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IB ESS Term 4
IB ESS Term 4 (Topic 4.4 and 8)
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Describe the term 'Anthropogenic' | Originating from human activity. i.e. solid domestic waste is anthropogenic in nature. |
| Describe some types of aquatic pollutants | floating debris, organic material, inorganic plant nutrients (nitrates and phosphates), toxic metals, synthetic compounds, suspended solids, hot water, oil, radioactive pollution, pathogens, light, noise and biological pollutants (invasive species) |
| Describe some of the characteristics of floating debris that are aquatic pollutants | usually consists of plastics (e.g. the Great Pacific Garbage Patch) at 5 gyres (points on the globe where currents intersect) or oil (Deepwater Horizon or Exxon Valdez). |
| Describe some of the characteristics of organic materials that are aquatic pollutants | human and animal waste entering waterways. Usually they encourage algal growth. |
| Describe some of the characteristics of inorganic plant nutrients that are aquatic pollutants | nitrates and phosphates. These are usually non-point source pollutants that run off after fertiliser application. These nutrients contribute to algal growth and therefore, eutrophication. |
| Describe some of the characteristics of toxic metals that are aquatic pollutants | These can include lead, copper, mercury and arsenic which are the by-products of manufacturing. |
| Describe some of the characteristics of synthetic compounds that are aquatic pollutants | These can include runoff from agriculture and manufacturing industries. e.g. chemicals used to control weeds, insects and pests (herbicides, insecticides and pesticides) or metals and solvents. They are poisonous to aquatic life. |
| Describe some of the characteristics of suspended solids that are aquatic pollutants | These can include bacteria, viruses and protozoa can cause serious diseases such as cholera and typhoid. Particularly problems in LEDC's where water treatment is limited. Human activity/agriculture can also contribute to sediments running off. |
| Describe some of the characteristics of hot water that are aquatic pollutants | Decrease in DO (Dissolved Oxygen) Levels: Loss of Biodiversity: Ecological Impact: Increase in Toxins: Affects Reproductive Systems Increases Metabolic Rate: Migration |
| Describe some of the characteristics of invasive species that are aquatic pollutants | These are also known as biological pollutants. E.g. Water hyacinth. These have no natural predators so growth can occur unchecked. Invasive weeds can cover and prevent sunlight from entering the water. Limiting photosynthesis of phytoplankton |
| Describe some ecological impacts of aquatic pollutants. | Eutrophication. Loss of biodiversity (species & habitat) Bioaccumulation and biomagnification in food webs Disruption to breeding grounds, nesting sites Damage to coral reefs Damage to organisms (ingesting plastics, caught in debris, ect) Disease. |
| Describe some direct testing measures of water quality | pH, temperature, suspended solids (turbidity), metals, nitrates and phosphates. |
| Describe Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) | the amount of dissolved oxygen required to break down the organic material in a given volume of water through aerobic biological activity. BOD is used to indirectly measure the amount of organic matter within a sample |
| Describe why biodegradation can lead to anoxic conditions | decomposition uses oxygen. This can reduce the available oxygen in the surrounding water and cause anoxic conditions. Decomposition will continue anaerobically (without oxygen) which leads to formation of methane, hydrogen sulfide and ammonia (toxic) |
| Describe why BOD is an indirect measure of pollution | decomposers must respire to break down compounds. Respiration consumes oxygen. The amount of oxygen used over 5 days (biochemical oxygen demand) increases proportionally to the number of decomposers. The BOD is used to calculate the decomposers |
| Describe the process of measuring BOD | Take a sample of a known volume. Measure dissolved oxygen. Store the sample in a dark place at 20 degrees for 5 days. Re-test the dissolved oxygen. The difference between the two measurements is the BOD. High BOD = low oxygen = high pollution. |
| Describe an indicator species | The presence or absence (abundance or scarcity) of certain species can indicate whether water quality has declined. E.g. Frogs, toads, Mayfly Lava, Sludgeworms. |
| Describe a Biotic Index | A biotic index indirectly measures pollution by assessing the impact on species within the community. Considers tolerance, diversity and relative abundance. E.g. Trent Index (1-10 scale) or Simpsons Diversity Index (high numbers indicate high diversity) |
| Describe some indirect testing measures of water quality | Calculating BOD or using a Biotic Index |
| Describe some advantages of indirect water quality measurements | Less testing needed - dissolved oxygen (BOD) or count of organisms (Biotic Index), rather than an array of (possibly expensive) tests to directly determine pollution. |
| Describe some disadvantages of indirect water quality measurements | Indicator species may be absent due to reasons other than pollution (e.g. predation, season, geographic barriers). Repeated measurements required - e.g. before and after event, repeated testing over time. Need to know which species should be present. |
| Describe the steps of Eutrophication. | Nutrient runoff (e.g. Fertilisers) into waterways. Nutrients cause algal blooms. Algal blooms use dissolved oxygen in the water and block sunlight, preventing photosynthesis and oxygen replacement. Anoxic conditions. Fish and microbes die -decomposition. |
| Describe some of the effects caused by Eutrophication. | Decrease in species diversity and biota changes. Turbidity increases. Rate of sedimentation increases. Anoxic conditions may develop. |
| Describe a dead zone | A place in the ocean or fresh water where there is not enough oxygen to support marine life. e.g. the Baltic Sea. Hypoxia occurs. Animals and plants either die or leave the dead zone. |
| Describe some level one pollution management strategies for water pollution. | reducing human activities that produce pollutants (for example, alternatives to current fertilizers and detergents. Ban/limit phosphate detergents. Plant buffer zones around agricultural lands. Educate on effective timing of fertilizer |
| Describe some level two pollution management strategies for water pollution. | reducing release of pollution into the environment (for example, treatment of water to remove nitrates and phosphates, Divert and treat sewage |
| Describe some level three pollution management strategies for water pollution. | removing pollutants from the environment and restoring ecosystems (for example, removal of mud from eutrophic lakes and reintroduction of plant and fish species. Treatment with a solution of aluminium salt to precipitate phosphates, removal of sediments |
| Recall some factors that impact human population growth rates | including: Culture, religion and societal expectations all play a major role in attitudes towards birth control, age of marriage and size of families. Expansion of habitat, Importing resources, sanitation and medicine |
| Recall some of the limitations of using simulations and models | A model is a simplified version of reality Predictions can be over-simplified Some approximation is necessary – particularly with human models Therefore, there is a loss of accuracy |
| Define Demographics | the study of the dynamics of population change (Basically how and why populations change over time) |
| Define Crude Birth Rate | the number of births/1,000 people. It is "crude" because because it relates births to total population without regard to the age or sex composition of that population. |
| List some factors that influence CBR | age structure of population sex structure of population customs & family size expectations adopted population policies |
| Define Crude Death Rate | the number of deaths/1.000 people |
| List some factors that influence CDR | Age structure Social class Income Occupation Literacy Access to food/water Healthcare Place of residence Child mortality and IMR |
| Define Total Fertility Rate | the number of children an average woman has during her lifetime, if she were to pass through her childbearing years conforming to the age-specific fertility rates of a given year |
| List some factors that influence TFR | Urbanization Importance of children in workforce Cost of raising a child Education/Employment for women Average age of marriage Availability of abortion Availability of birth control Religious beliefs, traditions and culture Government policies |
| Define Doubling Time | the number of years it would take for a population to double in size at its current growth rate (i.e. not decrease) |
| Define Life Expectancy | the average number of years that a person can be expected to live, usually from birth, if demographic factors remain unchanged |
| Define Natural Increase Rate | the difference between the CBR and CDR; accounts for how quickly populations grow |
| Recall the formula for CBR | = total births / total population x 1000 |
| Recall the formula for CDR | = total deaths/ total population x 1000 |
| Recall the formula for NIR | = CBR - CDR |
| Recall the formula for DT | = 70/% Growth Rate |
| Identify some areas that are experiencing increasing pressure due to human population growth | Growing populations need more food. As agricultural technology advances, productivity generally increases Soil nutrients Water Timber greater waste produces |
| Recall some disadvantages of the Malthusian principle | Too simplistic Other factors (not just food) control population growth Food is not evenly distributed Does not account for technological advances |
| Recall some disadvantages of the Boserup principle | Not all areas are as suitable for technological developments, land may simply be running at maximum output Assumes technological advancements are possible Migration usually occurs before pressure leads to disasters or technological advances. |
| Recall two models to predict human population growth | Age-gender pyramids and demographic transition models (DTM) |
| Describe what the Demographic Transition Model demonstrates | a model that shows how a population transitions from a pre-industrial stage with high CBRs and CDRs to an economically advanced stage with low or declining CBRs and low CDRs |
| Describe a population pyramid | Helps to determine potential future populations Shape of pyramid indicates future growth (narrow where populations shrink) Shows the age and gender composition of a region Horizontal axis: gender (male: left-hand female: right-hand) |
| Describe some characteristics of MEDC's | industrialized high GDP (gross domestic product) relatively rich population access to education and health care high resource use per capita low population growth rates |
| Describe some characteristics of LEDC's | little or no industry low GDP provide raw materials but few processed or manufactured goods limited access to education and health care fewer resources consumed per person most have high population growth rates |
| Describe the characteristics of Stage 1 of the DTM | Birth rate - High Death rate - High Life expectancy - Short Population growth - Slow Represents the pre-industrial stage. |
| Describe the characteristics of Stage 2 of the DTM | Birth rate - High Death rate - Moderate Life expectancy - Medium Population growth - Rapid Represents an LEDC |
| Describe the characteristics of Stage 3 of the DTM | Birth rate - Declining Death rate - Low Life expectancy - Long Population growth - Slowing Represents a wealthier LEDC |
| Describe the characteristics of Stage 4 of the DTM | Birth rate - Low Death rate - Low Life expectancy - Long Population growth - Stable Represents an MEDC |
| Describe the characteristics of Stage 5 of the DTM | Birth rate - Very Low Death rate - Low Life expectancy - Long Population growth - Shrinking Represents an Euro-centric MEDC 5th stage only added recently |
| List some problems or controversies with the DTM | Death rate has not fallen rapidly in many places, large influx to cities has lead to slums with poor sanitation, therefore death rate still high. Some countries rapidly advanced through stages and not all parts of the country have kept up. Eurocentric |
| Discuss the problems with using models to predict human population growth | Varies between national and global population models as national takes immigration and emigration into account, but global does not. Many factors to take into account for birth and death rates. Makes it very difficult to make projections. |
| Discuss the cultural, historical, religious, social, political and economic factors that influence human population dynamics. | Factors include - female labour market, education of females, social and religious norms, government policy, health care standards, migration and immigration, cultural and religious attitudes to family size, war, famine |
| Recall national and international development policies may also have an impact on human population dynamics. | Anti-natalist – attempt to limit the birth rate (China and Arab countries) Lowering income tax or giving incentives and free education may increase CBR. E.g. Australian baby bonus Policies directed at educating and liberating women. |
| Define Renewable Natural Capital | can be generated and/or replaced as fast as it is being used. It includes living species and ecosystems that use solar energy and photosynthesis, as well as non-living items, such as groundwater and the ozone layer. |
| Define Non-Renewable Natural Capital | is either irreplaceable or can only be replaced over geological timescales; for example, fossil fuels, soil and minerals. |
| In addition to economic value, what other types of value can be assigned to natural capital? | aesthetic, cultural, environmental, ethical, intrinsic, social, spiritual or technological. |
| Why is the value of natural capital considered dynamic? | the marketable value of that capital varies regionally and over time and is influenced by cultural, social, economic, environmental, technological and political factors. Examples include cork, uranium and lithium. |
| Describe some examples where renewable natural capital use is unsustainable | The impacts of extraction, transport and processing of a renewable natural capital may cause damage, making this natural capital unsustainable. |
| Provide some examples of natural capital goods that have value | tangible products - Direct use – goods and services directly used by humans Consumptive use – harvesting food products for fuel, housing, medicinal, hunting, food and clothing |
| Provide some examples of natural capital services that have value | climate regulation, pollination, nutrient cycling, erosion prevention, ecotourism, ecosystems and habitats, non-use (e.g. aesthetic and intrinsic value). |
| Describe the term sustainability: | living, within the means of nature, on the “interest” or sustainable income generated by natural capital. |
| Describe some of the effects of non-sustainable resource use | Deforestation Desertification Extinction of species Soil erosion Ozone depletion Greenhouse gas increase Extreme energy Water pollution Natural hazard/Natural disaster Metals and minerals depletion |
| Outline an example of how renewable and non-renewable natural capital has been mismanaged | Renewable: - Water (America and India) - Wood/forestry (Britain/Amazon) - Fishing Non-Renewable: - Uranium/nuclear power - Gold - Soil - Coal - Cobalt - Sand Dredging |
| Define Carrying Capacity | the maximum number of a species, or “load”, that can be sustainably supported by a given area. |
| Outline some reasons why it is difficult to estimate a human carrying capacity | import/export resources between ecosystems We substitute “equivalent” resources (when others run out) We develop new technology Lifestyle affects resource requirements We use more resources than any other species |
| Define Biocapacity | the amount of biologically productive land to generate an on-going supply of renewable resource. Measured in total hectares per person |
| Define Optimum Population | the number of people which, when working with all the available resources, will produce the highest per capita economic return |
| Define Over Population | Too many people relative to the resources and technology available to maintain adequate standard of living |
| Define Under Population | Far more resources than can be used by those that live there. |
| Summarise the Malthusian Principle | Laws of nature dictate a static capacity Diminishing returns and famine will be reached A Pessimistic view of the future |
| Summarise Boserup's Theory | Necessity is the mother of invention Innovation will catch up with population demands Optimistic reliance on technology |
| Suggest some factors that will impact human carrying capacity | Rate of energy and material consumption Level of pollution Interference with environmental life-support Reuse and recycle Purchasing local produce Using only degradable plastics |
| Define Ecological Footprint | the area of land and water required to sustainably provide all resources at the rate at which they are being consumed by a given population of a given standard of living |
| Comment on the size of an EF with regard to sustainability | If the EF of a human population is greater than the land area available to it, this indicates that the population is unsustainable and exceeds the carrying capacity of that area. |
| Describe how we could change the carrying capacity for humans | use resources more efficiently Become self sufficient Rainwater collection Subsistence farming Personal energy generation |
| Describe some factors that change the EF | Reliance on fossil fuels Increased use of technology High levels of importation Large production of carbon waste High food consumption Meat-rich diets |
| Describe some factors to reduce an EF | Reduced resource consumption Recycling and reuse of resources Improved efficiency of resource use Reduced pollution Exploration of waste Use of technology Reduced population |
| Discuss some advantages and disadvantages of using the Ecological Footprint Model | Adv - useful snapshot of the sustainability of a population - individuals and governments can compare their EF - used as a symbol for raising awareness of environmental issues Disadv - - does not include all information on the impacts of humans |
| Compare and contrast the differences in the EF of two countries | e.g. Qatar (high EF) and Nepal (low EF) |
Created by:
DrLeeAGS
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