Biology Matters for G.C.E.

'O' Level - Internet Links (Ch 22)

Internet Links

Chapter 22 Our Impact on the Ecosystem

Rainforests of South-East Asia - Internet Link on page 425

The South-East Asia rainforests are among the oldest, most complex and species-rich rainforests on
Earth. Find out more about these rainforests and read about deforestation, one of the most serious
environmental problems facing South-East Asian rainforests today.
http://www.rainforestweb.org/Rainforest_Regions/Asia/

Satellite Images of Forest Fires in Malaysia and Indonesia - Internet Link on page 427

This website has a collection of useful links to satellite images, reports and news release on forest fires
and haze:
http://www.vadscorner.com/haze.html

Causes and Prevention of Air Pollution - Internet Link on page 428

Air pollution results mainly from the incomplete burning of fuels such as coal, oil, petrol and wood.
The gaseous pollutants discharged into the air may be due to human activities or natural occurences
such as biological decay, forest fires or volcanic eruptions. Causes of air pollution due to human
activities include:
 Exhaust fumes from motor vehicles
 Chimney fumes from factories where fossil fuel is burnt
 Burning of garbage
 The use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in foam packaging
Air pollution can be prevented by:
 Using catalytic converters in motor vehicles
 Practising carpooling and planning one's journeys to reduce the emission of gases
 Using filters or scrubbers on chimneys to remove sulphur dioxide
 Using non-fossil fuels in factories or using less of fossil fuels especially in more densely
populated areas
 Using alkalis to neutralise acidic waste products before they are discharged from the factories
 Using ozone-friendly products to prevent ozone depletion

How Is NEWater Made? - Internet Link on page 437

Explore the following website and find out how NEWater is made (click on NEWater Tech):
http://www.pub.gov.sg/NEWater_files/index.html

Malaysia's Sea Turtle Conservation Programme - Internet Link on page 439

Find out what are the major conservation projects undertaken by the Sea Turtle Research Unit
(SEATRU) of the Faculty of Science and Technology, University College of Science and Technology
Malaysia (KUSTEM).

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Biology Matters for G.C.E. 'O' Level - Internet Links (Ch 22)

http://www.kustem.edu.my/seatru/

Ecotourism - Internet Link on page 439

Can tourism be managed for nature's benefits? What are the basic tenets of ecotourism? How does it
play a part in conservation? Find out more:
http://www.nature.org/aboutus/travel/ecotourism/files/the_nature_conservancy_ecotourism.pdf

Ecotourism in Singapore - Pulau Semakau Landfill

No one would have expected a landfill site to become a host for various shore communities.
Singapore’s largest landfill site is unusually rich in biodiversity. Explore some of these creatures in the
following website:
http://www.wildsingapore.org/beachfleas/semakau/index.html

Ecotourism in Singapore - Chek Jawa

Chek Jawa was initially set to be reclaimed as part of the land expansion development program by the
Singapore government. Unknown to majority of the public, Chek Jawa is situated along the eastern tip
of Pulau Ubin and is abundant with various shore communities. The announcement of the
developmental plan caused a major uproar among the environmentalists and they tried various means
to stop the program from taking place. With the awareness created, the general public participated in
the petition and the authorities were finally convinced this was a site worth conserving.
http://www.reforest.org/chekjawa/
http://www.wildsingapore.com/chekjawa/text/a001.htm

HSBC's Invest in Nature Programme - Internet Link on page 439

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC), a global banking corporation, has
funded conservation projects which will clean up three of the world's major rivers, help save 20 000
rare plant species from extinction and train 200 scientists and send 2 000 HSBC staffers to work on
vital conservation research projects worldwide. Read more about the news:
http://buffalo.bizjournals.com/buffalo/stories/2002/04/15/story7.html

HSBC TreeTop Walk

In Singapore, HSBC has funded the project to build a free-standing suspension bridge in MacRitchie
Reservoir. The bridge is part of the HSBC TreeTop Walk (HSBC TTW) trail, aimed to bring the
community closer to nature and get people to learn how to appreciate the beauty of nature.
http://www.nparks.gov.sg/nature_central_treetops.asp

Recycling Medical Instruments - Internet Link on page 440

You have learnt that materials such as glass, wood and plastics can be recycled. What about medical
instruments? Are they recyclable? Are medical single-use devices (SUDs) safe for reuse? Read more
about recycling medical instruments that are meant to be used once:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/10/AR2005121001213.html

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