Chapter 36 - Conservation

Question 1

Define conservation

Answer 1

The maintainance of the environment and its natural resources in a state that maintains biodiversity

Question 2

Describe the term ‘biodiversity’

Answer 2

The number and variety of organisms found in a certain geographical location

Question 3

State why species need to be conserved

Answer 3

• Prevents extinction
• Maintiains food webs, chains and ecosystems
• Maintains biodiversity
• Not ethical to kill organisms
• Organisms are interdependent
• Aesthetic advantage for future generations
• Species are sources of medicine and food
• Conservation enable controlled breeding
• Transfer of animals from overpopulated areas
• Smaller population increases the chance of interbreeding and means less variation

Question 4

Suggest why habitats should be conserved

Answer 4

A suitable habitat is required for the conservation of species

Question 5

Name the advantages of tourism

Answer 5

• Revenue for governments
• Revenue for developing countries
• Local inhabitants have job opportunities
• Change tourists’ attitude, volunteers, less poaching

Question 6

State the disadvantages of tourism

Answer 6

• Greenhouse gases
• Damage to species’ habitats
• Wildlife desturbed by human noise and movement
• Pollution of non-biodegradable materials
• Criminals rob tourists, reducing tourism
• Smuggling, drug trafficking and illegal immigration increases

Question 7

Describe the process of recycling water

Answer 7

• Screening
• Grit removal
• Primary sedimentation, solid matter forms sludge on top
• Sludge is digested by bacteria in anaerobic digester
• Anaerobic digestion produces methane
• Liquid effluent is sprayed onto stones where aerobic bacteria and protoctists feed on sewage and harmful substances. Anaerobic bacteria is killed
• Disinfection (addition of chlorine)

Question 8

State five reasons for the treatment of sewage

Answer 8

• Prevent the spread of diseases
• Avoid pollution
• Avoid smells
• To recycle water
• Prevent eutrophication

Question 9

Describe the recycling of paper

Answer 9

• Collection
• Sorting
• Sent trough a baler, transportable bales
• Paper mill
• Paper is soaked to form a pulp
• Pulp is filtered
• Ink is removed
• Left to dry and roled up

Question 10

Describe the process of recycling plastics

Answer 10

• Collection
• Pretreatment (shredded and washed, agglomeration)
• Extrusion, melting of granules
• Manufacturing

Question 11

Describe the process of recycling glass

Answer 11

• Collection
• Sorting by colour
• Crushing, grinding (cullet)
• Removal of contaminants
• Cullet is melted
• Manufacturing
• Glass can be recycled an unlimited amount of times

Question 12

State reasons for the conservation of black rhinos

Answer 12

• Hunted and killed for horns
• Critically endangered
• Already extinct in many countries, including Angola
• Dehorning programmes failed
• Huge illegal trade in rhino horn
• Habitat changes threaten black rhinos

Question 13

Describe the problems associated with the rhino conservation project

Answer 13

• Research is required
• Need for protection and wardens
• Need for a boundary fence
• Financing
• Need for enforceable legislation
• Need to be a ban on hunting and killing
• Education can be difficult
• Co-operation with locals can cause conflict
• Human activities damage the environment
• Too many animals can result

Question 14

Describe the degree of success of the rhino coservation project

Answer 14

• Number of black rhinos has increased
• South Africa has the largest population
• Strict ban on international trade of rhino horn
• Efficient anti-poacing efforts have been implemented