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Chapter 22: our impact on the ecosystem (Reasons for conservation (To…
Chapter 22: our impact on the ecosystem
Pollution
Water pollution
Untreated sewage + Excessive use of fertilisers
causes
eutrophication
Eutrophication
: the process where water receives
excess nutrients
like phosphates and nitrates, which causes
excessive
growth of
algae
and
water plants
.
Overgrowth of algae and floating water plants prevent sunlight from reaching submerged plants
Submerged plants die due to lack of sunlight (unable to photosynthesise). Dead plants are decomposed by aerobic bacteria and fungi
As bacteria feed on decaying matter, they use up the oxygen in the water as they grow and multiply.
Other organisms (fish and shit) die due to lack of oxygen.
Insecticides + Inorganic waste
causes
bioaccumulation
causes
bioamplification
The poison is passed from one trophic level to the next, increasing in concentration in the bodies of organisms along the levels.
the more it is passed along, the more the poison
amplifies
in the organisms
insecticide/waste substances are non-biodegradable
It is stored in the fatty tissues of organism and cannot be excreted
the more an organism consumes, the more the poison
accumulates
Def: The addition of substances to the environment that damage it, making it unfit for life
Conservation!!!!
Conservation of forest
Reforestation
forest reserves
Conservation of fishing grounds
use of environmentally friendly fishing gear
regulating catch size and fishing periods
Conservation via environmental biotechnology
Use of decomposers in sewage treatment
Reasons for conservation
To maintain biodiversity by preventing the extinction of species
maintenance of a large gene pool is important!
cross breeding can be performed
For scientific research
study of wildlife provides useful information
For economic purposes
major source of human food
provide raw materials for industries
To maintain a balanced and stable ecosystem
prevents disruption of natural cycles
prevents global warming
To preserve natural scenery and wildlife for people to enjoy
Depleting natural resources
Deforestation
soil erosion
flooding
desertification
climate changes
Uncontrolled fishing practises
decrease in fish population
destruction of marine habitats