sustaining eco systems 3

Question 1

how do ocean currents and winds benefit animals and plants in cold areas

Answer 1

opens up gaps in the sea ice which increases light levels in the water meaning algae and other producers can produce more food.

Question 2

why is polar soil low in nutrients

Answer 2

cold climate causes plants to grow slowly and decompose slowly

Question 3

what form the basis of all food chains in the antarctic

Answer 3

phytoplankton

Question 4

what do phytoplankton depend on

Answer 4

nutrient rich currents of sea water

Question 5

how does tourism impact polar ecosystems

Answer 5

increases shipping and air travel leading to water and air pollution
risk of oil spills
can disturb breeding colonies and erode land
litter and waste

Question 6

how does fishing impact polar eco systems

Answer 6

over fishing threatens many species
reduced fish populations have knock on effects in the food chain

Question 7

how does scientific research impact polar eco systems

Answer 7

scientists use these eco systems for important research on for example climate change
may cause waste and litter and abandon equipment
research stations pollute

Question 8

how does mineral extraction impact polar eco systems

Answer 8

arctic has large gas and oil reserves
oil spills are likely
pipelines and transport have to be built
extraction of metals produces a lot of pollution

Question 9

how does whaling impact polar eco systems

Answer 9

many species of whale are ear extinction
whales are slow breeders