Science Double Award - 4SD0 PearsonEdexcel

Human Influences On The Environment

Overview

Human activity is reshaping the environment at a pace no natural process can match. From the gases released by power stations to the fertilisers washing off farmland, our actions are altering air, water and climate in ways that affect every living organism on the planet.

In this lesson you will examine six key areas of human impact: air pollution by sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide, the greenhouse gases and how they cause global warming, water pollution by sewage, and the process of eutrophication caused by fertiliser run-off. Each topic links directly to the Edexcel specification and appears regularly in exam papers.

Objectives

  1. Understand the biological consequences of pollution of air by sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide
  2. Understand that water vapour, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane and CFCs are greenhouse gases
  3. Understand how human activities contribute to greenhouse gases
  4. Understand how an increase in greenhouse gases results in an enhanced greenhouse effect and that this may lead to global warming and its consequences
  5. Understand the biological consequences of pollution of water by sewage
  6. Understand the biological consequences of eutrophication caused by leached minerals from fertiliser

Lesson Note

The human population has been growing exponentially for the past 150 years, driven by improved food production, medicine and sanitation. More people means more demand for energy, food and manufactured goods, and more waste and pollution as a result. Understanding the biological consequences of that pollution is essential for tackling the problems it creates.

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Lesson Evaluation

Congratulations on completing the lesson on Human Influences On The Environment. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.

You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.

Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.

  1. Which gas is produced by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood? A) Carbon dioxide B) Sulfur dioxide C) Carbon monoxide D) Methane Answer: C
  2. Which of the following is NOT a greenhouse gas? A) Water vapour B) Nitrogen C) Methane D) Carbon dioxide Answer: B
  3. Eutrophication begins with: A) Sewage entering a river B) Excess minerals from fertiliser leaching into water C) Acid rain lowering the pH of a lake D) An increase in atmospheric CO2 Answer: B
  4. Acid rain is caused primarily by which gas dissolving in rainwater? A) Carbon dioxide B) Carbon monoxide C) Sulfur dioxide D) Methane Answer: C
  5. Which of the following is a consequence of global warming? A) Decreased sea levels B) Melting of polar ice caps C) Decrease in atmospheric CO2 D) Increased ozone layer thickness Answer: B

Available on the Green Bridge App

Download the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer to access full lesson notes, practice questions, and more.

Full lesson notes with diagrams
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Study offline, anytime, anywhere
Available on Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux

Available on the Green Bridge App

Download the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer to access full lesson notes, practice questions, and more.

Full lesson notes with diagrams
AI-powered learning assistant
Study offline, anytime, anywhere
Available on Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux

Practice Mock Questions

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