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Biology Gcse Full 25-26 > B18-Biodiversity and Ecosystems > Flashcards

B18-Biodiversity and Ecosystems Flashcards

(108 cards)

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1
Q

What has caused a rapid increase in the human population?

A

Increased healthcare and nutrition

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2
Q

What has caused waste to increase?

A

Rapid population growth and an increase in the standard of living causes resources to be used at an increasing rate. This causes waste to increase

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3
Q

What environmental impacts has the human population growth caused?

A

Land use to increase in order to build, shops, roads etc. This destroys habitats of organisms that originally lived in the area and destroys biodiversity

Large areas of forest are cleared in order to build farmland. This destroys the natural animal and plant populations, causing biodiversity to decrease

Large areas of land are cleared in order to mine resources such as rocks and metals, reducing habitats and biodiversity

Waste produced by humans pollutes the environment and processing it takes up land, affecting biodiversity

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4
Q

What 3 types of pollution are there?

A

Water - sewage, fertiliser and toxic chemicals

Air - smoke and acidic gases

Land - landfill and toxic chemicals

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5
Q

Why are peat bogs destroyed?

A

To produce compost from peat

  • To use peat as a fuel

Farming land

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6
Q

What are the disadvantages of peat bog destruction?

A

It reduces the area of the peat habitat and thus the variety of different plant, animal, and microorganism species (biodiversity)

The burning of peat releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere

The decay and digestion of peats to create compost releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere

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7
Q

What is incident energy?

A

light from the sun arriving at the surface of the earth

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8
Q

How much incident energy is transferred by producers in photosynthesis?

A

1%

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9
Q

How much energy/biomass is transferred from one trophic level to the next?

A

10%

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10
Q

What is a trophic level?

A

Feeding level in an ecosystem

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11
Q

Describe how biomass may be lost from one trophic level to the next:

A

Losses of biomass are due to:

Not all ingested material is absorbed, some is egested as faeces

Some absorbed material is lost as waste, such as glucose being broken down into carbon dioxide and water which is lost in respiration and water and urea in urine

Energy from cellular respiration is used for movement and muscular contraction

Energy from cellular respiration is transferred by heating the surroundings

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12
Q

What is food security?

A

Having enough food to feed a population

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13
Q

what 6 biological factors are affecting food security?

A

The increasing birth rate may threaten the food security in some countries

Changing diets in developed countries means that scarce food resources are transported around the world, depriving those in the area of the food

New pests and pathogens may affect farming

Environmental change may affect food production (i.e. famine may occur if rain fails)

Cost of agricultural inputs

Conflicts may affect the availability of water and food

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14
Q

How can the efficiency of food production be improved

A

The movement of animals may be restricted in order to restrict energy transfer from the food to the environment

The temperature of the animals surroundings may be controlled in order to limit energy transfer to the environment

Animals may be fed high protein diets to increase growth

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15
Q

Explain how land pollution may occur:

A

Human waste may not be treated properly and may cause soil pollution of chemicals and parasites

Household and industrial waste may be sent to landfill sites which take up large areas and destroy natural habitats. Toxic chemicals may spread from the waste into the soil

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16
Q

Describe how water pollution may occur:

A

Fertilisers and minerals added to soils can easily be washed out of the soil and into local streams, ponds, and rivers. Untreated sewage may also contain high levels of nitrates. These mineral ions may stimulate the growth of algae and water plants, which grow rapidly. Some of these plants may die naturally, whereas other may die due to competition for sunlight. Microorganisms will then decompose these dead plants. This decomposition process uses a lot of oxygen which is dissolved in the water. The increased growth of plants causes increased decomposition which causes the oxygen levels in the water to fall rapidly. This may mean that there is not enough oxygen to support fish and other aerobic organisms living in the water

Toxic chemicals, such as pesticides, may be washed into water sources. These toxic chemicals may become part of the food chain and build up at each stage through the food chain. This is known as bioaccumulation. The largest carnivores may die or fail to breed due to the build up of toxic chemicals

Pesticides may also cause the pH levels of the water to change

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17
Q

Describe how air pollution may occur:

A

Burning fossil fuels that may contain sulphur impurities will produce sulfur dioxide. Sulfur dioxide can cause breathing difficulties if concentrations become too high

Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide may also dissolve in rainwater to produce sulfuric acid and nitric acid. acid rani may fall on trees, killing the leaves, buds, flowers, and fruit. The acid rain may soak into the soil and destroy the roots. It may also fall into bodies of water and cause the water to become acidic. It may change the soil pH and affect the enzymes in organisms.

Smoke Pollution - particulates in the air can damage lungs and reduce the amount of light that reaches the earths surface

Smog

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18
Q

What may global warming cause?

A

Loss of habitat - low-lying area may be flooded by rising sea levels, causes habitats and biodiversity to be lost

Changes in distribution - Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns may cause areas to become more suitable for some animals but less suitable for other animals

Changes in migration patterns due to changes in temperature

Reduced biodiversity - climate change may cause some organisms to struggle to survive and may become axtinct

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19
Q

What is meant by the term ‘biodiversity’

A

Biodiversity is a measure of the variety of all of the different species of organisms on Earth, or within a particular ecosytem.

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20
Q

Why is a high biodiversity an advantage

A

It ensure a more stable ecosystem where more organisms can survive.

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21
Q

What are the main threats to biodiversity?

A

The main threats to biodiversity include habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, overexploitation of natural resources, and invasive species

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22
Q

Explain the importance of biodiversity.

A

Biodiversity is important for maintaining the health and stability of ecosystems. It provides ecosystem services such as pollination, nutrient cycling, and regulation of climate and water cycles. Biodiversity also has economic, cultural, and aesthetic value and oxygen production

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23
Q

How can biodiversity be conserved?

A

Biodiversity can be conserved through measures such as habitat preservation, sustainable resource management, captive breeding programs, legislation and policy, and public education and awareness campaigns.

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24
Q

Define air pollution.

A

Air pollution refers to the presence of harmful substances in the Earth’s atmosphere, often resulting from human activities such as burning fossil fuels, industrial processes, and vehicle emissions.

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25
How does air pollution impact human health?
Air pollution can cause respiratory problems, such as asthma and bronchitis, cardiovascular diseases, and even lung cancer. Prolonged exposure to certain air pollutants can also impair lung function and lead to premature death.
26
What are the main sources of water pollution?
The main sources of water pollution include industrial discharges, agricultural runoff containing pesticides and fertilizers, sewage and wastewater discharge, and improper disposal of household chemicals and waste.
27
What are the effects of water pollution on aquatic ecosystems?
Water pollution can lead to the decline of aquatic biodiversity, as it can harm fish, amphibians, and other aquatic organisms. It can also disrupt ecosystems by causing algal blooms, oxygen depletion, and habitat destruction.
28
Define land pollution.
Land pollution refers to the contamination or degradation of land resources, often caused by improper disposal of waste, industrial activities, urbanization, and agricultural practices.
29
How does land pollution affect soil quality?
Land pollution can degrade soil quality by introducing harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and other contaminants into the soil. This can disrupt soil fertility, decrease crop yields, and harm soil organisms essential for nutrient cycling.
30
What are the consequences of land pollution?
Consequences of land pollution include loss of biodiversity, contamination of groundwater and surface water, soil erosion, habitat destruction, and adverse effects on human health through the consumption of contaminated food and water sources.
31
Define deforestation.
Deforestation is the permanent removal of forests or trees to make way for other land uses, such as agriculture, urban development, or logging.
32
What are the main causes of deforestation?
The main causes of deforestation include agricultural expansion, logging for timber and paper products, infrastructure development, and urbanization.
33
What are the environmental impacts of deforestation?
The environmental impacts of deforestation include loss of biodiversity, habitat destruction, soil erosion, disruption of water cycles, increased greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change.
34
How does deforestation affect climate change?
Deforestation contributes to climate change by releasing stored carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere and reducing the Earth’s capacity to absorb CO2 through photosynthesis.
35
Define peat bog destruction.
Peat bog destruction refers to the draining, degradation, or conversion of peatlands for agricultural, forestry, or urban development purposes, leading to the loss of peat and associated ecosystems.
36
What are peat bogs and why are they important?
Peat bogs are wetland ecosystems characterized by the accumulation of partially decomposed organic matter (peat) over thousands of years. They are important for carbon storage, biodiversity, water regulation, and as habitats for specialized plant and animal species.
37
How can deforestation and peat bog destruction be reduced?
Through measures such as sustainable land management practices, reforestation efforts, protection of critical habitats, restoration of degraded ecosystems, and policies aimed at reducing reliance on unsustainable land uses.
38
Define human population explosion.
Human population explosion refers to the rapid and exponential growth of the global human population, particularly observed since the Industrial Revolution.
39
What are some factors contributing to human population explosion?
Factors contributing to human population explosion include advancements in medicine and healthcare, improved sanitation and hygiene, increased food production, and declining death rates.
40
What are the consequences of human population explosion?
Consequences of human population explosion include increased pressure on natural resources, habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, environmental degradation, competition for limited resources, and social and economic challenges such as poverty, hunger, and inadequate access to healthcare and education.
41
How does human population growth affect biodiversity?
Human population growth can negatively affect biodiversity through habitat destruction, overexploitation of natural resources, pollution, introduction of invasive species, and climate change, leading to loss of species and ecosystems.
42
What is a pyramid of numbers?
It is a graphical representation that shows the number of organisms at each trophic level in a food chain or food web.
43
What are the key characteristics of pyramids of number?
Pyramids of number can be upright, inverted, or even diamond-shaped. They represent the relative number of organisms at each trophic level in a given ecosystem.
44
What is a pyramid of biomass?
A pyramid of biomass is a graphical representation that shows the total biomass (the mass of living material) at each trophic level in a food chain or food web.
45
How do pyramids of number and biomass differ?
Pyramids of number represent the number of organisms at each trophic level, while pyramids of biomass represent the total biomass at each trophic level.
46
How is biomass calculated in a pyramid of biomass?
Biomass is measured in grams per square meter (g/m²) or kilograms per hectare (kg/ha), and it is obtained by drying the organisms (removing all water) and measuring their mass.
47
Why is a pyramid of numbers not the best representation of trophic levels in a food chain?
Pyramids of numbers do not take into account the size of the organisms. A better way of showing the transfer of energy is to use a pyramid of biomass.
48
Why are food chains quite short in general?
Only around 10%of the biomass is passed on from one trophic level to the next. This is becausearound 90%of the energy islost to the environment.
49
Why does the energy decrease from one trophic level to the next?
Not every part of the food organism iseaten,e.g. the roots and woody parts of plants or the bones of animals. Consumers arenot abletodigestall of the food they ingest, e.g.cellulosein plants, or the fur of animals, so some isegestedasfaeces. Energy is lost to the environment in the form ofheatwhen consumersrespire.
50
If we grow enough food, will this mean there is food security for everyone?
No. As even if we grow enough food for everyone, many people may still not be able to access that food.
51
If there is not food security what problems can this lead to?
People suffer malnutrition and may starve
52
What is sustainable food production?
This means producing food in ways that supply the whole human population and can continue for many years.
53
What is global warming?
Global warming is the increase in the mean temperature of the Earth. The ten hottest years since records began have been in the last 30 years.
54
What is a greenhouse gas?
A greenhouse gas is a gas that absorbs infrared radiation from the Sun so it remains trapped in the Earth’s atmosphere.
55
Why are greenhouse gases important?
They are important to ensure Earth is warm enough for life, however if levels of these gases in the atmosphere increase it leads to an increase in the greenhouse effect which causes the Earth’s average temperature to rise.
56
Name the most common greenhouse gases
Water vapour Carbon dioxide Methane Nitrous oxides CFCs
57
How have human activities led to increasing levels of carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere?
Carbon dioxide is produced during the combustion of fossil fuel. Methane is produced by cattle as they digest grass and released by rice paddy fields.
58
Describe why the southern range limit of the ‘Sooty Copper’ Butterfly has moved 60 miles North in recent decades.
Global warming is causing an increase in migration of species to new places due to the need of a particular climate to survive. This also includes increased spread of pests and disease.
59
What do scientists believe is largely responsible for global warming?
Human activities
60
Describe the stages of the ‘Greehouse effect’
1) The Sun emits rays that enter the Earth’s atmosphere. 2) The heat bounces back from the Earth’s surface. 3) Some heat is reflected back out into space. 4) Some heat is absorbed by greenhouse gases and is trapped within the Earth’s atmosphere – this is normal. 5) However, as the levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere rise due to human activities the Earth’s average temperature rises beyond normal (an enhanced greenhouse effect), causing global warming.
61
How humans reduce land available for other species
Humans use land for building houses, shops, industrial sites, and roads, destroying habitats. Large-scale farming and quarrying for resources like rocks and metal ores further reduce land for other organisms, decreasing biodiversity
62
What are four resources in high demand due to human population growth?
Food (increased agricultural production). 2. Fossil fuels (for transport and energy). 3. Water (for drinking and irrigation). 4. Raw materials (e.g., metals, timber, plastics).
63
What are the four main ways in which humans pollute the environment
Soil pollution: Unprocessed human waste introduces harmful bacteria. 2. Land pollution: Household waste in landfills destroys habitats. 3. Toxic chemical pollution: Industrial waste poisons soil and water. 4. Agricultural pollution: Fertilisers and pesticides cause bioaccumulation, harming ecosystems.
64
Describe the process of acid rain formation.
ossil fuels burn, releasing sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. These gases dissolve in rainwater, reacting with oxygen to form dilute sulfuric and nitric acids, which fall as acid rain, contaminating soil and water.
65
Discuss the conflict between the need for cheap compost and conserving peat bogs.
Cheap peat-based compost improves soil for food production, but peat bog destruction reduces biodiversity and releases CO2. Peat forms slowly and cannot be replaced quickly. Peat-free alternatives exist but are less popular.
66
What are five programmes to reduce negative human impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity?
Breeding programmes for endangered species. 2. Protection and regeneration of rare habitats (e.g., peat bogs). 3. Reintroduction of field margins and hedgerows in agriculture. 4. Reducing deforestation and CO2 emissions (e.g., Kyoto Protocol). 5. Recycling to reduce landfill use and habitat destruction.
67
What are trophic levels, and what are the main levels in a food chain?
Trophic levels are the positions of organisms in a food chain. Main levels: Producers (plants/algae, make their own food). Primary consumers (herbivores, eat plants). Secondary consumers (carnivores, eat herbivores). Tertiary consumers (eat secondary consumers, Biology only).
68
What methods do ecologists use to measure species distribution and abundance?
Quadrat sampling: Use a wire square to count organisms in a random area, repeat multiple times, and calculate the mean number of organisms per square meter. Ensures fairness by using random sampling and consistent quadrat size.
69
What environmental factors affect the distribution of species in an ecosystem?
Temperature. 2. Water availability. 3. Atmospheric gases (e.g., oxygen levels). 4. Soil structure/pH, altitude, and water salinity
70
What are seasonal environmental changes, and how do they affect organisms
Seasonal changes include variations in temperature, rainfall, water availability, and dissolved gases in water in temperate regions. These affect species distribution, migration patterns, and survival, potentially reducing biodiversity.
71
How do ecosystems contribute to the cycling of materials?
Ecosystems recycle materials like carbon and water through processes like photosynthesis, respiration, and decomposition. Plants take up CO2 and water, while animals and decomposers release them, maintaining balance.
72
Why must humans engage with ecosystems sustainably?
Sustainable interaction ensures ecosystems continue providing essential services (e.g., food, clean water, air) for human health, prosperity, and well-being. Unsustainable practices like deforestation and pollution threaten biodiversity and these services.
73
What causes global warming
Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere.
74
What is a breeding program?
A method to increase the population of endangered species by controlled breeding
75
What is biomass?
The mass of living material at a particular stage in a food chain.
76
What is the main source of biomass?
Photosynthesis in producers (plants and algae).
77
How is biotechnology used in food production?
E.g., genetic modification and growing bacteria like Fusarium to produce mycoprotein.
78
What is mycoprotein and how is it made?
A protein-rich food from Fusarium fungus, grown on glucose syrup in aerobic conditions.
79
Why do you need aerobic conditions to break for decaying processes
Aerobic conditions are needed for efficient decay because most decomposers use oxygen to respire and break down dead material quickly.
80
What are decomposers
microorganisms breaking down materials
81
Describe the consequences of untreated sewage runoff into water systems.
aerobic microorganisms use nutrients in sewage to fuel respiration, depleting dissolved oxygen levels in the water and leading to the deaths of aquatic organisms toxic chemicals in sewage can kill aquatic organisms dangerous microorganisms can be harmful to human health
82
What are some effects of acid rain on the environment?
Consequences of acid rain pollution include: • Damage to leaves, buds, flowers and roots of plants • Rivers and lakes can become acidic, resulting in death of aquatic organisms • Minerals can be leached into bodies of water, also killing aquatic organisms
83
Describe the impact of discarded rubbish on the environment.
Discarded rubbish can impact the environment as follows: • landfill sites may require the destruction of natural habitats • toxic chemicals can spread from waste materials into the soil • non-biodegradable rubbish can remain in the environment for hundreds of years
84
How do peat bogs store carbon?
Peat bogs store carbon within the tissues of partially decomposed plant matter. Because the conditions are unsuitable for decay this carbon remains locked up in peat.
85
What are two main reasons for deforestation in tropical areas?
Two main reasons for deforestation in tropical areas are to: • provide more land for farming • grow crops for biofuel production
86
What is a biofuel?
A biofuel is a fuel derived from living matter, such as plant material.
87
What is meant by the phrase scientific consensus, in the context of global warming?
A scientific consensus, in the context of global warming, describes the fact that almost all scientists agree that global warming is happening and that human activities are largely responsible for the most recent warming
88
What is an endangered species
Endangered species are plants or animals at risk of extinction.
89
What is Habitat regeneration
Habitat regeneration is the process of restoring damaged or destroyed habitats to support native species.
90
What is monoculture
A monoculture is the agricultural practice of growing only one type of crop in a field.
91
How do field margins and hedgerows benefit biodiversity?
Field margins and hedgerows benefit biodiversity by providing habitats and corridors for wildlife in agricultural areas.
92
How does recycling help biodiversity?
Recycling helps biodiversity by reducing the waste dumped in landfill, which can destroy habitats and cause pollution.
93
What are fish farms
Fish farms are large enclosures or tanks designed to provide controlled environments for the growth of fish for human consumption.
94
Sustainable fisheries practices include:
Increasing the size of fishing nets - allows for the selective capture of adult fish, while enabling young fish to escape. This allows the young fish to grow and reproduce, maintaining the fish populations and contributing to the overall sustainability of fisheries. Fishing quotas - by setting limits on the amount of fish that can be caught, fishing quotas help maintain balanced ecosystems and ensure the long-term viability and sustainability of fish stocks.
95
What have humans done to allow them to increase their production of food?
Clearing land for agriculture Application of fertilisers Application of pesticides Application of herbicides Selective breeding Genetic modification Improved irrigation
96
Give 3 traits that can be improved by genetic modification.
Increased yield Increased drought resistance Herbicide tolerance Virus resistance Production of specific proteins Pesticide resistance Increased nutrients Flood resistance
97
What are GMOS
Genetically modified organisms, also known as GMOs, are organisms whose genome has been modified. This normally involves the addition of a helpful gene, such as a gene to cause faster growth, or a gene that makes the organism resistant to a disease.
98
Positive Human Interactions in an ecosystem
Conservation programmes – These protect endangered species through breeding programmes, habitat protection, and laws against hunting and logging. Reforestation – Planting trees restores habitats, absorbs carbon dioxide, and increases biodiversity. Recycling and reducing waste – Cuts down pollution and reduces the need for landfill sites, helping protect habitats. Sustainable practices – Using renewable energy, fishing quotas, and organic farming help preserve ecosystems and prevent damage to biodiversity.
99
Describe and explain some possible biotechnical and agricultural solutions, including genetic modification, to the demands of the growing human population:
As the human population increases, there is more pressure to produce enough food. One agricultural solution is the use of intensive farming methods, such as using fertilisers, pesticides, and machinery to increase crop yields. However, these can have environmental impacts. A biotechnical solution is genetic modification (GM). This involves altering the DNA of crops to give them beneficial traits. For example, GM crops can be made resistant to pests, grow in poor soil, or produce higher yields. One example is golden rice, which has been modified to contain vitamin A to help prevent blindness in developing countries. Another solution is producing mycoprotein using Fusarium fungus. This fungus is grown in fermenters in aerobic conditions and provides a high-protein meat alternative that can be produced quickly and sustainably. Fish farming and the use of fishing quotas are also agricultural solutions to prevent overfishing and ensure fish supplies remain stable. These methods help increase food production efficiently to meet the needs of the growing population, while aiming to reduce environmental damage and support long-term food security.
100
Give me two bio technical solutions to solve food security
Mycoprotein,genetically modified crops
101
What do modern bio technical solutions ensure
Modern biotechnology techniques enable large quantities of microorganisms to be cultured for food.
102
What does a great biodiversity ensure
A great biodiversity ensures the stability of ecosystems by reducing the dependence of one species on another for food, shelter and the maintenance of the physical environment.
103
What is the formula for calculating efficiency of biomass transfer?
Biomass transferred to next level/total biomass from previous level x100
104
Why should we have sustainable fisheries
Fish stocks in the oceans are declining. It is important to maintain fish stocks at a level where breeding continues or certain species may disappear altogether in some areas.
105
Why should us as humans act eco friendly
The future of the human species on Earth relies on us maintaining a good level of biodiversity. Many human activities are reducing biodiversity and only recently have measures been taken to try to stop this reduction.
106
Why have humans reduced the land for other organisms and species
Humans reduce the amount of land available for other animals and plants by building, quarrying, farming and dumping waste.
107
What is the fungus fusarium used for
The fungus Fusarium is useful for producing mycoprotein, a protein- rich food suitable for vegetarians. The fungus is grown on glucose syrup, in aerobic conditions, and the biomass is harvested and purified.
108
What is a genetically modified bacterium used for
A genetically modified bacterium produces human insulin. When harvested and purified this is used to treat people with diabetes.

Biology Gcse Full 25-26 (11 decks)

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