Less energy is released
ONLY NEED 4

Question 7

What is a greenhouse gas?

Answer 7

-a gas that absorbs infrared radiation from the Sun, trapping heat in the Earth’s atmosphere.

Question 8

Why are greenhouse gases important for life on Earth?

Answer 8

-they help keep the Earth warm enough to support life by trapping heat in the atmosphere.

Question 9

What happens if the levels of greenhouse gases increase?

Answer 9

-Increased greenhouse gases enhance the greenhouse effect, causing the Earth’s average temperature to rise (global warming).

Question 10

Name the most important greenhouse gases.

Answer 10

1.Water vapour
2.Carbon dioxide
3.Methane
4.Nitrous oxides
5.CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons)

Question 11

What is the greenhouse effect?

Answer 11

The process by which greenhouse gases trap infrared radiation, keeping the Earth warm.

Question 12

How do human activities produce carbon dioxide (CO₂)?

Answer 12

-Combustion of fuels in industrial processes.
-Car exhausts release CO₂.

Question 13

What are the sources of nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions?

Answer 13

-Fertilizers used in agriculture.
-Cattle waste in farms.
-Produced by combustion of fossil fuels under high temperatures in vehicle engines.

Question 14

How is methane (CH₄) released by human activities?

Answer 14

-Released from rice paddy fields
-Released from Cattle

Question 15

What are the sources of CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons)?

Answer 15

-Used in refrigerators & released when disposed.
-Used in aerosol sprays.

Question 16

How does water vapour contribute to the greenhouse effect?

Answer 16

-Naturally exists in rivers, lakes & oceans

Question 17

What is the greenhouse effect?

Answer 17

1.The Sun emits rays that enter Earth’s atmosphere.
2.Heat bounces off the Earth’s surface.
3.Some heat is reflected into space.
4.Some heat is absorbed by greenhouse gases and trapped in the atmosphere – maintaining Earth’s temperature.

Question 18

What are the consequences of global warming? (List 4)

Answer 18

1.Rising ocean temperatures: Causes melting of polar ice caps, sea-level rise, flooding, and coral bleaching.
2.Extreme weather events: More frequent superstorms, droughts, and floods.
3.Habitat changes or loss: Habitats are destroyed, forcing animals to relocate or adapt.
4.Decreased biodiversity: Disrupted food chains, higher extinction rates, and loss of species.

Question 19

How does global warming affect species migration & disease spread?

Answer 19

As temperatures increase, some species migrate to new areas, leading to the spread of pests and diseases into regions where they were previously absent.

Question 20

How does global warming affect the oceans?

Answer 20

-Increased temperatures melt polar ice caps, raising sea levels & causing flooding.
-Warmer oceans also lead to coral bleaching, harming marine ecosystems.

Question 21

What extreme weather events are linked to global warming?

Answer 21

-Superstorms
-Flooding
-Droughts