We and the Environment Flashcards
What does melanin have to do with UV, the retina, moles, and skin cancer.
Melanin is a pigment that determines the color of the skin and eyes. UV rays are rays from the sun that can damage melanin. The retina allows UV rays into the eyes, which can damage the pigment and change the color of the eye. When UV rays reach the skin, moles can form, and skin cancer can occur. UV rays can damage the skin and melanin, causing skin to break out. It is important to protect the skin and eyes from UV rays.
Strontium is an element very similar to calcium and bones absorb strontium as they would with calcium. If strontium is radioactive, people who absorb it are more susceptible to leukemia. Why would it lead to leukemia, and not another kind of cancer?
Because when strontium is absorbed into the bones, the blood comes to reabsorb it from the bones. This can then result in blood cancer.
What is a “water footprint”?
How much water people use throughout their lives.
Which has a larger carbon footprint: Vegetables or meat?
Meat, because it must be processed and packaged, with uses much CO2.
Which leaves a larger water footprint: Flushing the toilet, or the water we drink?
Flushing the toilet.
Where does the energy in our food come from?
The sun: It gives plants energy.
Why does air quality matter? Which other system could be affected by air pollution?
The circulatory system, because it absorbs the oxygen from the air sacs, and if it is polluted, then the blood could be damaged.
What are some of the illnesses that you are at increased risk of getting by living in Beijing rather than NYC, NYC rather than Atlanta, Atlanta vs. upstate dairy country in New York State, a town with a car factory vs. a town with no factory? Name three.
Lung Cancer, Leukemia, Pneumonia, Bronchitis, Asthma, Emphysema.
Why do teeth problems increase with noise pollution?
Because when there is much noise outside, people’s teeth clench together, making them more prone to damage.
SEE GRAPH ON PROBLEM 144.
SEE GRAPH ON PROBLEM 144.
What is the more obvious system affected by noise pollution? Is damage done temporary or permanent.
The auditory system, and most damage is permanent, because the ears could have trouble working, or stop completely.
Is most of the water on earth fresh or saltwater? What percent of total water is available as drinking water? What are two main sources of drinking water? What are sources of NYC water, and what is added to it to make it cleaner?
Saltwater. About 3%. Glaciers and Underground. It comes from the NYC watershed, and is saved in 19 reservoirs. We add chlorine to make is cleaner and rid it of unknown particles.
What are some sources of water pollution? Name five. What are some sources of water pollution that didn’t exist a few hundred years ago? Name three. What are some of the effects that have been seen on reproductive behavior in vertebrates? Why does it concern us that some oysters have become hermaphrodites due to pollutants?
Sewage, Cosmetic products, dishwash, rubbing alcohol, certain medicines, and manure. Cosmetics, and other OWC’s (alcohol, medicine, cleansing products). Sex-hormone receptors have been damaged, reduced numbers of sperm, and deformities of certain sex organs and structures of the reproductive system. Because they could stop mating, and creating offspring, causing the species to become endangered.
LOOK AT GRAPH ON QUESTION 148.
LOOK AT GRAPH ON QUESTION 148.
What are some sources of water pollution? Name five. What are some sources of water pollution that didn’t exist a few hundred years ago? Name three. What are some of the effects that have been seen on reproductive behavior in vertebrates? Why does it concern us that some oysters have become hermaphrodites due to pollutants?
Sewage, Cosmetic products, dishwash, rubbing alcohol, certain medicines, and manure. Cosmetics, and other OWC’s (alcohol, medicine, cleansing products). Sex-hormone receptors have been damaged, reduced numbers of sperm, and deformities of certain sex organs and structures of the reproductive system. Because they could stop mating, and creating offspring, causing the species to become endangered.
