Geography Flashcards
Explain the phosphorous cycle and its importance.
Overview: The phosphorus cycle describes the movement of phosphorus through the Earth’s ecosystems, primarily through soil, water, and living organisms.
Key Processes:
- The cycle begins with the weathering of phosphate rocks, releasing phosphorus into soil and water, which plants absorb.
- Animals obtain phosphorus by eating plants. When organisms die or excrete waste, phosphorus returns to the soil.
- Microorganisms help convert organic phosphorus back into inorganic forms for plant uptake.
Importance:
Phosphorus is vital for all living organisms, as it is essential for DNA, RNA, and ATP, supporting energy transfer and cellular processes.
A balanced phosphorus cycle is crucial for ecosystem productivity. Human activities can disrupt this cycle, leading to nutrient pollution and environmental issues like algal blooms.
Describe the main impacts of plastic pollution on the environment.
Impacts of Plastic Pollution on the Environment
Wildlife Impact:
Plastic pollution leads to significant harm to wildlife, particularly in marine ecosystems. Millions of tons of plastic enter the oceans each year, causing entanglement, ingestion, and injuries to marine animals. Microplastics can be ingested by fish and other organisms, disrupting food chains and affecting human health.
Habitat Degradation:
Plastic waste degrades natural habitats by smothering coral reefs, hindering aquatic plant photosynthesis, and altering ecosystem structures. Chemicals from plastics can leach into soil and water, contaminating ecosystems and posing health risks. Additionally, the production and incineration of plastics contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change.
What are genetically modified foods?
Genetically Modified Foods
Genetically modified (GM) foods are products derived from organisms whose genetic material has been altered through biotechnology.
This process involves inserting specific genes from one organism into another to enhance desirable traits, such as:
1. increased resistance to pests and blights
2. improved nutritional content
3. enhanced shelf life
Common examples include Bt corn, which has been modified to express a bacterial protein that deters insects, and Golden Rice, engineered to produce vitamin A.
Benefits and Concerns:
GM foods offer potential benefits, including higher crop yields, reduced pesticide use, and improved food security. However, they also raise concerns about environmental impact, potential health risks, and ethical considerations related to food sovereignty and biodiversity. Regulatory bodies in various countries evaluate GM foods for safety, but public perception and acceptance vary widely, influencing market availability and consumer choices.
How do monoculture crops affect biodiversity?
Monoculture crops, which involve growing a single crop species over large areas, negatively impact biodiversity in several ways:
Reduced Species Diversity: Monoculture leads to a decline in plant and animal diversity, as native species and other crop varieties are often replaced, disrupting local ecosystems and reducing habitat for wildlife.
Increased Pest Vulnerability:
The lack of genetic diversity makes monoculture crops more susceptible to pests and diseases, resulting in greater reliance on chemical pesticides, which can harm non-target species and further decrease biodiversity.
Soil Health Degradation:
Continuous planting of the same crop depletes soil nutrients and contributes to erosion, compromising soil health and the ability to support diverse plant life.
Disrupted Ecosystem Functions:
Monoculture disrupts natural processes like pollination and nutrient cycling, undermining ecosystem functionality and affecting the survival of various dependent species.
Identify the world’s oceans.
- Pacific Ocean
- Atlantic Ocean
- Indian Ocean
- Southern (or Antarctic) Ocean
- Arctic Ocean
These five oceans cover about 71% of the Earth’s surface and play vital roles in climate regulation, marine biodiversity, and global trade.
