Our impact on the ecosystem (Ecology) Flashcards
1
Q
Why the use of natural resources needs to be controlled and regulated
A
- used everyday
- depletion results in environmental damage
- mostly irreversible
2
Q
Types of natural resources
A
- Renewable
- Non-renewable
3
Q
Renewable natural resources
A
- can be replaced via natural cycles (as long as not overused)
- e.g. air, water, soil, wildlife
4
Q
Non-renewable natural resources
A
- cannot be replaced once used
- e.g. fossil fuel, minerals
5
Q
Deforestation
A
- clearing of forests
- makes land available for agricultural, urban development
- wood (raw material)
- usually cleared faster than replaced
6
Q
Effects of deforestation
A
- Soil erosion
- Flooding
- Desertification
- Climate changes
7
Q
Soil erosion (Deforestation)
A
- forests leafy canopy protects topsoil (most nutrients here) from direct impact of rain
- retain water thru absorption by roots
- w/o, top soil easily washed off by heavy rain
8
Q
Flooding (Deforestation)
A
- resultant of soil erosion
- rise in water lvl
- increase chances of flooding
9
Q
Desertification (Deforestation)
A
- w/o leafy canopy, sunlight falls directly onto ground
- water evaporate
- create desert-like condition
- unsuitable for plant growth
10
Q
Climate changes (Deforestation)
A
- less plants, less CO2 removed frm atmosphere via photosynthesis
- CO2 greenhouse gas, traps heat
- warmer climate
- mosquitoes example
- disrupts water cycle
11
Q
Uncontrolled fishing practices
A
- impt food source
- population increase, demand increases
- uncontrolled and unregulated fishing practices leads to reduced aquatic biodiversity
12
Q
Dredges (uncontrolled fishing practices)
A
- destroy coral reefs and
- organisms living on sea bed
13
Q
Drift nets and trawlers
A
- catch ,marine life indiscriminately
14
Q
Cyanide fishing
A
- kills corals and other reef organisms
15
Q
Effects of uncontrolled fishing practices
A
- destruction of marine habitat
- decrease and extinction of certain fish populations
16
Q
Pollution
A
- process where harmful substances added to environment
17
Q
Water pollution
A
- contamination of water bodies
- discharge of untreated sewage into water bodies
- excessive use of fertilisers and insecticides
- dumping of inorganic waste material into water bodies