S.Y.

2020 - 2021
EMETERIO-FEDERICA GEREZ NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Brgy. San Agustin, Babatngon, Leyte Q1
303421
JHS LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET WK6
LAS No.: 1
Name: DANNY B. ELAGO Grade/Score: _____________
Grade and Section:GRADE-9 HUMILITY Date: ___________________
Subject: Science 9

Type of Activity: Concept Notes

Activity Title: Environmental Issues and Concerns

MELC: Relate species extinction to the failure of populations of organisms to adapt to abrupt changes in the
environment. (S9LT-Ie-f-30)
Learning Target: To relate species extinction to the failure of populations of organisms to adapt to abrupt changes in the
environment.
References: Science Learner’s Module 9 pp.50-70 and Alternative Delivery Mode Science 9 pp. 1-18

GENERAL DIRECTIONS:
• Take your time reading the lessons carefully.
• Follow the directions and/or instructions in the activities and exercises diligently.
• Answer all the given tests and exercises.

Environmental Issues and Concerns

What’s New
Over the past years, our environment keeps on changing. Many landscapes were converted into buildings,
expressways, parks, and subdivisions. Along the beaches, you can see lots of resorts, restaurants, cafes, and other
commercial establishments. Every day, our natural resources are continuously utilized for food, shelter, clothing,
electricity, and fuel to support our needs. We keep on searching for comfortable living without thinking we are
already destroying the environment.

What Is It
Many human activities disturb the balance in the ecosystem. Examples of these are pollution, deforestation,
wildlife depletion, and destruction of coastal resources. All of these result in ecological imbalance. Ecological
imbalance happens when there is a disturbance which is either natural or man-made disturbance that disrupts the
balance of an ecosystem.
Pollution
Pollution is one of the most evident environmental
issues we are currently facing. Pollution is the
addition of contaminants or harmful substances into a
natural environment. These contaminants are
considered pollutants and can damage the quality of
the air we breathe and the water we drink.
The major types of pollution are air and water
pollution. Air pollution happens when solid, liquid,
and gas particles are dispersed into the air. Both man-
made and natural activities contribute to air pollution. The burning of fossil fuels, exhaust from the vehicles and
factories, burning of plastics, and agricultural activities are some of the man-made activities which contribute to
air pollution. Wildfires and volcanic ashes are also sources of air pollutants.
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) and Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emitted by coal plants, factories, electric power
generators, and vehicles contribute to  acid rain. These substances react with water molecules, oxygen, and other
chemicals in the atmosphere which produces acid. Acid rain cannot harm humans directly, but it is more harmful
to plants and other animals. Nutrients and minerals that are needed by the plants to grow are removed through
the acid rain. It can cause the weakening or death of trees. Aluminum is released from the soil because of acid
rain. When raining, this aluminum will soon reach rivers, streams, lakes, and oceans which are harmful to
aquatic plants and animals.
Because of the increasing number of people, the disposal of wastes becomes a problem. When wastes are
not disposed of properly, these will reach the grasslands, streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans. Domestic and
industrial wastes such as oils, chemicals, plastics, and agricultural wastes are the main causes of water
pollution. Polluted water is no longer safe for drinking and swimming. On the other hand, when there is an
increase of organic nutrients brought about by the chemicals and garbage thrown into the bodies of water, this
MMS Department - LAS No. 1 - Page 1 of 3
 S.Y. 2020 - 2021
EMETERIO-FEDERICA GEREZ NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Brgy. San Agustin, Babatngon, Leyte Q1
303421 JHS LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET WK6

stimulates the growth of algae and in turn, lessens the available oxygen for other aquatic animals. When oxygen
is no longer available, aquatic organisms will die. Water quality and clarity will also be affected. This process
is called eutrophication.

Deforestation
Deforestation happens when forests are
cleared to make the land available for other
purposes. The problem is, trees are continually
cut down, including the young ones, without
replacing it. The loss of habitat of other living
organisms, increased levels of greenhouse
gases, soil erosion, and flooding are some of the
effects of deforestation.
In the Philippines, a practice known as
the kaingin system is used by farmers for
farming. In this method, the forest is set on fire
to clear the area for cultivation. If the burning
is uncontrolled, this will lead to forest fires.

Wildlife depletion
One of our natural resources is the wildlife. Wildlife plays an important role in ecological balance. Among
the famous Philippine wildlife is the monkey-eating eagle, which is now considered critically endangered.
Hunting and trapping, taking animals for profit, killing them, and destroying their habitats through deforestation
are ways on how human beings harm or destroy wildlife species.

Destruction of coastal resources

Aside from pollution, overharvesting, the
use of explosives and chemicals, and the conversion
of coastal areas into resorts and residential areas
greatly affect marine organisms and their habitats.
Overharvesting or overfishing happens when
people collect, capture, or harvest marine
organisms such as coral reefs, fish, sea turtles, and
others in a large quantity. On the other hand,
dynamite fishing, cyanide fishing, and muro-ami
fishing as the known illegal fishing methods used in
the Philippines kill plenty of marine animals and
destroy coral reefs.
These activities are very harmful and can reduce the number of marine organisms. When the population
of marine organisms is reduced, the food web in a marine ecosystem is greatly affected.Coastal areas are one of
the tourist attractions in the country. Because we are rich with beautiful beaches, many tourists would like to
stay and enjoy their vacation with us. Because of its aesthetic and economic value, coastal areas are then
converted into resorts, residences, and business establishments. The increasing number of infrastructures also
increases the chances of contributing pollution to large bodies of water that destroys the natural ecosystems of
marine species.

Prepared by:

ARLENE R. RAAGAS
Science Teacher
Note: Practice Personal Hygiene Protocols at all times. Please include this in All Learning Activity Sheets.
MMS Department - LAS No. 1 - Page 2 of 3
 S.Y. 2020 - 2021
EMETERIO-FEDERICA GEREZ NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Brgy. San Agustin, Babatngon, Leyte Q1
303421 JHS LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET WK6

Contact Number: 09560762385

MMS Department - LAS No. 1 - Page 3 of 3