Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Biology > Human influences on the environment > Flashcards

Human influences on the environment Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
AP® Biology flashcards Biology 101 flashcards
1
Q

What is sulphur dioxide primarily produced from?

A

Burning fossil fuels

Sulphur dioxide dissolves in rain to form sulfuric acid, leading to acid rain.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are the harmful effects of sulphur dioxide?

A
  • Contaminating and acidifying lakes and rivers
  • Killing organisms
  • Removing minerals from soil
  • Breaking down plant chlorophyll
  • Corroding metal
  • Deteriorating limestone and marble

These effects contribute to decreased soil fertility and plant health.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

How does human activity exacerbate the problem of sulphur dioxide?

A

By burning more fossil fuels

Increased fossil fuel consumption leads to higher sulphur dioxide emissions.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What causes carbon monoxide to form?

A

Incomplete combustion of fuels

Carbon monoxide is formed accidentally instead of carbon dioxide.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Why is carbon monoxide considered toxic?

A

It combines with haemoglobin in red blood cells, reducing oxygen transport

This can lead to serious health issues.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What are the key greenhouse gases?

A
  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Nitrous Oxides
  • Water Vapour
  • Methane
  • CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons)

These gases contribute to the greenhouse effect and global warming.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

How do human activities increase greenhouse gas emissions?

A
  • Burning fossil fuels (produces Carbon Dioxide and Nitrous Oxides)
  • Decay of organic matter (produces Methane)
  • Fridges, aerosol, and air conditioning (produces CFCs)
  • Production of cement

Each activity contributes to specific greenhouse gas emissions.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is the greenhouse effect?

A

The process that keeps the Earth warm by trapping heat in the atmosphere

The Earth is heated by the sun, and some heat is trapped by greenhouse gases.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Fill in the blank: The greenhouse effect helps to regulate the Earth’s _______.

A

temperatures

This regulation is essential for maintaining a habitable climate.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is the enhanced greenhouse effect?

A

It occurs when more heat is trapped by an increased number of greenhouse gases, leading to the Earth warming up.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

List three consequences of global warming.

A
  • Global temperature rises
  • More extreme weather
  • Polar ice caps may melt
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

How does global warming affect polar ice caps?

A

It may cause them to melt, leading to increased sea levels and flooding in low-lying areas.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is one way global warming may affect ecosystems?

A

It may affect the distribution or migration of organisms.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

True or False: Global warming can lead to more habitat destruction.

A

True

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What role does the ozone layer play?

A

It filters out UV rays from the sun, preventing harmful radiation from reaching the Earth.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What are CFCs and why are they problematic?

A

Chlorofluorocarbons found in aerosols and air conditioning units that create holes in the ozone layer.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Fill in the blank: The process when nutrients cause excessive growth of plants and algae in water bodies is called _______.

A

[eutrophication]

18
Q

What happens to plants and algae during eutrophication?

A

They compete for sunlight and almost all die.

19
Q

How does eutrophication affect oxygen levels in water?

A

Bacteria decompose dead plant and algae material, using a lot of oxygen, leading to low oxygen conditions.

20
Q

What is a consequence of low oxygen conditions in water due to eutrophication?

A

Fish and other invertebrates die.

21
Q

What substances can lead to water pollution through leaching?

A
  • Fertiliser
  • Sewage
22
Q

True or False: Ozone depletion increases the risk of skin cancer.

A

True

23
Q

What is deforestation?

A

The removal of trees

Deforestation can occur for various purposes, including agriculture and logging.

24
Q

Name two primary reasons for deforestation.

A
  • Agriculture
  • Logging for furniture/paper

These activities often lead to significant environmental impacts.

25
Q

List three effects of deforestation.

A
  • Reduces oxygen production
  • Increases leaching leading to eutrophication
  • Increases soil erosion

These effects can have detrimental impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity.

26
Q

How does deforestation affect the water cycle?

A

It disturbs the water cycle because trees contribute to water vapor through transpiration

Approximately 10% of water vapor in the air is produced by trees.

27
Q

What greenhouse gas is released when cut wood is burned?

A

Carbon dioxide

Burning wood contributes to the greenhouse effect.

28
Q

What measures can countries take to protect against deforestation?

A
  • Replant trees
  • Enforce laws against deforestation

These efforts aim to sustain forest ecosystems.

29
Q

What is fish farming?

A

Breeding fish in a controlled environment for economic gain and food production

It involves managing fish populations and their environment.

30
Q

What is the purpose of a net in fish farming?

A

To keep out predatory birds

The net also allows smaller fish to enter and exit while preventing larger predators.

31
Q

What is selective breeding in fish farming?

A

Breeding fish to ensure the largest yield of food

This practice enhances productivity in fish farming.

32
Q

Define interspecific competition in the context of fish farming.

A

Competition between different species of fish

This is managed by grouping similar species together.

33
Q

Define intraspecific competition in fish farming.

A

Competition between the same species of fish

This occurs, for example, when larger fish eat smaller fish.

34
Q

What factors influence the diet of fish in farming?

A

The age of the fish

Tailoring diets according to age ensures maximum growth rate.

35
Q

What is one advantage of fish farming?

A

Valuable source of protein

Fish farming contributes significantly to food security.

36
Q

What is one advantage of fish farming?

A

Can get fish without fishing ocean stocks

This allows for sustainable fish production.

37
Q

What is a potential financial benefit of fish farming?

A

Can make a lot of profit from it

38
Q

What is one disadvantage of fish farming?

A

Fish often aren’t fed sustainably

39
Q

What environmental issue can arise from waste in fish farming?

A

Eutrophication - Waste can drop to the bottom of the loch.

40
Q

How can eutrophication be mitigated in fish farming?

A

By moving the net around the loch

41
Q

What disease-related issue can occur in fish farming?

A

Disease can be prevalent in a monoculture of one species

42
Q

What are some treatments for diseases in fish farming?

A

Antibiotics for bacteria, fungicides for fungi, and pesticides.

However they can lead to eutrophication.

Biology (18 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions