In this post, we'll talk about the biological control and sustainability in I/GCSE Biology. Let's get started! 😆
Biological Control and Alien Species:
- Instead of using pesticides, organic farmers use biological control to protect crop against pests.
- This method does not use chemicals and therefore has fewer environmental disadvantages.
- This is often used when an alien species is introduced and becomes an invasive species:
It's important to remember the following 3 terms in I/GCSE Biology!
- Alien species ➡️ This is a species which has been introduced to a country where it does not grow natively- often introduced by man.
- Invasive species ➡️ An invasive species is an alien species which is better adapted to the environment than the native species. This can cause problems for the native species as they now have more competition.
- Biodiversity ➡️ the range and total number of organisms in an environment e.g. the number of ladybirds growing in a rose garden.
Then, let's look at the example of biological control in I/GCSE Biology together!
An example of biological control for alien species-
- Himalayan Balsam was introduced to the UK by man as an ornamental plant. However, it was introduced without its natural enemies, and was more successful than the native species- it therefore became an invasive species
- Biologists then searched the Himalayas (native environment) for natural predators or parasites
- Trials are carried out to make sure the predator will only effect the invasive species, that it doesn’t carry any harmful disease, and that it can breed successfully in the new habitat
- The control organisms are bred in large numbers before being released to the invasive species
- Progress must be monitored to judge the success or failure of the project
Then, we are going to look at the topic of sustainability in I/GCSE Biology!
Sustainability
In I/GCSE Biology, you should know what sustainability is!
Sustainability ➡️ the ability to provide for the needs of the present population making minimal impact on the future generations’ abilities to provide for themselves
- For example:
- Giving a third world country £1000 worth of water purifying equipment, rather than £1000 worth of pure water.
Sustainability is important to prevent animals from extinction and maintain biodiversity; this includes less deforestation, stricter building regulations etc.
Make sure you memorize the following points in I/GCSE Biology!
- There are millions of species that have not been discovered, it is important to protect habitats as any of these species could have medicinal qualities, such as a cure for cancer
Sustainable forestry is also important
- this includes replanting trees for those which are cut down, and coppicing- harvesting stems of young trees and allowing them to regrow
Over fishing has led to the endangerment of many animals, however, restrictions have been made by the EU Fisheries Council
Whale hunting must also be reduced or stopped, as the whale population is decreasing rapidly
Ecotourism is also an effective way of making the tourism industry more sustainable
- this includes recycling, training courses for local people, water recycling, growing of local crops and creating habitats for local wildlife within a resort.
- E.g. Hacienda Chichen Itza Resort
And we're done with this topic! Well Done!
Drafted by Alyssa (Biology)
References:
- "Invasive Species", https://ib.bioninja.com.au/_Media/invasive-species_med.jpeg
- "Invasive non-native plants", https://www.nature.scot/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/2018-03/HimalayanBalsam-D1895.jpg?itok=9b7VM9Fy
- "Unit 2: Sustainability And Biodiversity", https://media.proprofs.com/images/QM/user_images/2503852/New%20Project%20-%202020-06-17T161052_699.jpg
- "Is Wood a Sustainable Material?", https://www.thinkwood.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/ThinkWood-Sustainable-Forestry-F.jpg
- "Overfishing". Photo from the internet.
- "Japan to Resume Commercial Whale Hunting", https://images.wsj.net/im-44431?width=1280&size=1
- "Ecotourism". Photo from the internet.