Unit 1

Question 0

Name 4 conditions on Earth that allow life to exist?

Answer 0

1. The position of Earth in relation to the sun
2. The magnetic field that deflects solar radiation
3. The mass of the Earth, which retains an atmosphere
4. The speed of rotation prevents excessive temperature fluctuations

Question 1

What is meant by the term negative feedback?

Answer 1

When a change occurs (in an abiotic factor) a response is produced which returns that factor back to its original level.

Question 2

How life changed the Earths conditions?

Answer 2

Green plant evolution - photosynthesis - reduce in CO2 in atmosphere

Question 3

What has oxygen done to the earth?

Answer 3

Produced the ozone layer O3 - absorbs harmful uv radiation from the sun reducing harmful effects like damaging DNA in cell which can cause skin cancer.

Also oxygen has enabled complex, diverse organisms to evolve.

Question 4

The development of early life on Earth?

Answer 4

Origin of planet
Bacteria evolved - chemosynthesis 
Cyanobacteria - photosynthesis 
Algae - photosynthesis 
Organisms complex - respire

Question 5

Gross primary production and net primary production

Answer 5

GPP - creates sugar for mitochondria

NPP - used to create stems, roots, leaves, flower etc

Question 6

1st & 2nd law of thermodynamics

Answer 6

1st Thermodynamics
Energy can be transformed from one type to another but can never be created or destroyed.
2nd Thermodynamics
Energy goes from a more organised and concentrated form to a less organised and more dispersed form, with the consequence that some is lost as heat.

Question 7

Lag, log and equilibrium phase

Answer 7

Lag - new population getting used to new environment. Establishing food/water sources. Sorting out danger, areas that are safe.
Log - exponential growth no environmental resistance, rapid expansion.
Equilibrium - environmental resistance increases. Food & space shortages. Population growth slows down.

Question 8

What is meant by the term biodiversity?

Answer 8

The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat, a high level of which is usually considered to be important and desirable.

Question 9

What is meant by the term gene pool?

Answer 9

The total variety of different genes in all the members of a population.

Question 10

What did Natural England & Countryside Council of Wales do?

Answer 10

• replaced English Nature in 2006
• responsible for designating areas for protection: SSSIs, NNRs, MNRs, SPAs, SACs
• set up controls/regulations which must be followed by landowners
• promote enjoyment, sustainable uses and security of the natural environment.
• promote areas such as: landforms, ecology, geology

Question 11

What does DEFRA (Department For Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) do?

Answer 11

• has a concern for climate change and energy
• promotes sustainable consumption & production
• involved in protecting countryside & natural resources
• promotes sustainable rural communities, farming, animal health and welfare.
• promotes protection through: Ramsar sites and biodiversity action plans and ESS

Question 12

National park authority purpose?

Answer 12

A. To conserve and enhance their natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area.
B. To promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of their special qualities by the public
C. To promote the rural economy