Photo AI
Examine how each of the following activities impact on biomes: - The felling of tropical rain forests - Intensive agricultural practices - Industrial development. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 18 - 2017
Question 18
Examine how each of the following activities impact on biomes: - The felling of tropical rain forests - Intensive agricultural practices - Industrial development.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Examine how each of the following activities impact on biomes: - The felling of tropical rain forests - Intensive agricultural practices - Industrial development. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 18 - 2017
Step 1
The felling of tropical rain forests
Answer
The felling of tropical rain forests leads to significant biodiversity loss as many species of plants and animals depend on these habitats for survival. This activity disrupts ecosystems, leading to changes in wildlife populations and potentially causing some species to become endangered or extinct. Moreover, the removal of trees can result in soil degradation and increased erosion, as roots that stabilize the soil are lost. Increased runoff can also lead to altered water cycles, affecting both local and global climates.
Step 2
Intensive agricultural practices
Answer
Intensive agricultural practices often lead to soil depletion and loss of fertility due to the extensive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This can create a less sustainable agricultural system that is reliant on external inputs. Additionally, such practices can lead to habitat destruction as land is converted into monocultures, which reduce biodiversity. They may also contribute to pollution through runoff, affecting nearby ecosystems and water sources, and can disrupt natural processes like pollination and pest control.
Step 3
Industrial development
Answer
Industrial development can have a profound impact on biomes through habitat fragmentation and pollution. Factories and infrastructure like roads and dams often disrupt ecosystems, leading to the displacement of wildlife. Pollution from industrial processes can contaminate air, water, and soil, threatening both flora and fauna. Furthermore, industrial activities can contribute to climate change through greenhouse gas emissions, which can alter habitats far beyond the immediate area of development.