Biology HL
4
Chapters
553
Notes
Theme A - Unity & diversity
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Biology HL
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Ocean's Silent Crisis Micro & Macroplastic Impact!
478 words
3 mins read
Last edited on 14th Jun 2024
Table of content
Plastic Basics 🌟
- Definition: Plastics are diverse polymers used extensively in manufacturing.
- Usage: Often for single-use items like packaging.
- Did You Know? 🤔 In 2020 alone, over 350 million tonnes of plastic were discarded!
- Environmental Impact: Oceans are becoming plastic dumpsters, as plastics are either non-biodegradable or degrade very, very slowly.
Plastic's Toxic Side 🌟
- Degradation Drama: When plastic breaks down at sea, it releases harmful carbon compounds into the oceans.
- Bio-What? These toxic compounds can "bioaccumulate" (build up in an organism) and "biomagnify" (increase in concentration up the food chain).
- Toxic Takeaway: Organisms that consume plastic ingest these toxins, putting their health at risk.
Macro vs. Micro - The Plastic Divide 🌟
-
Macroplastic
- What is it? Big visible debris like nets, drink bottles, and grocery bags.
- Dangers: Animals, like seabirds and turtles, mistake them for food or get trapped in them.
- Break Down: Over time, these macroplastics degrade into microplastics.
-
Microplastic
- What is it? Tiny plastic particles, smaller than 5mm. Can be round or fibrous.
- Eeek! Fact: Over 50 trillion microplastic particles are swimming in our oceans.
- Ubiquity: Found in every marine ecosystem & even within animal tissues.
- Mystery: Their exact effects on marine life are still under study.
Unlock the Full Content! 
Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Biology HL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟
Biology HL
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Ocean's Silent Crisis Micro & Macroplastic Impact!
478 words
3 mins read
Last edited on 14th Jun 2024
Table of content
Plastic Basics 🌟
- Definition: Plastics are diverse polymers used extensively in manufacturing.
- Usage: Often for single-use items like packaging.
- Did You Know? 🤔 In 2020 alone, over 350 million tonnes of plastic were discarded!
- Environmental Impact: Oceans are becoming plastic dumpsters, as plastics are either non-biodegradable or degrade very, very slowly.
Plastic's Toxic Side 🌟
- Degradation Drama: When plastic breaks down at sea, it releases harmful carbon compounds into the oceans.
- Bio-What? These toxic compounds can "bioaccumulate" (build up in an organism) and "biomagnify" (increase in concentration up the food chain).
- Toxic Takeaway: Organisms that consume plastic ingest these toxins, putting their health at risk.
Macro vs. Micro - The Plastic Divide 🌟
-
Macroplastic
- What is it? Big visible debris like nets, drink bottles, and grocery bags.
- Dangers: Animals, like seabirds and turtles, mistake them for food or get trapped in them.
- Break Down: Over time, these macroplastics degrade into microplastics.
-
Microplastic
- What is it? Tiny plastic particles, smaller than 5mm. Can be round or fibrous.
- Eeek! Fact: Over 50 trillion microplastic particles are swimming in our oceans.
- Ubiquity: Found in every marine ecosystem & even within animal tissues.
- Mystery: Their exact effects on marine life are still under study.
Unlock the Full Content!
Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Biology HL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟