Unit 8

Question 1

What’s the difference between point and non-point sources?

Answer 1

Point sources are any contaminant that enters the environment from an easily identified / confined place.
Non-point sources are pollutants released in a wide area.

Question 2

What is an oceanic dead zone?

Answer 2

An area of water where the dissolved oxygen levels are very low so it’s difficult for marine life to survive.

Question 3

What is an endocrine disruptor?

Answer 3

Mimic hormones causing an over stimulation. They bind to receptors within a cell and block the real hormone, stopping response.

Question 4

What is a POP?

Answer 4

Persistent organic pollutants : synthetic, carbon based molecules, that don’t break down easily. They spread by wind and water.

Question 5

What is the process of bioaccumulation and biomagnification?

Answer 5

Bioaccumulation : An increase in concentration of a pollutant in an organism.
Biomagnification : An increase in concentration of pollutants in a food chain.

Question 6

What is a pathogen?

Answer 6

A microorganism that can cause a disease in a host organism.