ECOSYSTEM (Part-I)

The affinity of carbon monoxide gas for haemoglobin is 250 times greater than that of Oxygen. This gas binds to haemoglobin to form a highly stable compound, carboxyhemoglobin, which does not release Oxygen, leading to oxygen deprivation in the body. If this condition persists for a long time, the person may die.

Lichens serve as an indicator of air pollution. They get destroyed rapidly in a polluted environment.

Lichens are a symbiotic relationship between algae and fungi, in which both benefit from each other. Lichens mainly indicate air pollution.

In biology, commensalism is a mutual symbiosis between two organisms of different species, in which one species benefits from the other but the second species neither benefits nor harms the first. Like squirrels, birds, monkeys, snakes, rats, etc., these creatures use trees for their residence, food, etc., but there is no harm or benefit to the trees from them.

The combination of different food chains and their interdependence represent of food web.

A food chain is a sequence of different types of organisms through which energy flows in an ecosystem. This flow of energy is one-directional.

The ozone layer is naturally located in the stratosphere above the Earth, forming a protective layer. This layer protects us from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.

Throat cancer is not caused by smog, while other diseases, like asthma, emphysema, breathing problems, etc., are caused by smog.

Carotene is a type of organic substance which occurs in the form of pigment in plants. This pigment imparts a pale orange color to the plants. The plant synthesizes vitamin A from carotene itself.

Cuscuta is a parasitic plant with a creeper, which completely lacks leaves and chlorophyll. It is usually found in the trees of Acacia, Kelkar, etc.