Human interaction Flashcards
What are material cycles
Material cycles show how compounds i.e. carbon dioxide cycle through living organisms i.e animals, decomposers and trees etc. And make it back to where they initially were.
Give a description of the carbon cycle
CO2 in the atmosphere is used by plants to retire. The plants then die and detritus feeders(worms and maggots) decompose the plants and animals that eat the plants. Th e carbon is then released back into the atmosphere. Humans also breathe out CO2, this also releases carbon into the atmosphere.
List 3 of the main molecules that make up out bodies
Any out of DNA, fats, proteins or carbohydrates
Why is the amount of carbon finite
Because earth is a closed system
How is carbon released from some fossil fuels
The fuels are burned
List two examples of carbon sinks
Limestone and carbon dioxide
What two things is carbon cycled through
Living organisms in the environment and the carbon cycle
List the word equation for Photosynthesis
carbon dioxide + water (along with light)—> glucose + oxygen
List the word equation for respiration
Glucose + oxygen—> carbon dioxide + water
List the word equation for combustion
Fuel + oxygen —> carbon dioxide + water
What is the role of photosynthesis in the carbon cycle
Photosynthesis uses carbon along with water to produce glucose and oxygen
What is the role of respiration in the carbon cycle
Living organisms respire and release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
What is the role of combustion in the carbon cycle
When burning fossil fuels, stored carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere
What three conditions must be present when a decomposed breaks down and organism
The condition must be warm, moist and oxygen rich
Why is a warm climate needed for decomposers
The enzymes will not function quickly if the conditions are not warm
Why is a moist climate needed for decomposers
Moisture is needed for bacteria to grow and multiply
Why is an oxygen rich climate needed for decomposers
Aerobic respiration
What problem occurs when fertiliser from farms enter a pond
As the fertiliser enters the water, the nutrients are consumed by algae and plants alike. The plants overgrow and form a thick layer on top of the pond. This prevents the light from reaching the plants which means that they cannot photosynthesise. The plants then die and microorganisms decompose them. As a result of the lack of oxygen due to the plants being dead, the decomposers quickly use all of the available oxygen. All life then dies.
Explain how fossil fuels being burned can lead to air pollution.
When fossil fuels are burned, they release smoke. This contaminates the air. CO2 also pollutes the air.
How can the burning of fossil fuels lead to a reduced global temperature
The smoke produced can form a layer under the atmosphere. This can lead to a global dimming which would result in a reduction of the average global temperature. This would also cause severe problems to our cardiovascular systems.
How can impurities in fossil fuels cause acid rain.
Chemicals such as sulphur dioxide mix with rain water and form a contaminated acid rain.
List three problems that are caused by acid rain.
Plants wont grow because the soil is too acidic, erodes limestone/damages statues and corrodes metal.
list three causes of global warming
CO2 and gasses in the atmosphere, oil coal, growing population
What is Biodiversity
Biodiversity is the measure of how many different species live in an ecosystem
What is a keystone organism
A keystone organism is an organism that other organisms depend on
What does a great biodiversity ensure
A great biodiversity ensures the stability of ecosystems by reducing the dependence of one species on another one for food, water and the maintenance of the physical environment
List two measures of maintaining biodiversity
Any out of:Breeding programs for endangered species, Protection and regeneration of rare habitats and reintroduction of field margin and hedgerows, recycling resources or reduction of deforestation and carbon dioxide emotions.
Explain how your chosen methods do this.
Check book.
