Biology Folio

Chapter 9 : Endangered Ecosystem

Name : Syaza Izni Inarah Bt Ahmad Jais Class : 4 As-Thaqafah Teacher's name : Siti Norain Bt Johari

Content
No.
1 2 3 4 Introduction Objective Acknowledgement Human Activities that endangered an ecosystem (A) Cause (B) Source Greenhouse effect and thinning of ozone layer Steps to maintain a stable environment Conclusion Reference Appendix

Topic

Page 1 2 3 4 7 9 15 16 17

5 6 7 8 9

Introduction
An environment that is healthy and beautiful is everyone's dream . However , irresponsible activities have upset the balance in environment and caused many environmental problems as well as endangering the ecosystem . The earth can be a place if development activities are planned with great care .

Objective
The reason the paperwork is being done is due to several objectives stated below :

to instill awareness among humans about the significance of preservation and conservation of ecosystem to make human realize how bad are the effects of human's activities towards the environment to increase efforts on creating a safer environment for ourselves and for the future generation to deduce the time for the depletion and destruction of environment due to various environmental problems caused by human beings

Acknowledgement
First and for most, I would like to introduce myself . I, Syaza Izni Inarah Bt Ahmad Jais from 4 As-Thaqafah and I am glad indeed to be studying Biology which is the most intriguing subject ever. Now I have completed a folio on topic 'Endangered Ecosystem' based on last chapter in the form 4 Biology syllabus . Neverthleess, I felt grateful of having such a wonderful companion who are my Biology teacher , Mrs Siti Norain Bt Johari, my parents, my friends and my siblings. I would like to thank the mentioned people who have been supportive in giving me extra information, tips and idea to make this work a satisfying work . Not to forget, Mr Abu Othman Bin Ibrahim, the headmaster of SM Sains Sultan Iskandar for giving us, the students this oppurtunity to do this folio. Last but not least, thank you once again for all commmitments and supports . May all you have a great day.

Human Activities that endangered an ecosystem

A) Cause
Pollution
a) Definiton of pollution Pollution can be defined as any undesirable changes in physical, chemical or biological characteristics of the natural environment, brought about when harmful subtances or energy are released by human activities

b) Type of pollution 1. Air Pollution

pollutants enter the air from various sources but the burning of fossil fuels contributes the most open burning also releases suspended solids other pollutant gasws such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide the effects of air pollution : acid rain global warming greenhouse effects

2. Noise Pollution the sources of noise pollution are the motor vehicles, aeroplanes, cinstruction sites and others the effects of noise pollution : safe noise level is below 50 decibles(dB) but above 80dB can cause deafness development and aggravation of stress related problems such as high blood pressure, coronary disease, ulcers, depression and headaches

3. Water Pollution

Human activities on land are the main contribution to water pollution The effects of water pollution Eutrophication the organic and inorganicwastes that enter a riveror a lake enrich the water with nutrient. Photosynthesizing organisms particularly algae that grow rapidly, result in population explosion known as algae bloom. High density of algae reduces the light intensity into water, hence lead to the death of other photosynthetic orgnanisms. The decomposition of these dead organisms by bacteria causes severe depletion of water dissolved oxygen, causing the death of other aerobic organisms such as fish, prawn and others Increase B.O.D the presence of organic materials in water promotes the rapid growth og microorganisms, thus leads to the increase of B.O.D (Biological Oxygen Demand). As a result, the dissolved oxygen in water is reduced and the life of the living aquatic organisms in affected. Toxic Material the illegal dumping of waste and effluent from heavy industries are the main source of toxic pollution, such as heavy metals and radioactive materials that are highly toxic, last for a long time and accumulate in living organisms via food chain

4. Thermal Pollution thermal pollution occurs when excess heat which is released into the environment harms the living organisms and the environment itself it has negative effects on the food chain may disrupt ythe entire ecosystems the effects of the increese in water temperature are : the death of aquatic organisms that only survive within a certain range of temperature increase in BOD value when the metabolic rate of aquatic organisms increases disturbance of ecosystem balance when migrations of oorganisms occur

B) Source
1. Air Pollution Burning of fossil fules high level of carbon particles high level of carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen and sulphur dioxide Industrial plants and factories large amount of carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen and sulphur dioxide Open burnings large amount of suspended solids ;arge amount of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide

2. Noise Pollution vehicles construction sites agricultural andindustrial machineries 3. Water Pollution effluents from industrial and and residental areas run-off from agricultural areas 4. Thermal pollution hot water from industries electrical power plants discharged into rivers cooling towers of electrical power station

Greenhouse Effect and Thinning of Ozone Layer

1) Greenhouse effect

When sunlight enters the Earth's atmosphere, some of its solar radiation is reflected back into space. As the Earth is warmed,heat in the form of infrared radiation is radiated back into space. However, much of this heat does not escape from the atmosphere, but remains trapped by the greenhouse gases. At the same time, greenhouse gases also radiate heat in the form of infrared radiation back to the Earth In this respect, greenhouse gases behave a lot like the glass panels of a greenhouse which trap heat and warm the greenhouse,hence the term greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect is an important natural process Without it, the Earth would be too cold for the survival of living organisms. Carbon dioxide, from coal-fired power stations and vehicle exhausts, is the main greenhouse gas. Other contributary pollutants include chlorofluorocarbons (CFC)s,methane, nitrous oxide and ozone. Today, data collected around the world show a steady increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, the atmospheric concentration of carbondioxide has increase by nearly 30% while the concentration of methane has more than doubled. Scientists believe that the burning of fossil fuels and other human activities suchas deforestation and industrial production are the primary reason for the increased concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide. As the concentration of greenhouse gases rises, the greenhouse effect becomes more pronounced. As more heat is trapped in the atmosphere, theEarth's average temperature rises. This is known as global warming In Malaysia, the temperature is rising at 0.18 C every decade. In the absence of emission control policies, carbon dioxide concentrations are projected to be 30-150% higher than today's levels and the Earth's average temperature may rise between 1.5C to 4.5C by 2100 We have examined how the change in the Earth's atmospheric composition increases the ability of the atmosphere to trap heat.

2) Thinning of Ozone Layer

The ozone layer is a region in the atmosphere, situated between17 and 25 kilometres above the Earth's surface. The thinning of the ozone layer has been recorded by scientists since the1970s In1985, itwas reported that the stratospheric ozone concentrations over the Antarcticahd declined by 40% since1977. The atmosphere in this area has very lowozone concentrations, resulting in the formationf an ozone hole An ozone hole has now appeared above theArtic aswell. Consequently, ultraviolet radiation has since risen by 7%in a decade in the northern hemisphere and in the southern hemisphere,the increase is10%. The destruction of the ozone layer is mainly due to the increasing levels of chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) in the atmosphere. CFCs are a groupof chemical compounds that contain chlorine, carbon and fluorine. These gases are used as coolants in air conditioners and refrigerators, as propellants in aerosol cans and as foaming agents in the making of styrofoampackaging Since these chemicals are stable, they can persist in the environment for as long as 75 to 100 years.

Impact of the global warming and the thinning of the ozone layer on the ecosystem

Globalwarming and the thinning of the ozone layer both have an enormous impact on the ecosystem. The average increase in theEarth's temperature could change weather patterns and agricultural output There is also convincing evidence from research carried out by scientists that links the melting of the polar ice caps to globalwarming. This is turn leads to a corresponding rise in sea levels. By absorbing most of the ultraviolet radiation, the ozone layer shields living organisms on Earth from damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation. The consequences of the thinning of the ozone layer can be quite severe. y The incidence of skin cancer and cataracts among the population will be on the increase.

Steps to Maintain a Stable Environment

The Human Activities all over the world made by mankind had gave many impact to themother nature. The negative effects of hasty, unplanned development and the mismanagement of the ecosystems result in various environmental problems suchas air and water pollution, the greenhouse effect, global warming, and the depletion of natural resources. These problems bringabout negative effects that increasingly threaten the economic resources health and survival. 1. The need of development and the effects of an increasing population on the ecosystem: Population of the world always increase, so do their needs The needs for more food supplies, water, home has led to development These development involves deforestation, the building more dams, and production of more domestic and industrial waste The unmanaged and unplanned development leads to a pollution of environment To reduces the negative effects of developments, human must have efforts to manage the environment properly 2. The importance of proper management of development activities Way to balance the needs for resources with the needs to conserve the natural resources To make a sustainable development without jeopardizing or depleting the naturalresources Ensure that short-term gains be balance with the long-term effects on the environment To exploit natural resources in a sustainable way, so these resources can be replenis handrenewed for future generations to continue to use them To minimize the negative effects of development towards the environment 3. Measures taken in the management of development activities Implementations of laws Uses of technology Education on the management of resources Preservation and conservation of soil The practice of biological control The use of renewable energy The efficient use of technology

4. Education on the management of resources The public must be educated on the concept of the 4R: RECYCLE means collecting segregating waste according to the types of materialsand turning this waste into new products REUSE means use things suchas old plastics containers and bottles again insteadof throwing them away REDUCE means cutting down on the use of materials which are non- biodegradable RENEW means to use materials suchas bottles and plastic containers after they are cleaned

5. Implimentations of laws Many laws and regulations are designed to control pollution which affects the quality of lands, air and water. Examples of the acts: Many laws and regulations are designed to control pollution which affects the quality of lands, air and water. Examples of the acts: The Environment Quality Act, 1974, 1989 Motor Vehicle Noise Regulations, 1987 Scheduled Wastes Treatment and Disposal Facilities Regulations, 1989 Clean Air Regulations, Amendment 2000 The National Forestry Act, 1984 The Pesticides Act, 1974 The Fisheries Act, 1985 The Protection of Wildlife Act, 1972 The Fisheries Act, 1985 The Protection of Wildlife Act, 1972

7. Recycling is important because: Fewer landfills will be needed to dispose of rubbish It cuts down the use of resources, for example fewer trees will be cut down to make paper and furniture It saves energy, for example less energy is needed to melt down scrap metal and use itagain than to extract it from the ore 8. Preservation and conservation Preservations involves efforts to protect an ecosystem Conservations involves efforts to return an affected ecosystem to its natural equibliriumand keep them good The efforts of conservations includes: Preservations of soil Preservations of water Preservations of flora and fauna of the forest Preservations of mangrove swamps

10

a) Preservation And Conservation Of Soil, Water, The Flora And Fauna Of Forests, And Mangrove Swamps
1. The management of natural resources in an ecosystem involves preservation andconservation. 2. Preservation involves efforts to protect an ecosystem so that natural resources are utilised in a sustainable manner and that the equilibrium of the ecosystem is maintained. 3. Conservation involves efforts to return an affected ecosystem to its natural equilibrium. 4. Sustainable agricultural development is the effective use and preservation of soil toensure continuous agricultural production. Good farming techniques will prevent erosion and soil depletion. Good agricultural practices include Crop rotation Contour farming Controlled grazing Planting cover crops The appropriate use of fertilisers Effective drainage and irrigation 5. Clean water is a precious resource and commodity. As such, water sources and water catchments areas must be preserved. Rivers must not be regarded as dumping sites for domestic and toxic wastes whichcan pollute the water. The use of nitrates and phosphates in agriculture must be controlled to preventrun-offs into rivers and ponds. 6. The Malaysian rainforests, for example, contain more than 50% of the worlds plant andanimal species. Biologists have estimated that Malaysia has more than 15 000 plantspecies which have yet to be studied. 7. If deforestation proceeds faster than afforestation (conservation of forest areas), many of these species could become extinct before they can be documented. 8. Therefore, the sustainable use of forests is important to strike a balance between continuing harvesting of forests products, and at the same time maintaining theenvironmental services of forests. 9. There are many reasons why forests must be conserved and protected. Forests are adiverse storehouse of plant and animal species which can provide useful and medicinal products for mankind. These include fruit trees, ornamental plants, medicinal plants,essential oils, rattan, resin, gum, and tannin. Examples of plants with medicinal value arequinine, which is used to treat malaria, and curare which is used as a muscle relaxant insurgical operations 10. Rainforests play an important role in the regulation of microclimate and the concentrationof atmospheric carbon dioxide. 11. Below are some sustainable and planned forest projects. Establishment of a level of selective harvesting.This means only mature trees are removed. Reforestation or large-scale replanting of trees. Replanting programmes ensure that forests where logging activities have been carried out are not damaged and that the forests continue to be productive and are able to support the diversity of lives.

11

Implementation of restoration programmes to restore damaged habitats so that natural resources and wildlife can be preserved Establishment of forest reserves to prevent the destruction of existing forests andto maintain the equilibrium of the ecosystem so that the quality of the environment is preserved.This ensures that the diverse flora and fauna do not face the threat of extinction and can continue to survive in their natural habitats. Forestreserves also ensure that the genetic material of animal and plant species will not be lost. Greater productivity form existing agricultural lands will reduce the pressure toconvert more forests for agricultural purposes. In this way, farming and harvesting of timber can still be carried out and biodiversity can be protected at the same time. 12. Mangrove swamps are a rich source of biodiversity. Mangrove trees are used as fuel, building materials and pilings. Mangrove swamps provide food, nesting and nurseryareas for many animals. The dead leaves and twigs in the water encourage the growth of microorganisms that provide food for young marine organisms. Mangrove swamps play an important role in flood control, nutrient retention,sediment control, and the prevention of coastal erosion.They also act as a barrier against rising sea levels. When an area of a mangrove swamp forest is cleared for aquaculture anddevelopment, many plant and animal species are threatened to the point of extinction. Industrial waste pollution also contributes to the threat of extinction. Hence, mangrove swamps found along the coastlines must be protected, preservedand conserved

b) The Efficent Use of Energy

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Reduce the burning of coal, petroleum and other fossil fuels. Substitute natural gas for coal at power plants. Improve fuel efficiency in vehicles-use cars that run on energy-efficient engines. Use a cleaner fuel by reducing the content of sulphur in diesel and switching to gas. mprove energy efficiency in factories. Use more hybrid cars which combine electric and gasoline engines.

12

C)The Use Of Renewable Energy

1. Fossil fuels are a non-renewable energy source. Hence, there is a need to look for alternative sources of energy. 2. Renewable energy is energy flow that occurs naturally in the environment and can beharnessed for the benefit of humans. 3. Renewable energy is inexhaustible and does not pollute the environment. 4. Examples of renewable energy are : Solar energy - which can be converted into electricity and used in heating. Wind energy - which is used to operate windmills to pump water for the irrigation of crops. Flowing water - whichis used to generate hydroelectric power. Wave energy - the upward and downward motion of waves is harnessed togenerate energy. Geothermal energy Biomass energy - which is produced when decomposing organic matter,releases a gas consisting of 50% methane.This biogas released can be collected andused as fuel for various purposes such as heating or generating electricity. Gasohol -is the conversion of energy in biomass.The fermentation of sugar byyeast converts the energy in biomass into ethanol whichcan be used as fuel. Anexample of this fuel is gasohol which consists of 80% to 90% unleaded petroleumspirit with 10% to 20% ethanol. Gasohol can be used as fuel in motor vehicles.Plant materials which can be used in the process of fermentation by yeast to produce gasohol are sugar cane, sugar beet and maize. Palm oil fuel. Palm oil can be converted into methyl ester which is used as fuel.Biodiesel from crude palm oil is an environment friendly alternative to petroleumdiesel. Biodiesel can meet approximately 17% of the country's energy requirementsand thereby reduce the country's dependence on petroleum.

13

d) The Practic Of Biological Control

1. Biological control is the use of natural predators to control the population of pest species. 2. Some examples of biological control are : The use K haki chambel (a species of ducks or itik telur) to control the populationof gold snails (siput gondang emas) whichfeed on paddy stalks. The use of caterpillars of the species Cactoblastis cactorum to control the prickly pear cactus which spreads quickly and invades farming lands. The use if the hoverfly larvae to control aphids which feed on crop plants. The use of owls to control the population of rats in palm plantation 3. Biological control is better than using chemical control which involves the use if pesticides.This is because : The use of pesticides is indiscriminate and sometimes harmless organisms as wellas the pest species are killed. The effects of pesticides can be persistent and remain in the environment for long periods. The concentration of pesticides is amplified as they pass throughfood chains(biomagnifications). As a result,high concentrations of pesticides mayaccumulate in the tissues of final consumers.These pesticides can be toxic andaffect the metabolism of the organisms. Pests develop resistance. Hence a larger the amount of pesticides may now berequired to produce a similar effect. The cost of using pesticides is high The extensive use of pesticides pollutes the environment.

14

Conclusion
The effects of unplanned development and mismanagement of theecosystem can lead to damaging consequences such as soilerosion, flash floods, landslides, eutrophication ,pollution globalwarming, ozone depletion, climatic changes and loss of biodiversity. There are four types of pollution which are air ,water,thermal, and noise pollution. Greenhouse gases released by varioushuman activities can trap heat in the atmosphere and raise the Earths average temperature. Such an overall rise in the Earths temperature can leads to global warming. The thinning of ozone layer is mainly due to the accumulation of chloroflurocarbon (CFCs)in the atmosphere. Sustainable development must take into consideration of proper management of the ecosystem to ensure abalance of nature is maintained.

15

Reference

http://www.scribd.com http://wwf.panda.org

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki
http://www.sustainabletable.org www.google.com http://www.utusan-malaysia-online.com http://www.bharian.com.my

16

Appendix

Illustration 1: Pollution

Illustration 2: Greenhouse effect

17

Illustration 3: Thinning of Ozone Layer

Illustration 4: Nitrogen cycle

18

Illustration 5: news about pollution from Berita Harian

19

Illustration 6: news about pollution from Utusan Malaysia

20