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Unit 4
In 1875, Eduard Suess, a geologist, was the first person to
use the term “biosphere”. He defined “biosphere” as “the
place on Earth's surface where life dwells”. Biosphere is the
part of the earth, the living organism that inhabits it, and its
atmosphere capable of supporting life. Biosphere contains
all other ecosystems on the Earth.
Oral questions (discussion):
How can you preserve and protect the biosphere?
Which living things do you think are endangered?
What can you do to help save endangered species?
Unit 4
Biosphere
The components that form part of the biosphere are:
Biosphere includes the oceans, the land and the
atmosphere, and all the livings things interconnected
on the planet. Because the biosphere is made up of
all life, human activity can have a profound impact on
the biosphere. Every person has the obligation and
responsibility of protecting the environment.
Lithosphere, is the land portion of the Earth. It
includes soil and rocks. The islands and continents
are part of the lithosphere.
The components that form part of the biosphere are:
Lithosphere, the soil and rocks (land), Hydrosphere,
all the water (oceans, rivers, lakes) and Atmosphere,
all the gases (air).
Atmosphere, is a area composed by gases. It is
mainly divided into four distinct layers of gases: Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere, and Troposphere where humans live. Earth’s atmosphere contains oxygen, nitrogen, argon and carbon dioxide.
Unit 4
Hydrosphere, is all the water of the Earth. It includes groundwater, snow, ice, and water vaporization.
Oceans, rivers, geysers, ponds, and lakes are included in the hydrosphere.
Biodiversity
Biodiversity is a term used to describe the great variety of living organisms on Earth and their diverse habitats. In order for organisms and species to survive and
prevent extinction of species, living things have
changed and adapted to live in their specific environment.
All life relies on the diversity of species of plants and
animals. There is a growing concern over the protection of species habitat and biodiversity. Scientists
proved that one species going extinct may cause another species to become extinct. Biodiversity has a
direct impact in our life.
Biodiversity greatly benefits humanity. Natural products for medicine, clean water, raw materials, and food
supply are crucial for agriculture and industry. Pollution, pesticides, chemicals, climate and human changes
can affect the natural order and are major threats of biodiversity.
3
Describe the elements of the biosphere.
a) Lithosphere...
b) Hidrosphere...
1
Complete the sentence.
c) Atmosphere...
Biodiversity describes the great variety of
living organisms on … and their diverse …
All life relies on the diversity of species of ...
and ... Biodiversity has a direct impact in
our life.
2
4
What is the difference between biodiversity
and biosphere?
5
Name some benefits and threats to Biodiversity.
6
Which atmosphere layer do humans live?
Complete the definition.
The part of the Earth where living things are
found is called the …
Unit 4
Ecological balance
Disturbance in an ecosystem
Ecological balance is essential for the existence and
survival of species coexisting with other species and
their environment. Living things can modify the stability of the ecosystem.
Disturbance affects the basic structure and continuous function of an ecosystem. In an ecosystem,
disturbance is a transitory modification in the conditions of the environment that creates a major impact
and effect on living and non-living things.
Ecosystems have the ability both to resist change
and to recover from the changes already in place, but
when a major change happens this may lead to the
extinction of a species. All living things and organisms
are important and contribute to maintain the balance
in an ecosystem. Over hunting can cause extinction of
species and consequently a entire ecosystem unbalance.
Ecological balance can be disturbed as a result of
different factors in the environment, such as temperature, sunlight, type of soil, humidity, salinity, water
currents, storms, fire, earthquakes, man-made
causes, unexpected death of a particular species or
the introduction of new species.
Disturbance
happens on both the small and the large scale.
Unit 4
Adaptation to the environment
Birds have modified their limbs into wings.
A habitat is the natural environment of an animal or
plant meets essential needs. All organisms need
to adapt to their particular habitat to be able to
survive. An adaptation is a modification in the
organism's body or behaviour that helps it to survive.
Also, adaptation can protect animals from predators or from harsh weather. Examples of adaptations are the following:
Cactuses and camels have adapted to be efficient with water and food in the desert.
Chameleons camouflage themselves so they
can adapt to their own environment.
2
When an animal becomes extinct the ecosystem becomes …
a) wild
1
b) weak
Which of the following is the definition of
ecological balance?
a) An ecosystem in a state of stability where
species coexist with other organisms and
their environment.
b) An ecosystem that is in a state of chaos
where species do not coexist in harmony.
c) An ecosystem where species live independently from one and another.
c) unbalanced
d) balanced
3
True (T) or False (F)?
In an ecosystem, adaptation is a process
by which an organism is rejected by its
environment.
Unit 4
Changes that alter ecosystem
Our environment is constantly changing. Environmental changes can be natural or human change.
Both natural and human processes contribute to Earth’s environmental changes.
Human activity has a tremendous impact on the environment mainly because of the growth of population and intense use of technology. An action that has a small impact may affect an entire population
within a single ecosystem.
Natural change
Natural changes, such as tornadoes, hurricanes,
droughts, and forest fires, can cause unbalanced
physical environments. These changes may be
positives, like animal waste and decayed plant
matter add nutrients and moisture to soil, or negatives, like floods or tsunamis which destroy
animal and plants and disrupt food webs and
habitats (salt water). Droughts destroy fauna and
flora and affect crops in agriculture.
Unit 4
Human change
Human impact is something done by humans that
also cause disturbance or change in ecosystems.
They may be positives, like the creation of shelter
and refuge parks, cleaning waterways, implement
forest reforestation, reduce pollution by using
technology, or be extremely negatives, like climate change, global warming, uncontrolled technology, deforestation, waste of water, power, oil
resources. culture.
Effects of human activities on the environment
Humans depend on the natural environment for food supply, energy, and for industrial and medical
resources. Human activities in agriculture and industry have major impacts on the ecosystems in a
negative way. Ecosystems are altered and impacted because humans are destroying ecosystems to
develop cities and towns as places to live. We allow uncontrolled hunting of animals, over fishing, diverting rivers and streams for irrigation systems, quarrying for rock and minerals, destroying trees and
forest, and burning fossil fuels that create pollution and industrial emissions.
Uncontrolled hunting destroys the population of wild life and causes species to extinct.
Granite quarrying causes noise and air
pollution. It affects the environment destroying habitats and species.
2
Write about causes of global changes:
a) Human changes...
b) Natural changes...
1
Global change implies:
a) Only natural produced changes on the
environment.
b) Only human produced changes on the
environment .
c) All natural and human caused changes on
the environment.
3
Agriculture and industry have major impacts
on the ecosystems in a negative way. Justify
your answer.
4
How do humans affect the ecosystems?
Unit 4
Air pollution, water pollution and soil pollution
Unfortunately, humans are the most polluting species. We are not doing enough to protect the! environment from pollution. Earth is very good at recycling waste, but humans are generating too much.
Pollution is everywhere and it is negatively
impacting our planet and all species, including
humans.
Soil pollutants are chemical products, heavy
metals, waste from food processing industries,
and human activities, such as nuclear reactors,
oil, lead, carbon, solvents, mercury, cadmium,
arsenic, etc
Pollution is the accumulation of damaging substances in soil, water and air that harms humans or
other living things. Most common examples of air,
water and soil pollutants are air pollutants, water
pollutants and soil pollutants.
Air pollutants are gasses from cars and fac-
tories release because the burning fossil fuels.
Some examples are carbon monoxide, nitrogen
dioxide, diesel, lead and other harmful materials.
Noise or sound pollution
It is the excessive noise that may affects the balance of humans or animal life. An example is an
airport located in or near urban or residential
areas. Some negative effects of noise pollution
are stress increase, nervousness and sleep disturbance.
Unit 4
Water pollutants
come from sewage, sediments, chemical products, fertilizers and pesticides, animal disposals from farms, oil spills and
factories. Examples of these pollutants are detergents, soaps, and insecticides like DDT.
Deforestation and Desertification
Deforestation and desertification are major
causes to the environmental degradation which is
affected by the agents like small farmers, ranches,
loggers and plantation companies. There is a
broad consensus that expansion of cropped
areas and pastures are a major source of deforestation.
Deforestation
refers of the disappearing of
forest due to forest fires or felling trees in an
area. Examples of deforestation are the changes
of forest land to farms and urban environment.
Human activities play a crucial role in the vulnerability of land. Deforestation, desertification and
erosion bring a drastic change in the environment.
Erosion
removes top soil on agricultural land,
damaging delicate soil components and
nutrients. Soil erosion is caused by artificial
ecosystems such as farmlands and housing, and
greatly affects the environment.
Desertification
is the slow transformation of
fertile land into desert due to mainly deforestation, drought, inappropriate agriculture, climate
changes and human activities.
3
Select natural activities that may change or
affects ecosystems?
a) Lack of rain
b) Deforestation
1
2
What is pollution? What are the main types of
pollution?
What do you think causes pollution on the
world we live and what are the consequences
of pollution? Give specific examples. Discuss
with your partner.
c) Tsunamis
4
Global change implies:
a) Only natural produced changes on the
environment.
b) Changes in the Earth from the Biosphere.
c) All natural and human caused changes
on the environment.
Unit 4
Endangered species are living things at risk of becoming extinct. When every single member of a species, animal or plant, dies and none are left alive anywhere in the world, then that species has gone
extinct.
Extinction of a species can happen for many reasons. Extinction is a natural process and has occurred
for millions of years. But human intervention is mainly responsible for modern extinction. This brings
serious and rapid consequences to an ecosystem. For example, extinction could affect the food web in
an ecosystem, and without food many consumers will also become extinct.
Scientist estimate there are 100 million different species co-existing with humans on Earth. How many
spices are we losing? Between 10,000 and 100,000 species are becoming extinct each year. Today,
countries and governments are trying to protect the world's endangered species. World Conservation
Union categories of endangered species are extinct, critical endangered and vulnerable.
Extinct:
Extinct means the last remaining member of the
species has died, or is presumed to have died.
Examples are Passenger Pigeon, Thylacine (Tasmanian Tiger), Dodo (Bird), Sabre tooth tiger,
Sabre tooth squirrel, Cyanea superb, Franklinia,
Wood’s Cycad.
Critical endangared:
Some examples of endangered species are:
Group: Plants
Tibetan Sugar Palm
(Arenga micrantha)
Listed as endangered in:
China.
Critical endangered is a category that involves a
very high risk of extinction in the near future, like
African Wild Dog, Cheetah, Blue Whale, Snow
Leopard, Dragon Tree (El Drago), Wiggin's
Acalypha, Arizona Agave.
Group: Birds
Steller's Sea-eagle
(Haliaeetus pelagicus)
Listed as endangered in:
China, Japan, Korea,
United States
Vulnerable:
Group: Mammals
Andean Bear
(Tremarctos ornatus)
Listed as endangered in:
Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela
Vulnerable implies a high risk of extinction. Examples are Lions, Wolverines, and Gaur (large,
dark-coated ox).
Unit 4
Ways to protect threatened or endangered species:
Some ways to protect certain species include:
Learn about endangered species and how
important they are.
Prevent species from being harmed or destroyed.
Keep and restore native species and avoid
introduction of new species in wildlife
Keep population of species in the wild and
avoid captivity
Maintain and protect wildlife habitat in order to
preserve species
Do not disturb or disrupt wildlife when visiting
natural or refuge parks.
Do not purchase products made from threatened or endangered species.
Be interested in volunteering at your public or
private wildlife organizations.
Stop buying animal tested products
Drive carefully when visiting national parks. Do
not disturb or disrupt wildlife when visiting natural
or refuge parks.
1
Classify the extinct and endangered animals.
Select (E) for Extinct, and (CE) for Critical
endangered.
a) Blue Whale ...
b) Dodo (Bird) ...
c) Sabre tooth tiger ...
2
Why are there so many endangered species
on Earth? Give examples.
3
Some ways to protect certain species are:
species
population
habitat
killed
d) Cheetah ...
a) Protect wildlife ... essential to the species
survival.
e) Tasmanian Tiger ...
b) Preventing listed species from being ...
f) African Wild Dog ...
g) Franklinia ...
h) Dragon Tree ...
c) Maintain the actual ... in the wild.
d) Make plans to restore healthy native ...
!
Unit 4
Protecting the environment
When we talk about the environment we talk about the health of the animals, plants, forests, oceans,
freshwater, air, and each ecosystem. These are actions people can take every day to protect the environment:
Some ways to protect certain species include:
Recycling, we must recycle plastics, glass, and
paper.
Save energy, use less heating and air conditioning; install energy-saving light bulbs. Turn lights
off.
Water conservation, take a shorter shower.
Always use full loads in your washing machine
and dishwasher.
Use public transport (subways, buses, commuter trains).
Chemicals and hazardous, avoid toxic chemicals. Take pollutants materials
Keep my planet
green
Unit 4
Stop pollution
Acid rain
is a rain that is unusually acidic due
to the polluted atmosphere. When fossil fuels are
burnt, harmful chemicals called sulfur dioxide and
nitrogen oxide are released into the air. Acid
gases are blown into the sky from factories, cars,
and even our own homes. These gases combine
with the vapor of water of clouds and produce a
more acidic rain, snow, fog, hail or mist. Acid rain
is dangerous for the life of every living thing, animals, plants, soil, water and humans.
A healthy environment
is necessary for
humans to survive. We must obey laws and regulations. Preserving the ecosystems of the Earth,
and their ability to sustain us, is definitely our responsibility. National and local governments have
passed environment laws and regulations to protect the environment. Some measures include
creating and establishing:
Land, water, vegetation and air protecting and
preserving policies.
Water purification systems.
Animal protection laws.
Hunting and fishing restrictions.
Waste residuals regulations.
Watch this video.
4 minute video that will
change your life forever!
Save the environment!
4
Are you following any of these actions? Why?
…
a) Switch lights off when you are out.
b) Save paper by printing on both sides.
1
c) Recycle plastics, glass, carton, and paper.
Complete the sentences.
a) We must recycle ..., ..., ..., and ....
b) We must take ..., ..., and ..., to a recycling
point in your neighborhood.
2
National and local governments have passed
… to protect the environment.
3
What is acid rain?
5
True (T) or False (F)?
a) A healthy environment is necessary for
human to survive…
b) We must obey laws and regulations…
c) Preserving the ecosystems of the Earth is a
government’s responsibility…
d) We must maintain the original species
composition of an ecosystem
Unit 4
BIOSPHERE
COMPONENTS
ATMOSPHERE
AIR
Unit 4
HYDROSPHERE
WATER
LITOSPHERE
SOIL, ROCKS...
EFFECTS ON THE
ENVIRONMENT
NATURAL IMPACT
HUMAN IMPACT
FLOODS, TORNADOES,
DROUGHTS,TSUNAMIS...
OVER FISHING
BURNING FOSSIL
HUNTING
FUELS (OIL, COAL)
QUARRYING FOR
DESTROYING ECOSISTEM
FARMLANDS FOR
ROCKS AND METALS
TO BUILD CITIES
FOOD PRODUCTION
Unit 4
1
4
Complete the sentence.
a) There is a growing concern over the
___________ of species habitat and
biodiversity.
b) ___________ refers of the disappearing of
forest due to forest fires or felling trees.
What are the main
Look the picture of a water and waste
treatment plant. How human change has
modified the environment. Explain …
Unit 4
c) adaptation
d) biodiversity
c) A process of change by which an
organism or species becomes better suited
to its environment ...
b) What do you think causes pollution on the
world we live and what are the
consequences of pollution? Give specific
examples.
3
b) pollution
b) Part of the earth where there are living
things ...
Answer the question.
a) What is pollution?
types of pollution?
a) biosphere
a) The variety of plant and animal life in the
world or in a particular habitat ...
c) We are not doing enough to protect the
environment from ___________
2
In your notebook, copy the following words
matching with the right definition.
e) The presence in or introduction into the
environment of a substance which has
harmful or poisonous effects ...
5
Look the picture and write your comments.
How human change has modified the
environment?
6
7
8
Humans create disruption or disturbances in
ecosystems by:
a) using technology that produces pollution.
Find out about the following concepts. In your
notebook, write sentences about human
activities in your area that may affect
ecosystems.
b) making refuge and conservation parks.
a) Forest fires
d) Overfishing
c) cleaning waterways and implementing
water purification plants.
b) Deforestation
e) Soil erosion
c) Air pollution
f) Water pollution
What gasses produce acid rain?
10
11
Complete the following sentences with the
words provided.
pollution
deforestation
Impact
poor
Air
pollutants
Water
pollutants
Soil
pollutants
increased
Human activities have a tremendous … on
the environment through …, biodiversity
reduction, and … of the water, air and land.
The impact has dramatically … due to
population growth, … manufacturing and …
agricultural practices.
9
What are the main air, water and soil
pollutants, and most common examples of
each?
Look at this picture. Use internet to research
information about manatees. Why do you
think these mammals are threatened? Justify
your answers …
Example:
12
Example:
Example:
Look at the pictures. Human change can
affect ecosystems. How these situations can
be reversed? Explain.
!
!
Unit 4
There are ways you can help to keep our environment and improve our lifestyle. When we talk about
environment we mean water, air, food, plants, animals and other humans. Make less impact on the
environment by following these simple 6 tips. These tips will help you save money as well. You will be
contributing for a healthier environment, and in addition save our planet.
Make less rubbish
Always recycle garbage (plastics, glass, and
paper) properly. Take used electronics, batteries,
ink cartridges, and computers to special recycle
stations.
Save computer paper by printing on both sides.
Use less power
Switch lights off when you leave a room. Switch off
the computer, TV or radio if you are not using it. Turn
down your air conditioning, heater, and water
thermostat.
Use less water
Switch your bath for a shower. Watch leaky faucets
at home. Do not waste water.
Use public transport
Driving is one of the biggest causes of pollution.
Take subways, buses, commuter trains for school.
Walk or use your bike whenever it is possible.
At school
Use the recycle bins for paper and cardboard.
Recycle or donate the uniform and books you have
used. Switch lights off when you leave the
classroom.
Donate
Give electronics, toys, books and clothes, to
another family, charity organizations, or put them
into a charity recycle bin.
Unit 4
Answer the questions:
Are you following these tips for saving our
planet? Name two things you are doing today.
Why is important to follow the 6 tips?
The 6 ways to protect the environment
suggested:
a) protect the environment.
b) to save money.
c) protect the environment and to save money.
An artificial biosphere called Biosphere 2 was
built in Tucson, Arizona in 1991. A team of
scientists planned to live for a long period of time
inside the Biosphere 2, where five ecosystems
were created accordingly. Unfortunately, the
project failed and the scientists only stayed four
years in Biosphere 2.
You are going to research about the Biosphere 2.
Your teacher will divide the class into groups and
assign one of the five ecosystems from Biosphere
2 to each student.
First, you would need to
watch the video: Biosphere 2: Our World
Make a research of your ecosystem assigned by
your teacher. Then write a short summary of the
most important characteristics of your ecosystem.
Explain how the Biosphere 2 System works and
then answer the following questions:
What type of installation did the scientists
have (bedrooms, laboratories, etc.)?
What were the findings of the Biosphere 2
System project?
What caused the failure of the project?
Create a poster with the information you found.
You can include pictures, drawings, etc. Your
teacher will help you.
Finally, all the students from the group will make a
wrap-up presentation showing the results.
!
Unit 4