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Attempt either A or B - Scottish Highers Biology - Question 11 - 2022
Question 11
Attempt either A or B. Write your answer in the space below. A Write notes on problems with the use of chemicals to control pests and biological control methods to ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Attempt either A or B - Scottish Highers Biology - Question 11 - 2022
Step 1
Write notes on problems with the use of chemicals to control pests and biological control methods to overcome these problems.
Answer
The use of chemicals to control pests can lead to several significant problems:
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Toxic to Non-target Species: Many pesticides can affect organisms other than the targeted pests, leading to imbalances in the ecosystem.
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Persistence in the Environment: Some chemicals remain in the soil and water for extended periods, potentially harming future generations of organisms and disrupting ecosystems.
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Bioaccumulation: Chemicals may accumulate in the tissues of organisms, flowing up the food chain and affecting top predators, including humans.
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Biomagnification: As you move up the trophic levels, the concentration of toxic substances increases, leading to severe health effects on higher-level consumers.
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Resistance in Pest Populations: Continuous use of the same chemical can lead to pest populations developing resistance, making them harder to control.
To address these issues, biological control methods can be employed, which involve:
- Introducing natural predators or pathogens to minimize pest populations.
- Developing a more balanced ecosystem approach that reduces reliance on chemical controls.
- Monitoring and managing the introduction of biological agents to avoid possible invasiveness in their new environments.
Step 2
Write notes on behavioural indicators of poor animal welfare.
Answer
Behavioral indicators of poor animal welfare can manifest in several ways:
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Stereotypy and Misdirected Behaviour: Stereotypy refers to repetitive, invariant behaviors that serve no apparent purpose, indicating distress.
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Failure in Normal Behaviour: Animals may exhibit normal behaviors, but in a misdirected manner, showing discomfort when these behaviors negatively affect others.
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Failure in Sexual and Parental Behaviour: Healthy animals demonstrate proper mating and parental care; failure in these behaviors may signal poor welfare.
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Hysteria: Animals may show very high levels of activity and agitation, often as a response to stress or discomfort.
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Apathy: Conversely, animals may display low levels of activity, indicating lethargy and a lack of interest in their surroundings, often correlating with poor welfare.
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Altered Levels of Activity: Changes in physical activity can reflect underlying welfare issues, with both increases and decreases being concerning.