Pollution indicators

Question 1

indicator species

Answer 1

used to assess the levels of pollution in an area

Question 2

How do indicator species measure pollution levels?

Answer 2

• some species are adapted to live in polluted conditions
• other species can only live where there is no pollution

-changes in the abundance of these species can show changes in pollution levels

Question 3

indicators of air pollution

Answer 3

• lichen
• some species only grow where there is no pollution
• other species grow where there is air pollution
• species of lichen on trees tells you if there is pollution
• blackspot fungus on roses
• fungus damaged by sulfur dioxide in the air
• where there is air pollution, roses are clear of the fungus

Question 4

indicators of water pollution

Answer 4

• bloodworms and sludgeworms only live in water that contains little oxygen
• found in polluted water
• stonefly larvae, mayflies, freshwater shrimp, caddisflies
• only live in water with high oxygen levels
• indicators of unpolluted water