IB MYP Integrated Sciences e-Assessment : Environmental implications
Exam Style Practice Questions - New Syllabus
Question (18 marks)
The Zika virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. It has little effect on adults and children but has major effects on unborn babies. If a pregnant woman is infected, the brain of the unborn baby does not develop properly.
You live in a small town which is concerned about the increasing number of babies being born with the effects of the Zika virus. There are two proposals to prevent the spread of Zika and other mosquito-borne diseases (such as malaria).
Proposal 1: Removing all standing water from the town to reduce the number of places that the mosquitoes can breed.
Proposal 2: Spraying with DDT to kill all adult mosquitoes.
Using all of the information provided and knowledge from your MYP studies, discuss and evaluate the implications of each proposal and choose which proposal to recommend.
In your answer you should include:
- the advantages of each proposal for reducing the mosquito population size
- the disadvantages of each proposal for reducing the mosquito population size
- the social impacts of your chosen proposal on your local community
- the environmental impacts of your chosen proposal on your local community
- a concluding recommendation
- justification of your recommendation.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Proposal 1: Draining Standing Water
Benefits:
Decreases Breeding Sites: Destroys the aquatic phase of the mosquito life cycle, greatly reducing mosquito numbers.
Long-Term Measure: Offers long-term control since mosquitoes cannot breed without water.
Eco-Friendly: Prevents the use of dangerous chemicals.
Drawbacks:
Labor-Intensive: Needs constant watching and upkeep to prevent water from forming.
Limited Efficacy: Mosquitoes can still breed in small, unnoted bodies of water.
Community Cooperation: Success relies on active community involvement.
Social Impact
Increased community awareness and involvement.
Potential inconvenience to residents in removing or maintaining water receptacles.
Environmental Impact:
Beneficial effect from minimized use of pesticides.
Conservation of helpful insect populations.
Proposal 2: Spraying with DDT
Advantages:
Quick Results: Quick depletion of adult mosquitoes.
Targeted Control: Targeted application for heavily infested areas.
Disadvantages:
Environmental Harm: DDT is a persistent pollutant that can accumulate in the food chain and harm wildlife.
Health Issues: Chronic exposure can cause health problems in humans and animals.
Development of Resistance: Mosquitoes can become resistant to DDT, making it less effective over time.
Social Effects:
Potential concerns from the community about pesticide exposure.
Decreased transmission of mosquito-borne illnesses.
Environmental Effects:
Damage to non-target organisms, such as beneficial insects and aquatic life.
Long-term water and soil pollution.
Recommendation and Rationale
Recommendation: Proposal 1 – Elimination of Standing Water.
Rationale:
Proposal 1 provides a more sustainable and environmentally friendly solution.
Though it is a community effort, it creates awareness and encourages long-term behavioral modification.
Prevents the harmful impacts of DDT on human health and ecosystems.
Regular inspections and educational campaigns by collaboration with local authorities can improve effectiveness.