Topic 10.4 Human effects of ecosystems

Question 1

State 3 human effects of ecosytems

Answer 1

• climate change
• depletion of biological resources
• loss of biodiversity

Question 2

Define the greenhouse gas effect

Answer 2

the process by which gases in the Earth’s atmosphere absorb and re-radiate the radiation from the sun, which had been reflected from the Earth’s surface, maintaining a temperature at the surface of the Earth that is warm enough for life to exist

Question 3

Define sustainable

Answer 3

a resource that can be renewed/replaced and is available for future generations

Question 4

Define global warming

Answer 4

the gradual increase in average temperature of the Earth’s surface (and oceans)

Question 5

Describe and explain how global warming could effect plant species

Answer 5

describe:
-loss of existing species
-changes in distribution of plants
-changes in numbers/size/growth
explain:
-changes in rainfall patterns
-change in growing seasons 
-temperature too hot for some species
-increased carbon dioxide, more photosynthesis
-fall in pH of oceans and rivers

Question 6

What factors would you take into account when deciding whether or not to use the conclusions made by scientists in their study?

Answer 6

• if the methodology is valid (has it been properly designed to answer the questions being asked)
• size of the study
• if it was carried out with precise and accurate measurements
• if it is reliable (can scientists repeat the methodology and obtain similar results)
• knowing who carried out the test to see if it is biased