Define ecosystem and biodiversity. Explain the importance of forests to humans and how industrial pollution affects the atmosphere in urban areas.

You're on a roll — here's the solution to question 6: 6. (a) Define the following terms: 6. (a) (i) Ecosystem An ecosystem is a community of living organisms (biotic components) interacting with each other and with their non-living physical environment (abiotic components) in a specific area. 6. (a) (ii) Biodiversity Biodiversity, or biological diversity, refers to the variety of life on Earth at all its levels, from genes to ecosystems, encompassing the diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems. 6. (b) Of what importance are forests to man? Forests are vital to humans for several reasons: • They produce oxygen through photosynthesis and absorb carbon dioxide, helping to regulate the climate. • They provide timber for construction, fuel, and paper, as well as non-timber products like medicines, food, and resins. • They help in water cycle regulation, preventing soil erosion, and maintaining water quality by filtering pollutants. • They serve as habitats for a vast array of biodiversity, supporting countless plant and animal species. • They offer recreational opportunities and have cultural and spiritual significance. 6. (c) In industrial towns like Douala, toxic substances are emitted into the air from the industries and automobiles that are operating there making the general atmosphere unsafe to the population. 6. (c) (i) How do these activities negatively affect the population? These activities negatively affect the population by: • Causing respiratory diseases (e.g., asthma, bronchitis, lung cancer) due to inhaling particulate matter and toxic gases. • Leading to cardiovascular problems and other chronic health issues. • Contributing to acid rain, which damages buildings, vegetation, and aquatic ecosystems, impacting food sources. • Reducing air quality and visibility, affecting overall quality of life. • Potentially causing neurological damage and developmental issues, especially in children, due to exposure to heavy metals and other neurotoxins. 6. (c) (ii) If you are the City Mayor of Douala, what can you do to make the city safe and favourable? As City Mayor, I would implement the following measures: • Enforce stricter emission standards for industries and vehicles, requiring the use of pollution control technologies. • Promote public transportation and encourage the use of electric or hybrid vehicles to reduce automobile emissions. • Invest in green infrastructure, such as planting more trees and creating urban parks, to improve air quality naturally. • Relocate highly polluting industries away from residential areas or ensure they adopt cleaner production methods. • Implement regular air quality monitoring and public awareness campaigns to inform citizens about pollution levels and protective measures. One more question to go! Send it over.