Human Impact On Environment 2

Question 0

How measure pollution with indicator species?

Using technology?

Answer 0

Survey if present or absent from an area
Count number of times indicator species occur
Instruments to measure pollutants in air or water
Satellite data identifying thin ozone layer

Question 1

How do indicator species show pollution?

Answer 1

Some species only survive in un polluted conditions - if exist know it is clean!
Lichens - cleaner air, greater diversity survive
Mayfly larvae - used to monitor water quality - can’t survive in polluted water
Rat tailed maggots and sludge worms indicate high levels of pollution

Question 2

What are advantages and disadvantages of measuring pollution with species indicators?

Answer 2

Advantage - cheap, quick, easy

Disadvantage - other factors can affect results eg. temperature

Question 3

What are the advantages and disadvantages of measuring pollution using non living methods - technology?

Answer 3

Advantages - reliable, numerical data, can compare, exact pollutants identified
Disadvantages - expensive, need trained workers