Biology- Chapter 17 : Biodiversity and Ecosystems

AQA Biology (Combined Trilogy)- Chapter 17

What is biodiversity of an area?

What is biodiversity of an area?

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms within a given area, encompassing the diversity of species, ecosystems, and genetic variations. It is crucial for ecosystem resilience, providing essential services such as pollination, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation. High biodiversity often indicates a healthy environment.

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms in an area, encompassing species, ecosystems, and genetic variations. It is crucial for ecosystem resilience and offers essential services such as pollination, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation. High biodiversity indicates a healthy environment.

Name 3 things that can pollute land?

1. Industrial Waste: Chemicals and byproducts from factories can contaminate soil.

2. Plastic Waste: Non-biodegradable plastics can accumulate and degrade land quality.

3. Agricultural Runoff: Pesticides and fertilizers can leach into the soil, causing pollution.

Name 3 things that can pollute water?

1. Industrial Waste - Chemicals and heavy metals from factories can contaminate water sources.

2. Agricultural Runoff - Pesticides and fertilizers can wash into rivers and lakes, leading to nutrient pollution.

3. Sewage - Untreated or poorly treated sewage can introduce pathogens and harmful substances into water bodies.

How does land and water pollution affect biodiversity?

Land and water pollution significantly impacts biodiversity in several ways:

1. Habitat Destruction: Pollutants can degrade habitats, making them unsuitable for many species.

2. Toxicity: Chemicals can be toxic to wildlife, leading to decreased populations or extinction.

3. Ecosystem Imbalance: Pollution can disrupt food chains and ecological relationships, harming species diversity.

4. Invasive Species: Polluted environments may favor invasive species, outcompeting native species.

Overall, pollution reduces biodiversity and disrupts ecosystem health.

How is acid rain caused?

Acid rain is caused by the release of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) into the atmosphere. These pollutants can originate from industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and burning fossil fuels. When they react with water vapor, oxygen, and other chemicals in the atmosphere, they form sulfuric and nitric acids. These acids then fall to the ground as precipitation, leading to acid rain, which can harm ecosystems, buildings, and water sources.

Acid rain is caused by sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) released into the atmosphere from industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and fossil fuel combustion. These pollutants react with water vapor and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids, which fall as precipitation, harming ecosystems, buildings, and water sources.

What are the effects of acid rain?

Effects of Acid Rain

1. Environmental Impact:

   • Soil Degradation: Lowers soil pH, affecting nutrient availability.

   • Water Bodies: Acidifies lakes and streams, harming aquatic life.

2. Vegetation Damage:

   • Forest Health: Weakens trees, making them susceptible to disease and pests.

   • Crop Yields: Reduces agricultural productivity.

3. Infrastructure Corrosion:

   • Buildings and Monuments: Accelerates deterioration of materials like limestone and marble.

4. Human Health:

   • Respiratory Issues: Contributes to air pollution, affecting respiratory health.

What is smoke pollution?

Smoke Pollution

Smoke pollution refers to the release of harmful substances into the air from burning materials, such as wood, fossil fuels, or waste. This pollution can contain particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and various toxic chemicals, which can affect air quality and contribute to respiratory problems, environmental degradation, and climate change.

Smoke pollution is the release of harmful substances from burning materials like wood, fossil fuels, or waste. It includes particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and toxic chemicals, impacting air quality and contributing to respiratory issues, environmental degradation, and climate change.

What are the effects of smoke pollution?

Effects of Smoke Pollution

1. Health Issues: Increases respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and can lead to lung cancer.

2. Environmental Impact: Contributes to air quality degradation, harming wildlife and ecosystems.

3. Climate Change: Smoke contains black carbon, which can contribute to global warming.

4. Visibility Reduction: Causes haze, reducing visibility and affecting transportation safety.

5. Economic Costs: Impacts healthcare costs and can affect industries like tourism and agriculture.

Two ways acid rain can be reduced?

1. Emissions Control: Implementing stricter regulations on industrial emissions and using cleaner technologies can significantly reduce the release of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which contribute to acid rain.

2. Alternative Energy Sources: Transitioning to renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power, can decrease reliance on fossil fuels, thereby reducing the pollutants that cause acid rain.

What is smog?

Smog is a type of air pollution that combines smoke and fog. It typically consists of a mixture of pollutants, including particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds. Smog can reduce visibility and pose health risks, particularly in urban areas. There are two main types:

1. Classical Smog: Formed in cool, humid conditions, primarily from industrial emissions.

2. Photochemical Smog: Formed in warm, sunny conditions, resulting from chemical reactions between pollutants and sunlight.

Two reasons for large-scale deforestation?

1. Agricultural Expansion: Large areas of forests are cleared to make way for agricultural activities, such as crop production and livestock grazing.

2. Urbanization and Infrastructure Development: Growing populations lead to the expansion of cities and infrastructure, resulting in the clearing of forests for housing, roads, and other developments.

During deforestation, why does the concentration of CO2 increase in the atmosphere?

1. Loss of Trees: Trees absorb CO2 during photosynthesis. When they are cut down, this carbon storage is lost, leading to increased CO2 levels.

2. Decomposition and Burning: Deforested areas often undergo burning or decomposition, releasing stored carbon back into the atmosphere, further elevating CO2 concentrations.

2 reasons for the large scale increase in the global waste produced?

1. Population Growth: An increasing global population leads to higher consumption and waste generation.

2. Consumerism: The rise in consumer culture encourages the production and disposal of goods at a faster rate, contributing to more waste.

Why is the increasing concentrations of CO2 in the atmosphere a problem?

Increasing concentrations of CO2 in the atmosphere are problematic because:

1. Global Warming: CO2 is a greenhouse gas that traps heat, leading to rising global temperatures.

2. Climate Change: Higher CO2 levels contribute to extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and ecosystem disruptions.

3. Ocean Acidification: Increased CO2 is absorbed by oceans, harming marine life and coral reefs.

4. Air Quality: Elevated CO2 can exacerbate air pollution and respiratory issues.

These factors threaten biodiversity, human health, and food security.

define peat bogs.

Peat Bogs:Peat bogs are wetlands where peat, a partially decomposed organic material, accumulates in waterlogged, acidic, and nutrient-poor conditions. They are vital carbon sinks that help combat climate change and support unique ecosystems with diverse plant and animal species.