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
Deforestation is primarily driven by several factors:
-
Clearing land for agriculture: Vast areas of forests are cut down to create land for crops such as coffee or to raise livestock. This agricultural expansion is one of the leading causes of deforestation.
-
Urbanization and infrastructure development: As populations grow, land is cleared for urban sprawl, roads, and other infrastructure, significantly impacting forested areas.
-
Logging: Commercial logging for timber and paper products often leads to extensive deforestation.
-
Mining activities: Forests are also cleared for mining operations, contributing to the loss of trees.
Effects of deforestation on the environment include:
- Increased Carbon Dioxide Levels: Trees absorb carbon dioxide for photosynthesis; their removal leads to higher carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change.
- Loss of Biodiversity: Deforestation leads to habitat destruction, putting many species at risk of extinction.
- Soil Erosion: With the loss of trees, soil is more susceptible to erosion, leading to loss of fertile land and increased sedimentation in waterways.
- Disruption of Water Cycles: Trees play a fundamental role in maintaining the water cycle; their removal can affect local rainfall patterns, potentially leading to droughts.
Step 2
Describe one way forests being called 'The lungs of the planet' can be considered to be a correct statement.
Answer
Forests are dubbed 'The lungs of the planet' because they play a crucial role in gas exchange, particularly in absorbing carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and releasing oxygen back into the atmosphere. This process is vital for maintaining ecological balance and supports life on Earth by providing the necessary oxygen for animals and humans.
Step 3
Describe one other way forests being called 'The lungs of the planet' is an incorrect statement.
Answer
While forests are often referred to as 'The lungs of the planet,' this phrase can be misleading because trees do not have lungs. Instead, trees engage in a complex process of photosynthesis and respiration. In contrast to animal lungs, forests facilitate gas exchange through their leaves and other structures without possessing any anatomical lungs.