Bioknowledgy
questioning, investigating and understanding
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  • IB Biology
    • Syllabus
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    • Practical scheme of work >
      • Practical activities (Labs)
      • Individual investigation
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  • Core
    • 1. Cell biology >
      • 1.1 Introduction to cells
      • 1.2 Ultrastructure of cells
      • 1.3 Membrane structure
      • 1.4 Membrane transport
      • 1.5 The origin of cells
      • 1.6 Cell division
    • 2. Molecular biology >
      • 2.1 Molecules to metabolism
      • 2.2 Water
      • 2.3 Carbohydrates and lipids
      • 2.4 Proteins
      • 2.5 Enzymes
      • 2.6 Structure of DNA and RNA
      • 2.7 DNA replication, transcription and translation
      • 2.8 Cell respiration
      • 2.9 Photosynthesis
    • 3. Genetics >
      • 3.1 Genes
      • 3.2 Chromosomes
      • 3.3 Meiosis
      • 3.4 Inheritance
      • 3.5 Genetic modification and biotechnology
    • 4. Ecology >
      • 4.1 Species, communities and ecosystems
      • 4.2 Energy flow
      • 4.3 Carbon cycling
      • 4.4 Climate change
    • 5. Evolution and biodiversity >
      • 5.1 Evidence for evolution
      • 5.2 Natural selection
      • 5.3 Classification of biodiversity
      • 5.4 Cladistics
    • 6. Human physiology >
      • 6.1 Digestion and absorption
      • 6.2 The blood system
      • 6.3 Defence against infectious disease
      • 6.4 Gas exchange
      • 6.5 Neurons and synapses
      • 6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction
  • Additional higher level (AHL)
    • 7. Nucleic acids >
      • 7.1 DNA structure and replication
      • 7.2 Transcription and gene expression
      • 7.3 Translation
    • 8. Metabolism, cell respiration and photosynthesis >
      • 8.1 Metabolism
      • 8.2 Cell respiration
      • 8.3 Photosynthesis
    • 9. Plant biology >
      • 9.1 Transport in the xylem of plants
      • 9.2 Transport in the phloem of plants
      • 9.3 Growth in plants
      • 9.4 Reproduction in plants
    • 10. Genetics and evolution >
      • 10.1 Meiosis
      • 10.2 Inheritance
      • 10.3 Gene pools and speciation
    • 11. Animal physiology >
      • 11.1 Antibody production and vaccination
      • 11.2 Movement
      • 11.3 The kidney and osmoregulation
      • 11.4 Sexual reproduction
  • Options
    • A. Neurobiology and behaviour >
      • A.1 Neural development
      • A.2 The human brain
      • A.3 Perception of stimuli
      • A.4 Innate and learned behaviour (AHL)
      • A.5 Neuropharmacology (AHL)
      • A.6 Ethology (AHL)
    • B. Biotechnology and bioinformatics
    • C. Ecology and conservation >
      • C.1 Species and communities
      • C.2 Communities and ecosystems
      • C.3 Impacts of humans on ecosystems
      • C.4 Conservation of biodiversity
      • C.5 Population ecology (AHL)
      • C.6 Nitrogen and phosphorus cycles (AHL)
    • D. Human physiology
  • Giving back - BioKQQAnswers

Essential idea: Concentrations of gases in the atmosphere affect climates experienced at the Earth’s surface.

The greenhouse effect is accepted scientific theory: the certain gasses in the atmosphere cause the sun's heat to be trapped and allow the surface of the planet to warm. Without it the surface of the planet would be too cold for life to exist.

To explain the images above below are quotes from NASA:
"Left: 1880-1889. Right: 2000-2009. These maps compare temperatures in each region of the world to what they were from 1951 to 1980 ... Two-thirds of the warming has occurred since 1975, at a rate of roughly 0.15 to 0.20 °C per decade."

These changes in temperature correlate with changes in CO2 levels. CO2 is now at a record high of 400 ppm.

Understandings, applications and skills

4.4.U1 Carbon dioxide and water vapour are the most significant greenhouse gases.
4.4.U2 Other gases including methane and nitrogen oxides have less impact. [The harmful consequences of ozone depletion do not need to be discussed and it should be made clear that ozone depletion is not the cause of the enhanced greenhouse effect.]
4.4.U3 The impact of a gas depends on its ability to absorb long wave radiation as well as on its concentration in the atmosphere. [Carbon dioxide, methane and water vapour should be included in discussions.]
4.4.U4 The warmed Earth emits longer wavelength radiation (heat).
4.4.U5 Longer wave radiation is absorbed by greenhouse gases that retain the heat in the atmosphere.
4.4.U6 Global temperatures and climate patterns are influenced by concentrations of greenhouse gases.
4.4.U7 There is a correlation between rising atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide since the start of the industrial revolution 200 years ago and average global temperatures.
4.4.U8 Recent increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide are largely due to increases in the combustion of fossilized organic matter.
4.4.A1 Threats to coral reefs from increasing concentrations of dissolved carbon dioxide.
4.4.A2 Correlations between global temperatures and carbon dioxide concentrations on Earth.
4.4.A3 Evaluating claims that human activities are not causing climate change.
[Text in square brackets indicates guidance notes]

Starters and discussion points

This interactive multimedia resource by the Guardian can be used as a starter of discussion prompt on the effect of carbon pollution upon a reef ecosystem (4.4.A1 Threats to coral reefs from increasing concentrations of dissolved carbon dioxide)
Picture
A fun, musical introduction to the greenhouse effect and global warming by Mr W.
A visual world tour of carbon dioxide emissions by NASA makes the invisible visible
Picture
This NOAA article explains the impact of ocean acidification on shelled marine invertebrates in general, but this equally applies to corals. "Calcium carbonate minerals are the building blocks for the skeletons and shells of many marine organisms". Acidification is causing the oceans to become "undersaturated" with these minerals which means that animals that build a carbonate skeleton can no longer do so or worse, if the pH levels are low enough, the animal's skeleton will slowly dissolve.

Presentation and notes

The presentation is designed to help your understanding. The notes outline is intended to be used as a framework for the development of student notes to aid revision.
Download presentation


Vocabulary

Correct use of terminology is a key skill in Biology. It is essential to use key terms correctly when communicating your understanding, particularly in assessments. Use the quizlet flashcards or other tools such as learn, scatter, space race, speller and test to help you master the vocabulary.
Use the Cornell notes style template to collate your own notes for Topic 4.4 Climate change.


Quick quiz

Quick quiz Use the BioK Quick Quiz on 4.4 Climate change (as directed) to check your understanding of the topic.

Weblinks

Greenhouse effect and global warming
Global carbon cycle by Sunamas Inc. includes details on global warming
The greenhouse effect by Sunamas Inc.
The greenhouse effect by Damocles
Global warming and the greenhouse effect by Earthguide
How the greenhouse effect works by BBC News
A good article from skeptic.com (first quoted on i-biology) about the science behind the greenhouse effect and global warming
What is global warming by National Geographic is an interactive tutorial
Climate change resource reel by NASA
Global climate change by NASA is a very comprehensive website on many aspects of climate change

Ocean acidification
Ocean Acidification by the Alliance for Climate Education
Acidification alters ocean chemistry and calcification by Sunamas Inc.
Rob Dunbar: The threat of ocean acidification by TED talks
Demystifying ocean acidification and biodiversity impacts by California Academy of Sciences
Acid Test: The Global Challenge of Ocean Acidification by NRDC

Nature of science

Assessing claims - assessment of the claims that human activities are producing climate change. (5.2) [covered by 4.4.A3]

The ultimate climate change FAQ by The Guardian

Why I must speak out about climate change by James Hansen is a personal tale of a scientist who has assessed the claim that human activity is producing climate change and has decided to act on his conlusion.

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver: Climate Change Debate (HBO) 

What if we take action on climate change and find out that we are wrong?
Picture
Environmental cartoons by Joel Pett

International-mindedness

Release of greenhouse gases occurs locally but has a global impact, so international cooperation to reduce emissions is essential.

Theory of knowledge

The precautionary principle is meant to guide decision-making in conditions where a lack of certainty exists. Is certainty ever possible in the natural sciences?

Stopping Climate Change Is Much Cheaper Than You Think by Wired looks the economics involved in addressing climate change
Some evidence from owls in a short article by the BBC about how evolution and global warming are linked
A human impact of global warming is the relocation of the entire nation of Kiribati to Fiji because of the threat of rising sea levels
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