IB MYP 4-5 Biology-Pollution/conservation- Study Notes - New Syllabus
IB MYP 4-5 Biology-Pollution/conservation- Study Notes – New syllabus
IB MYP 4-5 Biology-Pollution/conservation- Study Notes – IB MYP 4-5 Biology – per latest IB MYP Biology Syllabus.
Key Concepts:
- Types of pollution (air, water, soil, noise)
- Bioaccumulation and biomagnification
- Protected areas and national parks
- Species conservation programs
Types of Pollution: Air, Water, Soil, Noise
What Is Pollution?
Pollution is the introduction of harmful substances or energy into the environment, making it unsafe or unfit for life. It can affect the air we breathe, the water we drink, the land we live on, and even the sounds around us.
1. Air Pollution
Main Causes:
- Vehicle exhaust
- Factories and power plants (fossil fuels)
- Burning garbage or crop residue
- Forest fires
- Dust from construction sites
Effects:
- Breathing problems (asthma, lung disease)
- Smog in cities
- Global warming (CO₂, methane)
- Acid rain
- Harm to birds and animals
Solutions:
- Use public or electric transport
- Switch to renewable energy
- Pollution control laws
- Plant more trees
2. Water Pollution
Main Causes:
- Industrial waste discharge
- Sewage and urban runoff
- Fertilizers and pesticides
- Oil spills
- Plastic waste
Effects:
- Kills fish and marine life
- Causes waterborne diseases
- Destroys coral reefs
- Bioaccumulation in food chains
Solutions:
- Treat wastewater before release
- Avoid plastic dumping
- Eco-friendly farming
- Support cleanup projects
3. Soil Pollution
Main Causes:
- Overuse of fertilizers and pesticides
- Improper waste disposal
- Mining and oil extraction
- Landfills and plastic waste
Effects:
- Loss of soil fertility
- Harm to decomposers (worms, microbes)
- Health issues through contaminated crops
Solutions:
- Adopt organic farming
- Proper recycling and disposal
- Remediation of polluted sites
- Reduce single-use plastics
4. Noise Pollution
Main Causes:
- Traffic (vehicles, horns)
- Construction work
- Loudspeakers and music
- Airports and railways
Effects:
- Stress and mental irritation
- Hearing loss over time
- Sleep problems
- Disturbs animal communication
Solutions:
- Noise-reducing barriers
- Ban loud horns in silent zones
- Limit construction noise
- Urban planning with green buffers
Pollution Comparison Table
| Pollution Type | Key Source | One Major Effect | One Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air | Vehicles, factories | Respiratory issues | Public transport |
| Water | Sewage, farming | Aquatic life loss | Sewage treatment |
| Soil | Pesticides, garbage | Infertile soil | Organic farming |
| Noise | Traffic, construction | Hearing loss, stress | Noise barriers, regulation |
Bioaccumulation and Biomagnification
What Are These Terms?
Both bioaccumulation and biomagnification describe how toxic chemicals build up in living organisms – especially through food chains. Let’s break it down:
1. Bioaccumulation
Example: A fish in a polluted river absorbs mercury from the water and food. The mercury builds up inside its body because it can’t easily excrete it.
Common Substances That Bioaccumulate:
- Mercury
- DDT (pesticide)
- PCBs (industrial chemicals)
- Lead
2. Biomagnification
Example (DDT Case Study):
- Plankton absorb DDT
- Small fish eat plankton → more DDT
- Big fish eat small fish → even more DDT
- Birds (e.g. eagles) eat big fish → highest DDT levels
Result: Top predators are most affected.
Effects on Organisms
| Effect | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Nerve damage | Mercury and lead harm brain and nerves |
| Reproductive failure | DDT causes thin eggshells in birds |
| Hormone disruption | Toxins interfere with growth and function |
| Death (extreme cases) | Toxin build-up can be fatal at high levels |
Difference Between the Two
| Feature | Bioaccumulation | Biomagnification |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Within one organism | Across the food chain |
| Time scale | Builds up over time | Increases from level to level |
| Example | Fish absorbing mercury | Eagle getting high DDT |
How Can We Reduce the Risk?
- Ban harmful pesticides and heavy metals
- Clean up polluted water bodies
- Use organic farming and eco-friendly chemicals
- Monitor seafood and water quality
- Raise awareness about long-term pollution effects
Bioaccumulation happens in a single organism over time, while biomagnification happens across the food chain. Both lead to harmful effects on animals and humans – especially top predators. Reducing chemical pollution is key to protecting life.
Protected Areas and National Parks
What Are Protected Areas?
Protected areas are legally designated regions set aside to conserve nature, wildlife, and ecosystems. Human activities are limited to ensure biodiversity can thrive.
What Is a National Park?
No hunting, cutting trees, or building is allowed. Only tourism, education, and research under strict rules.
Why Are Protected Areas Important?
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Wildlife conservation | Protects endangered species like tigers, elephants, and lions |
| Habitat protection | Stops deforestation, pollution, and land misuse |
| Ecosystem balance | Preserves food chains and natural cycles |
| Biodiversity | Saves rare species and genetic variety |
| Research and education | Enables learning and scientific discovery |
| Climate protection | Forests absorb CO₂ and slow global warming |
Famous Protected Areas & National Parks
| Country | Protected Area / National Park | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| India | Kaziranga National Park | One-horned rhinoceros |
| India | Jim Corbett National Park | Bengal tiger; India’s oldest park |
| USA | Yellowstone National Park | Geysers, bears, and natural beauty |
| Australia | Great Barrier Reef Marine Park | Coral reefs and marine diversity |
| Brazil | Amazon Rainforest Reserves | Highest biodiversity on Earth |
How Are They Managed?
- Rangers and forest guards patrol and monitor activities
- Strict rules: no littering, no fires, no feeding animals
- Eco-tourism and research are encouraged under control
- Local communities may help in conservation efforts
Threats to Protected Areas
- Illegal poaching or wildlife hunting
- Invasive species harming native plants or animals
- Forest fires (natural or human-caused)
- Conflict between animals and nearby human settlements
- Tourism overuse – noise, waste, overcrowding
Related Conservation Terms
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Wildlife Sanctuary | Allows limited human activity but protects animals |
| Biosphere Reserve | Large zones for conservation + sustainable use + research |
| Conservation Area | Protected for specific purposes (e.g., birds or wetlands) |
Protected areas and national parks are vital to save Earth’s wildlife, forests, and ecosystems.
They support biodiversity, fight climate change, and offer spaces for learning and tourism.
With proper care and public support, these regions will protect life for generations to come.
Species Conservation Programs
What Is Species Conservation?
Species conservation means protecting and saving endangered or threatened animals and plants from extinction. The aim is to restore wild populations and safeguard biodiversity for the future.
Why Do Species Need Conservation?
| Cause of Decline | How It Affects Species |
|---|---|
| Habitat loss | Forests, wetlands, and grasslands cleared for human use |
| Pollution | Toxins in water, air, or soil harm wildlife |
| Hunting & poaching | Illegal killing for trade (ivory, fur, etc.) |
| Invasive species | Non-native species outcompete or harm native ones |
| Climate change | Shifts in temperature and rainfall affect food and water availability |
Goals of Conservation Programs
- Prevent extinction of threatened species
- Increase population numbers
- Reintroduce animals to natural habitats
- Maintain genetic diversity
- Educate communities and raise awareness
Key Types of Species Conservation Programs
In-situ Conservation
- Protects species in their natural habitat
- Examples: National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves
- Advantages: Supports natural behavior, full ecosystems are protected
Ex-situ Conservation
- Species are conserved outside their natural habitats
- Examples: Zoos, aquariums, seed banks, captive breeding programs
Advantages: Controlled environment; suitable for critically endangered species
Famous Conservation Programs
| Program Name | Focus Species / Goal |
|---|---|
| Project Tiger (India) | Protect Bengal tigers through designated reserves |
| Operation Rhino (Africa) | Save black and white rhinos from extinction |
| WWF Conservation | Works globally to protect pandas, turtles, snow leopards |
| CITES Treaty | Regulates international wildlife trade to prevent extinction |
| Frozen Ark Project | Stores DNA of endangered animals for future restoration |
Success Stories
- Amur leopard: From just 30 to 100+ due to anti-poaching zones
- Arabian oryx: Reintroduced into the wild after extinction
- Olive Ridley turtles (India): Mass hatching success after nesting site protection
How Do Communities Help?
- Locals become eco-tourism guides or forest watchers
- Awareness campaigns promote wildlife conservation
- Incentives for sustainable land and forest use
- School and college involvement spreads knowledge
Conservation programs protect species from extinction by restoring populations, preserving habitats, and educating people.
Whether in the wild or in captivity, these efforts play a key role in keeping biodiversity alive for future generations.