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The development of economic activities can alter biomes - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 18 - 2011
Question 18
The development of economic activities can alter biomes. Discuss this statement with reference to appropriate examples that you have studied.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The development of economic activities can alter biomes - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 18 - 2011
Step 1
Identifying aspects of how economic activities alter biomes
Answer
Economic activities, such as agriculture, urbanization, and industrialization, can drastically change natural biomes. Three key aspects to consider are:
- Deforestation: The expansion of agricultural lands leads to the clearing of forests, which disrupts ecosystems and diminishes biodiversity.
- Pollution: Industrial activities introduce pollutants into air and water systems, impacting the health of biomes and the organisms that inhabit them.
- Climate Change: Economic activities contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, which alter climate patterns and affect habitat viability.
Step 2
Discussing the impact of deforestation with examples
Answer
Deforestation for agricultural purposes is a prime example of economic activities altering biomes. For instance, the Amazon rainforest has seen significant areas cleared for cattle ranching and soybean production. This not only fragments the habitat of numerous species but also accelerates soil erosion and contributes to carbon emissions, impacting global climate.
Additionally, logging for timber and paper products leads to habitat loss, which can drive species towards extinction.
Step 3
Discussing pollution and its effects
Answer
Industrial activities often result in air and water pollution. For example, river ecosystems in areas near factories, like those in the Ganges River in India, have suffered from waste discharge and chemical runoff. This contamination drastically alters the biome, affecting aquatic life and the health of local communities dependent on these water resources.
Step 4
Discussing climate change as an outcome of economic activities
Answer
The burning of fossil fuels for energy in industries and transportation contributes notably to climate change. This impacts biomes globally, altering weather patterns, and affecting biodiversity. For instance, coral reefs, which are sensitive to temperature changes, face bleaching and mortality due to increased ocean temperatures, driven by human economic activities.