Module

for
GE 10 Environmental Science

Prepared by:

Maria Verona F. Villamor

Instructor
 Module 4
Population, Environmental Problem, Sustainability
Introduction

All living organisms compete or share limited resources: food, shelter and space. This interaction affects the use
of resources and population growth. In this module, effects of population and resource use and exploitation to
the environment will be discussed.

Course Learning Outline

At the end of the course, the learners are expected to:

 be environment literate, develop empathy and respect towards the workings of the natural world.
 learn how ecosystem works and see the impact of human activities to the environment.
 adopt values and concern towards environmental issues and work towards practicing eco-friendly habits
to bring about environmental sustainability.

Contents of this Module

This module contains the following lessons:

LESSON 1: Population and Environmental Problem
a. Major types of interaction among species
b. Environmental changes and effects
 Pollution
 Climate Change
LESSON 2: Saving Ecosystems
a. Extinction, Endangered, Threatened Species
b. Sustaining terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity

Directions On How To Use The Module Properly

In order to benefit profoundly from this module, please be guided by all the key points presented below:
1. This module contains two (2) lessons. Each lesson is explained substantively. Read the explanations
thoroughly so that you would understand the lesson entirely.
2. On each lesson, you will find the Specific Learning Outcomes (SLOs) of each lesson. SLOs are
knowledge and skills you are expected to acquire at the end of the lesson. Read them heartily.
3. You must answer the Learning Activities/Exercises (LAEs). The LAEs are designed to help you
acquire the SLO.
4. Please post using the group chat, text, or call me if you have questions, reactions, or reflections about
the module’s content or activities.
5. The Practice Task/Assessment and the Assignment shall be checked by me.

LESSON 1 – Population and Environmental Problem

Population is the number of each group of species of the same kind in an area. Population growth depends on
the interaction of species, competition and survival. It greatly affects the environment directly or indirectly. And
as human population grows overboard, more resources are used up thus more environmental problems
surfaces.

Learning Outcomes

 To understand the effects of population incline/decline.

 Learn and identify factors affecting or contributing to environmental problems.

Discussion

Interspecific competition, predation, parasitism, mutualism and commensalism are the five ways in which a
specie interact that affects biodiversity.

Major types of interaction among species

Interspecific competition refers to different species having the same or sharing the same resources as in food
and other resources that their habitats overlap. In a forest, taller trees can absorb more of sunlight than shorter
trees, thus the shorter tree species competes for
sunlight. Lions and tigers belong to the same family but
of different species. They eat or prey for the same food
group and co-exist in the same habitat. This might be a
disadvantage from each group because they will
compete for food and resources would be less.

Predation is another biological interaction of specie

wherein an organism, predator, eats another
organism, prey. This may refer to all organisms
including plants.

Predation affects the population in such a way that it

lessens the population of the prey. Carnivorous
predation is common, animals consuming other
animals, owls hunting mice, wolves hunting deer, lions
hunting zebras, Venus fly trap eating fly.

Small animals/insects are mostly group predators such as ants eating spiders, fruits or seeds. Predation can
also be: (1) herbivory wherein animals consume plants such as human eating cabbage, giraffe eating leaves;
(2) cannibalism – animals consuming their own specie such as spider eating spider; (3) parasitism – wherein
organisms feed on another organism that could be either harmful or beneficial to the host such as worms inside
pigs; and (4) mutualism or commensalism – wherein two species benefit each other such as bees taking
nectar from flower to flower and at the same time fertilizing or pollinating the flowers through pollens that is
carried when the bee touches the flower.

This kind of interaction impacts the suitability of organisms as predator and prey to their environment since an
organism must feed or avoid being fed upon. Predators as dominant species possess characteristics that
enables them to hunt, sharp teeth, claws, agility, camouflage. The preys might seem to be the weaker specie
but also has traits that enables them to survive from predators, fly fast, heightened senses, camouflage. And
sometimes the prey can escape and the predator goes hungry. Still, this does not contribute to the decline of
animal fitness. The longer the interaction of organisms in this manner, the prey will experience some strong
stimuli to evolve so that their off springs will exhibit characteristics that will help them avoid from being eaten
thus has bigger chances of reproduction. Likewise, when predators catch lesser preys, they too will be pressured
to evolve so that they too can continue to populate. This is how natural selection occurs – “survival of the fittest”.
And so the cycle of life continues symbiotically unless otherwise subjected by factors that could alter or stop
natural replenishing activities.

Environmental changes and effects

Increase and decrease of organism population affects environmental activities. Decrease of population would
mean more food but more space for shelter and growth, increase of population would also mean less food, less
shelter or space. Or, predator population increase would mean higher competition thus lesser food. Nature
always seeks to balance itself that would benefit both organisms and what the environment can get from their
interaction. Organisms also consumes resources from the environment such as water, air, nutrients, shelter and
fuel.

Human beings are the most dominant species and the greatest predators. They also consume more of resources
living and non-living faster than it can replenish. The desire of human beings to make life longer, more
comfortable and easy, human activities are uncontrolled causing more damage to the environment than good.
They have great impacts to the physical environment through over population, exploitation of resources such as
burning of fossil fuel, deforestation or, urbanization. These activities greatly contribute to environmental changes
such as climate change, pollution, soil erosion, topographical changes.

A major environmental impact is climate change wherein increase of greenhouse gasses causes the earth’s
atmosphere to change. Greenhouse gasses such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), Nitrous oxide (N2O)
and ozone are natural gasses that help warms the earth that makes living on earth possible. As technology
grows, more and more gasses are released to the atmosphere as byproduct of industries, aerosols and burning
of fossil fuels. These gasses trap the heat from the sun creating a thermal balance on earth filtering the incoming
and outgoing solar radiation.

Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) is the greatest contributor of global warming. As the temperature
increases, the cycle of water and gasses also changes causing changes of weather patterns, melting of ice in
the polar regions, rising of water level. Greenhouse gasses also cause ozone layer depletion. CFC’s (aerosol)
reacts with ozone (O3) destroying its layer. Ozone is found in the stratosphere and serves as earth’s cover that
deflects the harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun.

Deforestation to make way for urbanization (industrial and agricultural) directly affects the ecosystem. Only plants
absorb carbon dioxide from the environment, and
cutting down trees releases a lot of stored carbon into the atmosphere. Another effect from deforestation is soil
erosion and destruction of natural habitats for animals.

Pollution

Pollution are environment contaminants that instigates harmful effects to life and the ecosystem. It can be in
land, water, air, noise, or heat. Pollutants comes from commercial/industries and household waste composed
mostly of organic materials such as paper, food, cardboard, plastic, plastic containers, vinyl, cloth, wood, metals,
chemicals/liquids, oil. Some of these wastes are gathered at landfills, thrown anywhere or burned. Waste are
hazardous to all organisms and the environment. This causes health problem, diseases, habitat destruction,
climate change and global warming.

Solid wastes take years to degrade and waste is generated everyday thus creating problems to its disposal. It
contains toxic substances that can be absorbed by the soil and release smelly gasses to the air affecting climate
and the health of plants and animals.

Liquid and gas wastes pollutes water and the atmosphere. Effluents from factories and industries are released
to bodies of water such as rivers, oceans or seas. Harmful chemicals destroy marine life, habitats and lessens
dissolved oxygen. Smoke and ashes from industries releases chemical gasses that combines with atmospheric
gas like the ozone layer. Most gasses released are greenhouse gasses such methane, carbon dioxide and
CFC’s. Due this, more heat is trapped in the earth’s atmosphere causing global warming.

Climate Change

A major and long term shift of global weather patterns is climate change. Weather patterns are governed by
precipitation, wind and temperature. Due to global warming, weather becomes unbalanced or unpredictable
affecting ecosystem sustainability. When weather pattern changes, so does the biological pattern of organisms.
For example, some animals like bears hibernate in the duration of the winter season. But due to abnormal melting
of ice caused by higher global temperature, spring will come early. So the bear will wake up in the midst of spring
and lessens/losses its chances of the spring hunt and mating season. Another example, plants also hibernate
during winter season, if spring comes early, the plant may break ground with spring but its growth will be stunted,
or the plant will follow its hibernating timeline and break ground later. Thus the insects that feeds on it will have
no food and pollination will be delayed. Overall, the whole food chain will be altered.

Unpredictable weather pattern also affects the environment. Due to increase in temperature, polar ice melts
increases the water volume; rainstorms will be heavier and frequent causing floods and erosion, destroying
shelter, life and agricultural lands; and drought in some areas.

Learning Activities/Exercises

Please use separate sheet of paper for your answers. (Copy and Answer)

Activity 1: Multiple choice. Circle the letter of your answer.

1. Which of the following is an example of climate?

a. An intense thunderstorm in Houston c. A hot day in Boston in the fall
b. The average temperature in Chicago over the past 50 years d. A foggy day in San Francisco

2. How are warming ocean temperatures impacting whales, fish, & other marine mammals?
a. They aren’t as hungry because it’s so hot c. Their migratory patterns are changing
b. Warmer water makes them sleepy d. Summer seems longer so fish are schooling less
3. How can extreme events like hurricanes, drought, & wildfires impact energy infrastructure?
a. Water shortages c. Power outages
b. Higher electricity & gas prices d. All answer choices are accurate

4. Which of the following is an example of climate?

a. An intense thunderstorm in Houston
b. The average temperature in Chicago over the past 50 years
c. A hot day in Boston in the fall
d. A foggy day in San Francisco

5. How are warming ocean temperatures impacting whales, fish, & other marine mammals?
a. They aren’t as hungry because it’s so hot c. Warmer water makes them sleepy
b. Their migratory patterns are changing d. Summer seems longer so fish are schooling less

Activity 2: Essay. Expound “Wasting less food is a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions”. (20 points)

Teacher Intervention

Information on this subject are gathered/based and quoted/excerpt on some textbooks and unlimited resources
in the World Wide Web. For further clarification, please don’t hesitate to contact me through phone or email for
clarifications or questions:
Mobile number: 09276639211
Email : [email protected]

Practice Task/Assessment
Please use long bond paper for your answers. (Copy and Answer)
(20 points)
Choose a specific specie interaction and illustrate your explanation showing both flora and fauna.

Feedback to Assessment

Explanation should vary per opinion.

Assignment
Please use separate sheet of paper for your answers. (Copy and Answer)

Personal reflections

1. What are some new interesting discoveries that you have encountered while studying this lesson?
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2. Is the lesson useful in your field of study (college course)? How?

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References/Reading Materials
https://www.nature.com/scitable/knowledge/library/predation-herbivory-and-parasitism-13261134/
http://accountax.us/Secondary%20Education%20Science%20Classroom%20Environmental%20Science%20Chapter%20V
.pdf
http://quiznext.in/study-material/learning_material/CBSE-10-Biology/Our-Environment_1/activities-that-affect-our-
environment/
https://www.livescience.com/22728-pollution-facts.html
https://youmatter.world/en/definition/climate-change-meaning-definition-causes-and-consequences/
LESSON 2 – Saving Ecosystems

Along this course, we have learned the connections and role of

the biotic and abiotic on biodiversity. Factors such as climate
change, overpopulation that causes the decline of sustainability.
As the world, governed by humans, continue to upgrade the
comforts of living, improve technology, resources also began to
vanish. Animals and plants become extinct. And the whole earth
is striving to survive.

All this is brought about by human activities, abuse and

exploitation of resources.

Learning Outcomes

 Understand the impact that each individual’s activity can affect its immediate surroundings and the whole
environment.
 To be able to adapt self-awareness and compassion towards the call of nature to save the planet.

Discussion

The earth’s system has been delicately maintaining a balance in its ecosystems. But due to human activities,
the stability of ecosystems is threatened. Humans use resources faster than it can recover. Most of the direct
cause of ecosystem degradation are pollution, deforestation and overexploitation. Both factors bring about
climate change, habitat changes, extinction.

Extinction, Endangered, Threatened Species

Extinct species are species that no longer exist like the dinosaurs, dodo, tasmanian tiger, mammoth, etc.
Endangered species are species whose population is in risk of being extinct such as giant panda, Philippine
eagle, snow leopard, etc. Specie population that is likely to become endangered are called threatened species.

Extinction of species (animals and plants) happens due to changes that the earth undergoes either naturally or
by people. Nature changes as our world orbits around the sun. For example, massive volcanic eruption ended
the ice age wiping out many species, some simply cannot survive warmer temperature. And some simply evolve
to adapt to warmer climate. Also, when predators dominate an area, through interspecific competition, preys
wouldn’t be able to reproduce or adapt fast enough thus becoming endangered or extinct.

Humans are major cause of specie endangerment and extinction. Every organism whether it’s plant or animal
have specific means of survival – food, climate, habitat/shelter. Deforestation does not only destroy habitats but
it also destroys the plants and other organisms that thrive in the forest and everything that an organism need in
the forest to survive. Forests are cut down to make way for cities or converted to farm land. Example, passenger
pigeons live in the forests, when the trees are cut down, they are forced to find other shelter making them
vulnerable to more predators specially humans who shoot pigeons for sport and food.

Pollution can also threaten the survival of plants and animals. Human domestic wastes like detergents, oil, fuel,
etc. drained into creeks and rivers pollute the water. Pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals are harmful to
plants and animals. Rain washes these chemicals from surfaces or soil and it all goes down to bodies of water.
Fishes in the water become poisoned, birds eat the fish will either die or develop defects like laying eggs with
thin shells giving the off spring low chance of survival.

As mentioned above, species have specific habits and needs in order to survive. Example, a polar bear live on
the ice or cold regions. It could not survive in warm climate. Same with a cactus that thrive on sunny and dry
area so it can grow cannot live in the forest where moisture is high and less sunlight is filtered in.

Species that flourish well in an environment may also endanger other species living in the same area. Some
species migrate to other environment looking for safer shelter thus sharing limited food. Existing specie will have
to find new source of food.

Humans harm a lot of plants and animals more than the lesser specie. Humans hunt for food or just for sport or
use animal hide for clothing and fur or pick beautiful flowers. Animals and plants are transported to other regions
just because they do not exist in that region taking a toll on its survival rate. Endangering specie will endanger
all other species that depends on it.

Through observing plant and animal behavior and characteristics, people are able to learn how to grow food,
build shelter, produce medicine and make cloths and technologies grow. In short, humans need plants and
wildlife to improve life sustainability.
Sustaining terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity

There is in dire need to protect our biodiversity to sustain or make life possible for the future generation. Depletion
of our natural resources endangers us all, loss of food, shelter, safety, and economy.

The 4th law of ecology says there is no such thing as free lunch. Man has the power that affected the whole
planet, so does the responsibility to bear its consequences. It is also man’s responsibility to help restore, recycle
the resources to help sustain life.

Ways to contribute in protecting the environment:

1. Adopt renewable sources of energy

2. Plant more trees
3. Carpool
4. Recycle
5. Composting
Activities/Exercises

Please use separate sheet of paper for your answers. (Copy and Answer)

Activity 1: True or false. write true if the statement is true and false if it is wrong.
_______ 1. Pollution can threaten the survival of plants and animals.
_______ 2. Extinct species are species that are still going to disappear.
_______ 3. Species have specific habits and needs in order to survive.
_______ 4. Only human activities bring about changes of the earth.
_______ 5. Plants and animals are used only for food and sport.
_______ 6. The earth cannot replenish itself.
_______ 7. Threatened species are organisms that are in danger of extinction.
_______ 8. Selection of fishing areas help preserve marine life.
_______ 9. Soil erosion is beneficial to the environment.
_______ 10. Organisms can survive outside their natural habitat.

Activity 2: Essay (20points)

Interactions between organisms in nature may range from mutualistic to antagonistic. Give examples of
mutualistic versus antagonistic interactions and discuss some ecological and evolutionary consequences of
these interactions.
Teacher Intervention
For more questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me through phone or email for clarifications or questions:
Mobile number: 09276639211
Email : [email protected]

Practice Task/Assessment

Please use separate sheet of paper for your answers. (Copy and Answer)

As a student, how will u be able to help conserve the natural resources at your barangay/home. Give at least
five (5) useful ways and explain each (20 points)

Example: do not burn garbage – this will release more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere adding more
greenhouse gasses.

Feedback to Assessment

Answers should vary per opinion.

Assignment

On the theme “there is no such thing as free lunch”, draw or illustrate your understanding on this concept (20
points).

References/Reading Materials
https://www.epa.gov/endangered-species/learn-more-about-threatened-and-endangered-species
https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-are-differences-between-endangered-threatened-imperiled-and-risk-species
https://www.tipscrew.com/home-and-garden/ways-can-protect-ecosystem/
https://prezi.com/yzck1wybo10d/chapter-10-sustaining-terrestrial-biodiversity-the-ecosystem-approach/

Note: all answers should be hand written in long bond paper.