human impact on an ecosystem Flashcards
what is pollution
any human addition (contamination) to a habitat or to the environment that leaves it less able to sustain life
domestic pollutant
pollutant- plastic bags
source- shopping
effects- non biodegradable and suffocate small animals
control of domestic pollutant
bag tax/levy
reuse/recycle bags
effects of acid rain
reduces soil pH
phosphorus binds to soil particles and is unavailable to plant roots
causes leaching of minerals from soil
erodes limestone buildings
causes breathing difficulties
inhibits chlorophyll formation and burns the leaves of plants
how to prevent acid rain
reduces the quantity of fossil fuels burned
using catalysts to treat chimney gases
catalytic converters fitted to modern cars
what is conservation
the protection and management of natural resources and the environment
forestry conservation practice
replanting
broadleaf/conifer mix
benefits of forestry replanting
-ensures continued health and growth of those forests that are periodically harvested for timber
-allows foresters to choose the best species or mix for the forest
-helps the forest regrow as soon as possible
benefits of broadleaf/conifer mix
-forms native woodland and increases biodiversity
-provide timber for industry
benefits of conservation
- existing environments are maintained
- endangered species are preserved for reproduction
- the balance of nature is maintained
- pollution and its effects are reduced
waste management
- recycling
- compost
- landfill
- incinerator
waste management in forestry
-leaves from coniferous tees should not be allowed to fall into rivers
-chemicals and fertilisers should not be allowed to run off into waterways
-when trees are harvested spray stumps with urea type compound to speed up decomposition
-sawdust can be formed into woodchips and sold to farmers for mulching
