Photo AI
Human activities affect the environment - AQA - GCSE Biology Combined Science - Question 7 - 2020 - Paper 2
Question 7
Human activities affect the environment. 07.1 Describe the reasons why deforestation takes place and the effects deforestation has on the environment. Forests have... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Human activities affect the environment - AQA - GCSE Biology Combined Science - Question 7 - 2020 - Paper 2
Step 1
Describe the reasons why deforestation takes place and the effects deforestation has on the environment.
Answer
Reasons for Deforestation:
- Agricultural Expansion: Large areas of forest are cleared to make way for agriculture, including crops such as coffee and cereal, as well as cattle ranching.
- Mining: Forests are also removed for the extraction of minerals, which can lead to significant habitat destruction.
- Biofuels: The production of biofuels often results in the clearing of forests for land to grow plants such as palm oil.
- Urban Development: Land is often cleared for building residential and commercial properties.
Effects of Deforestation:
- Loss of Biodiversity: Many species lose their natural habitat, leading to extinction.
- Climate Change: Trees play a key role in absorbing carbon dioxide; their removal increases atmospheric CO2, contributing to global warming.
- Soil Erosion: Without trees to hold soil in place, erosion can occur, leading to loss of fertile land.
- Disruption of Water Cycles: Trees contribute to the water cycle; their removal can lead to changes in rainfall patterns and water supply.
- Loss of Ecosystem Services: Forests provide essential services such as carbon sequestration and oxygen production.
Step 2
Describe one way forests being called 'The lungs of the planet' can be considered to be a correct statement.
Answer
Forests are often referred to as 'The lungs of the planet' because they absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and release oxygen, which is essential for the survival of most living organisms. This gas exchange is crucial in maintaining the balance of gases in the atmosphere and supporting life on Earth.
Step 3
Describe one other way forests being called 'The lungs of the planet' is an incorrect statement.
Answer
The phrase 'The lungs of the planet' can be considered incorrect because trees do not have lungs like animals do. Instead, they rely on a different mechanism called photosynthesis, which occurs in their leaves. Additionally, while trees produce oxygen, they are not the only organisms that contribute to oxygen production; vast populations of phytoplankton in the oceans also perform this vital function.