7.2.4 - Impact of Environmental Change

Describe how environmental conditions affect communities.

• Environmental conditions e.g. temperature, soil pH, light intensity affect the abundance and distribution of organisms within communities.

• e.g. Rising global temperatures have been linked to the extinction of frog species (their thin skin makes them more vulnerable to temperature changes).

How can different temperatures be bad for certain communities?

• If the temperature is too low, growth will be slower as organisms will use more energy to stay warm.

• If the temperature is too high, organisms can die and water will become limited as evaporation increases.

How can changes in water levels affect ecosystems?

• Animals may have to migrate to find water.

• Melting ice caps may destroy the habitats of some animals (either animals living in icy regions or by sea level rise).

How can atmosphere gases affect ecosystems?

• Some organisms cannot survive when certain gases are present.

• Polluted water can cause illness to animals that drink it.

What detrimental impacts can sulfur dioxide have on the environment?

• Formed when fossil fuels containing impurities are burnt.

• Sulfur dioxide can dissolve in water to form acid rain which can erode buildings and pollute water sources.

What detrimental impacts can carbon monoxide have on the environment?

• Carbon monoxide is formed from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels.

• Carbon monoxide binds irreversibly to hemoglobin which prevents it from carrying oxygen.

• Too much exposure can cause unconsciousness and death.

Name 5 greenhouse gases.

Water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane, CFCs.

Give 3 human activities that contribute to greenhouse gases.

• Burning fossil fuels.

• Deforestation.

• Large scale livestock farming.

How do greenhouse gases lead to global warming?

• Greenhouse gases allow heat from the sun to enter the atmosphere.

• The gases act as a “blanket” and trap the heat in the atmosphere.

State 3 negative consequence of global warming.

• Sea level rise caused by melting icebergs.

• Disrupted farming and agriculture.

• Increased spread of diseases in warmer climates.