Measuring Environmental Change

Question 1

How can all living and non-living data be obtained?

Answer 1

Using meters to measure levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrates and temperature

Question 2

How can all living and non-living data be obtained using living organisms?

Answer 2

Living organisms are used as indicators. (e.g. mayfly larvae in rivers need high oxygen levels, pollution reduces the amount of oxygen so, if mayfly larvae are found in significant numbers, the level of pollution in the river water is fairly low).

Question 3

What other examples are there where living organisms are used as indicators?

Answer 3

Lichens - Don’t grow if the air is polluted