Distrupting

• How can changes in abiotic factors affect species distribution?

  They can lead to changes in where species can survive and thrive
• What does temperature variation illustrate about species distribution?

  Temperature shows geographic variation affecting species presence
• How does the availability of water affect plant distribution in deserts?

  Plants like cacti are adapted to live where water is scarce
• What human activity affects the distribution of lichens?

  Burning fossil fuels produces sulfur dioxide, which lichens are sensitive to
• Where do we find the largest numbers of lichens?

  Where the air is unpolluted
• How can human activity affect the levels of gases dissolved in water?

  Sewage can cause low levels of dissolved oxygen
• What organism cannot live in low oxygen conditions?

  Mayfly larvae
• What is the consequence of low oxygen levels for certain species?

  The populations of species such as mayfly larvae can fall
• What are the main types of variations in abiotic factors affecting species distribution?

  • Geographic variation: Different species in different climates
  • Seasonal variation: Changes in populations due to seasonal patterns
  • Human-induced changes: Pollution and habitat alteration
• How do abiotic factors influence plant distribution in different environments?

  • Cacti in deserts: Adapted to scarce water
  • Ferns in wetter areas: Adapted to abundant water
• What is the significance of migration patterns in species like wildebeest and swallows?

  • Wildebeest migrate for better grazing based on rainfall
  • Swallows migrate to warmer climates during winter
• How does human activity impact the environment and species distribution?

  • Pollution affects sensitive species like lichens
  • Sewage can lower oxygen levels, harming aquatic life
• What is meant by biodiversity?

  The variety of all different species of organisms on Earth
• How can biodiversity refer to an individual ecosystem?

  It can describe the variety of species within that specific ecosystem
• Why is biodiversity important for ecosystems?

  Species depend on each other for food and environmental maintenance
• What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

  They break down the remains of dead organisms
• How does a high level of biodiversity affect ecosystem stability?

  A high level of biodiversity makes an ecosystem more stable
• Why is an ecosystem less dependent on one species when it has many different species?

  If one species' population falls, it is less likely to affect the whole ecosystem
• What negative effect are humans having on biodiversity?

  Deforestation
• What is a good example of an area with rich biodiversity?

  Tropical forests
• What are some reasons for deforestation in tropical forests?

  Land is used for rice fields, grazing cattle, or growing biofuel crops
• What are the key definitions related to biodiversity and deforestation?

  • Biodiversity: Variety of different species of organisms on Earth
  • Deforestation: The destruction of forests, particularly tropical forests, reducing biodiversity
• What is biodiversity?

  Biodiversity is the variety of all the different species of organisms on Earth or in an ecosystem.
• Why is it important to maintain a rich biodiversity on Earth?

  Maintaining rich biodiversity makes ecosystems more stable.
• How has the human population changed over the last 100 years?

  The population of humans has increased massively.
• What are the interdependencies among species in an ecosystem?

  • Species depend on each other for food
  • Decomposers maintain the environment by breaking down dead organisms
  • High biodiversity leads to ecosystem stability
• What are the consequences of deforestation on biodiversity?

  • Loss of habitat for many species
  • Decrease in biodiversity
  • Disruption of ecosystem stability
• What has contributed to the increase in resource use by humans?

  The increase in the average standard of living has contributed to more resource use.
• What are the consequences of increased waste production by humans?

  Increased waste production leads to pollution.
• How does waste from human activities lead to water pollution?

  • Large amounts of sewage are produced, containing urine and feces.
  • In some countries, sewage is released untreated into waterways.
  • Fertilizers from farms pollute rivers and streams.
  • Toxic chemicals from factories can also pollute rivers.
• What effect does untreated sewage have on aquatic ecosystems?

  Untreated sewage can cause dissolved oxygen levels to fall, killing aquatic organisms.
• What can cause acid rain?

  Burning coal in power stations can release acidic gases that cause acid rain.
• How does air pollution affect biodiversity?

  Air pollution can kill plants and animals, reducing biodiversity.
• What are the effects of waste on land ecosystems?

  • Millions of tons of waste are dumped in landfills.
  • Landfills destroy habitats for plants and animals.
  • Toxic chemicals can leach out and pollute the soil.
  • Some toxic chemicals are dumped directly onto the land.
• What is the overall impact of human waste on biodiversity?

  Human waste reduces biodiversity across aquatic, air, and land ecosystems.
• Why is it important to handle and dispose of waste materials carefully?

  It is important to prevent harming the environment and reducing biodiversity.
• What is one way humans reduce the amount of land available for animals and plants?

  By using land for buildings, farms, and waste dumping
• How does human activity contribute to the reduction of biodiversity?

  It reduces habitat availability for animals and plants
• What are peat bogs and peat lands primarily composed of?

  Large amounts of dead plant materials
• Why do peat bogs and peat lands contain a large amount of trapped carbon?

  Because decay is very slow in peat conditions