STAS REVIEWER FOR FINALS First it must have at least 1,500 species of vascular
plants as endemic.
CHAPTER 11: Bio Diversity and Healthy Society
BIODIVERSITY
 “biological diversity”
 Supports all life on earth.
 Variety of life forms at structural levels.
 Measure of the number of species on the planet or in a
specified area is called biodiversity. (Clarke, 2013)
 Variation of living things making the world beautiful and
exciting place to live. (Cunningham & Cunningham,
2013)
 Variety of life on earth at all its levels, from genes to
ecosystems and the ecological and evolutionary processes
that sustain it. (Bynum, 2012)
 Abiotic – non living
Biodiversity is more than just Species
 Species – building blocks of earth that supports systems.
Three kinds of biodiversity
 Genetic Biodiversity – measure of the variety of versions
of the same genes within individual.
 Species Biodiversity – describes the number of different
kinds of organism within individual communities or
ecosystem.
 Ecological Biodiversity – specifies the number of niches,
trophic levels, and ecological processes.
Species by the Numbers
 1.75 million Different species have been documented by
scientist.
 950,000 species of insects
 270,000 species of plants
 19,000 species of fish
 9,000 species of birds
 4,000 species of mammals
The importance of Biodiversity
 Biodiversity provides food and medicines
 In an article of Montenegro (2015) a newly discovered PHL
medicinal plant was featured in honor of Pope Francis
 Discovered in Antique
 Natural and Applied Sciences headed by Dr. Gracebio
Alejandro have named the plant Hedyotis papafranciscoi
Alejandro
 The plants has medicinal properties that the researchers
say could be used to treat cancer, fever, malaria and
rheumatism.
 Biodiversity can aid ecosystem stability
 Crocodylus Mindorensis
 Aesthetic and existence values are important
Threats to Biodiversity
 Extinction – the elimination of species, can be normal
process of the natural world.
 “Bottlenecks” – shows that during there have been five
mass extinction events.
 “sixth mass extinction”
 A pair of stuffed passenger pigeons (Ectopistes
Migratorius)
EO Wilson summarizes human effects to biodiversity as
HIPPO:
H – Habitat Destruction
I – Invasive species
P – Pollution
O - Population of humans
O – Overharvesting
 Biodiversity hotspots – support natural ecosystems that
are largely intact and where native species and
communities associated with these ecosystems.
To qualify as biodiversity hotspot according to Myers 2009
Secondly it must contain 30% or less of its original
natural vegetation.
World’s most Threatened Biodiversity Hotspots
 35 areas around the world that qualify as hotspots.
 Hrdina and Roompotl 2017 point out the most important
hotspots are Madagascar and the Indiana Ocean Island and
Sunland.
 Philippines is the most mega diverse countries in the world
when it comes to variety of genetic, species and ecological
biodiversity.
Genetic Modified Organism (GMO)
 GMO – seed developers are able to directly modify the
genome of the crop.
 GMO – also known as “genetic engineering”, where
selective bred of plants were being enhanced with the genes
of another plants.
The impact of GMO to biodiversity and environment
*read page 133*
CHAPTER 12: The Information Age
Johannes Gutenberg
 Born Feb 3, 1468
 German Blackswithand
 Responsible for shaping the nature of the society by
establishing the first form of spreading information.
 Gutenberg Principles - where the distribution of
information become possible, but expensive yet
institutionalized.
 Gutenberg Principle has a great impact to shape our
world at the present time – most likely characterized as
the Post-Gutenberg era – the world of what is currently
called social media.
The Pre-Gutenberg World
 The transmission of information relied only through
“word-of-mouth” channels.
 In 1440, the first printing press was built through
Johannes Gutenberg which heralded the start of mass
communication.
The Gutenberg Revolution
 Gutenberg Revolution – term used to express the
democratizing effect of the invention of the printing press
among society.
 Democracy was born through the invention of the
printing press and the effects it had on society.
The Post-Gutenberg World
 1920 - The radio broadcasting was introduced. It
marked a significant jump in the speed of
communication.
 1970 – The Information Age accelerated global
communication. It started when the microprocessor
began and took it as the introduction to the Internet
Browser, which made Information Age significant to up
to this day.
 Stacy (2008) – the development of internet in our world
changed 2 major expansion:
First uploading and downloading of
different dorms of media, such as image, videos and
audios, were now possible through internet access.
Second spreading and publishing of
information were now much easy because of different
tools.
 Post-Gutenberg Principle or Social Information
Principle (Stacy, 2008) – Information can now be on
the hand of every individual and all the potential
individuals.
 Information Age
 There are three distinct historical periods for this
revolution of information technology:
The first modern information revolution
– began in the mid-nineteenth century and includes
telegraph, telephone and radio. These three
inventions have greatly helped in improving the
people’s lives. Businesses, government, military and
foreign policy establishment were able to communicate
easier.
The second modern information
revolution –mid-20th century and includes television,
early generation computers and satellites. These
inventions have greatly improved communication and
have bypassed even further distances in a faster time.
The industrial society and government affairs have
greatly benefitted from this, saving too much money
that was at first spent over communication and
exchange of information.
The third modern information revolution
– probably began in 1980s and has surpassed the two
other revolutions. This age which includes our time is
now called as the “Knowledge Revolution”. This
includes advance information technologies and has a
remarkable impact in the politics, economics, sociology
and culture of knowledge creation and distribution.
Social Media and its Impact to the Society
 Social Media – form of electronic communication
wherein the users share information, ideas and even
videos by creating online communities (Merriam Web)
 Social Media – is not only a communication tool but it
also serves as an avenue for collaboration and reviewing
of information an opinions.
 Mark Schaefer (2011) – author, blogger and social
media marketing consultant cited a summary in his blog
how the world has changed because of social media.
(page 141 read)
CHAPTER 13: Nano World
What is Nanotechnology?
 Nano as unit of measurement of length, is an analogous
entity like meter.
 Prefix Nano means a factor of billionth
 Nanoscale refers to the length of around 0.1nm to
100nm
 The nanomaterials or nanostructure are in the form of
nanoscale.
 The first definition of “nanotechnology” came from
Norio Taniguchi, a professor of Tokyo Science
University. He coined the term at the international
conference on industrial production in 1974.
 Nanotechnology study and manipulation of matter at a
scale of about 1 to 100 nanometers.
Nanotechnology of the past
 “nanoera” peole were engaged in different processes and
used these into practice in small scale subconsciously.
Ancient Egyptians
 Fermenting process on nanolevel (making bread, wine,
bear cheese and other food stuffs.
 Nanoparticles of galenite (lead sulfide) were formed in
hair dyeing process.
Ancient Rome
 Ligarcus cup; 4th century AD possess unusual optical
properties.
 Recent techniques discovered particles of gold and
silver from 50-100 nm in size.
Middle Ages
 Stained-glass windows have been admired in Europe
because of close to perfection.
Nanotechnology in the Philippines
 Department of Science and Technology-Industrial
Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) –
Provides opportunities and technical services to local
industries by Nano Lab.
List of nanotechnology projects that are being worked
out in the Philippines under the supervision of DOST-
ITDI
 Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
and semiconductors – eg. Use of nanowires to ultrafast
ICT with small power consumption.
 Solar Cells – eg. Dye sensitized-based solar cells
(DSSC) is low cost solar cell belonging to the group of
thin film solar cells.
 Agriculture – eg. Facilitate gene transformation and
expression of animal and plant cells.
 Food – eg. Biodegradable food packaging.
 Environment – eg. Water purification by nanofilters
for treating heavy metal contaminated water.
Major Environmental Application of Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology Application
 Water treatment and purification
- Nanomembranes for water purification,
desalination and detoxification.
- Nanosensors detection of contaminants and
pathogens.
- Nanoporous zeolites, nanoporous polymoers and
attapulgite clays for water purification
- Magnetic nanoparticles for water treatment and
remediation.
- TiO2 nanoparticles for the catalytic degradation of
pollutants.
 Environmental remediation – removal of contaminants and
pollutants from the environment
- Zero-Valent iron nanoparticles for abatement
of Environmental pollutants.
- Nanoscale Iron particles (Zhang 2003)
 Green Nano Composites – material having ecofriendly
attributes that are technically and economically feasible
while minimizing the generation of pollution.
- Starch based-nano composites
- Cellulose based-nano coposites
- Protein based-nano composites.
CHAPTER 14: Gene Therapy
Genes and the Human Genome
 Genome – complete set of the genes in a cell or organism.
 Human genome resides in 46 chromosomes that basically
come in pair in which 23 are from father and another 23
from mother.
 Chromosome – made up of two chromatids and each
chromatid contains sequence of DNA (deoxyribonucleic
acid)
 DNA – commonly found in the nucleus of every cell.
 DNA stand when divided into portions, constitutes many
genes.
 Genes are made up of hundreds of thousands of chemical
bases.
 Introns – DNA sequence that are coded to proteins.
 Exons – non-coding regions.
Genetic Disorder
 Genetic disorder – disease caused by abnormalities in the
DNA sequence of an individual.
 There are more than 4000 identified medical disorders that
are caused by defective genes.
Single-Gene Disorder
 Single Gene disorder caused by mutations in specific
genes.
 Single Gene disorder classified into autosomal single-
gene disorder and X-linked disorders.
 Autosomal gene disorder happens in genes that can be
found within the 22 pairs of non-sex chromosomes
 X-linked disorder – originated form the genes of sex
chromosomes.
Chromosomal Disorder
 Chromosomal – may happen under certain conditions.
 Chromosomal Rearrangement happens if there is
breakage and reconstruction but in abnormal form.
  Structural rearrangement may lead to loss or gain of
genetic material but typically gaining human chromosomes
is less harmful than the loss of genetic materials.
Multifactorial Inheritance
 Multifactorial Inheritance is not caused by some changes
or abnormalities in a single gene or chromosomes; basically
caused by the combination of genetic changes that produces
the disease.
 Multifactorial Inheritance might happen 5-10% in the
first degree relatives with higher risk than of the 2nd degree
relatives.
Gene Therapy
 Gene therapy method of treating or preventing diseases
by replacing, repairing or turning on or off genes of a
patient’s cell.
 Vectors and non-viral method to move a DNA or genes
to one cell or another.
 Some of the vectors in gene therapy are retrovirus,
adenovirus. Adeno associated virus and trans-acting
elements, and herpes simplex virus.
 Injection of Naked DNA the simplest method under non-
viral method.
 Cells, tissue that undergone gene therapy are considered
transgenic or genetically modified.
 Somatic Gene Therapy those which are not related to
reproductive gene therapy. It helps the organ to function
well but it doesn’t alter the genetic makeup of an organism.
 Reproductive gene therapy or Germ-line cell therapy
basically the introduction of corrective genes to sperm
cells, egg cells or even zygotes.
 Reproductive gene therapy or Germ-line cell therapy
the objective is to eliminate the abnormalities that can
possibly be transmitted to the offspring.
 Reproductive gene therapy or Germ-line cell therapy
alteration of genetic makeup of the offspring by targeting
the abnormal genes in the parent’s sex cells.
Benefits and Disadvantages of gene therapy
(Read page 156)
CHAPTER 15: Climate change, Energy Crisis and
Environmental Awareness
 Global Warming – increased concentration of greenhouse
gases in the atmosphere. Led to the unusually rapid
increase in the Earth’s average temperature. (NASA Earth
Observatory)
Earth’s Natural Greenhouse Effect
 Sun is the principal source of the heat and energy of the
earth.
 Once the sunlight tries to reach the earth, 30% of it is
reflected in to the space. The land, ocean and the rest of the
atmosphere absorbs the remaining 70%.
 The absence of the greenhouse effect may lead to a very
cold earth.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the
greenhouse gases include the following:
 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) – primarily emitted by burning
fossil fuels.
 Methane (CH4) – emissions are from livestock, agricultural
practices and the decay of organic waste. Production and
transport of fossil fuels also release methane.
 Nitrous Oxide (N2O) – agricultural and industrial
activities and combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste are
the primary source of nitrous oxide.
 Fluorinated Gases – also known as High Global
Warming Potential (GWP) gases; synthetic powerful
greenhouse gases from the emissions of industrial
processes. It includes Hydrofluorocarbons,
Perfluorocarbons, Sulfur Hexafluoride and Nitrogen
Trifluoride.
Sources of Greenhouse Gases
 Electricity production
 Transportation
 Industry
 Commercial and Residential
 Agriculture
 Land use and Forestry
Global Warming is changing the Earth
 More frequent hot days and fewer cold days.
 More intense heat waves
 Worsening storms, floods and droughts
 Intensified Hurricanes
 Warmer ocean surface temperatures
 Rising sea levels
 More Frequent coastal flooding
 Island nations may disappear
 Accelerated melting of ice sheets and glaciers
 Changes in the growing season of plants.
 Disruption of normal ecosystem
 Loss of animal habitat
 Possible extinction of animals
Projected Health Impacts of Climate Change
 Increase malnutrition and consequent disorders.
 Increase in the number of people dying and suffering from
disease and injury due to hear waves. Etc.
 Continue to change the range of some infectious disease
vectors.
 Have mixed effects on malaria.
 Increase the burden of diarrheal diseases.
 Increase cardio-respiratory morbidity and mortality
associated with ground level zone.
Carbon Footprint Computation
 Carbon Footprint Computation – one way to determine
a person’s environmental impact.
 Carbon Footprint Computation – usually expressed in
equivalent tons of Carbon Dioxide.
 Carbon Footprint Computation – calculates the sum of
all produced carbon induced by a person’s energy
consumption use.
 Carbon footprint Calculator – to calculate individual
carbon contributions.
Ways to Reduce Global Warming and Climate Change
 Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
 Use less heat and air conditioning
 Drive less and drive smart
 Buy energy efficient products
 Grow your own foods in your backyard
 Plant trees in your back yard.
 Replace incandescent lights to fluorescents light bulbs
 Use hybrid or electric cars.
 Encourage others to conserve
 Support the government projects geared toward
environmental preservations.
Energy Crisis
 Energy sources such as crude oil, natural gas, coal and
nuclear energy are classifies as non-renewable because
they do not form or replenish in a short period of time.
 Non-renewable energy sources are extracted from the
ground in the form of liquids, gases, and solids.
 Liquid petroleum products – such as gasoline and diesel
fuel are made out of crude oil.
 Butane, ethane and propane are taken from both natural gas
and crude oil.
 Solar, Geothermal, Hydropower, Wind, Biomass and Bio-
Fuels are Renewable energy sources that replenish
naturally in a short period of time.
 Biomass includes wood and wood waste, landfill gas,
Biogas, Ethanol and biodiesel.
Causes of the Energy Crisis
 Overconsumption – result of too much use of fossil fuels.
 Overpopulation – human population steady increase leads
to more demands to energy resources.
 Poor Infrastructure – continued use of outdated
equipment’s
 Unexplored renewable energy options – ignorance of
other renewable energy sources.
 Delay in Commissioning of power plants – the big
difference between the energy demands and supply of some
countries.
  Wasted of Energy – energy wasting habits at home such  Littering and Landfills
as leaving the lights on or leaving electronic gadgets  Ozone layer depletion
plugged.  Mining
 Poor distribution system – if the energy from the plants  Natural Resources depletion
has poor distribution system, tripping and breakdowns will  Natural disasters
be more frequent.
 Nuclear issues
 Major accidents and natural calamities
 Habitat loss
 Wars and attacks
 Acid rain
 Miscellaneous factors – factors include political events,
 Agricultural Pollution
strikes, tax hikes, severe weather changes.
 Light and noise pollution
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion: Alternative Energy  Urban Sprawl
Sources  Medical waste

 Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion – One of the latest

technologies nowadays that can secure the earth’s energy.
 Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion – process that can
generate electricity by using the heat energy stored in the
Earth’s oceans.
 Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion – this is an energy
technology invented by Georges Claude in the 1920s
 The first OTEC plant was built in Cuba.

Types of OTEC systems

 Closed-cycle or Anderson OTEC cycle

- A fluid with low boiling point like the ammonia is used
to power up a turbine in order to generate electricity.
- The heat exchanger pumps the warm surface seawater,
where the ammonia is vaporized.
- Then turns the turbo generator.
- The second heat generator now pumps the cold deep
seawater then condenses the vapor back into a liquid.
 Open – cycle or Claude OTEC cycle
- The warm seawater is placed in a low pressure
container to boil.
- The steam produced powers the turbine attached to an
electrical generator.
- The steam produced is salt free, almost pure and fresh
water.
- Once exposed to cold temperatures from deep ocean
water, the steam will be condensed back into liquid.
 Hybrid system – OTEC system combines the features of
both Closed. And Open cycle.
 The OTEC power plants are of two different kinds. There
are floating power plants or sea-based and another is the
land-based. Both land and sea-based power plants work
almost the same.

Advantages and Disadvantage of OTEC Technology

 It produces clean, green renewable energy

 It produces no chemical pollution
 It does not involve burning fossil fuels which leads to
lessened greenhouse gas production
 It can provide potable water from ocean water.
 It can also produce fuels such as hydrogen that can be used
to power fuel cells in electric cars.
 This Technology can be used for aquaculture, refrigeration,
and air conditioning.

The disadvantages of depending energy resources from OTEC

Systems include the following:

 OTEC plants are only suitable in tropical areas.

 Electricity produced by OTEC power plants is costly.
 Construction of OTEC power plants requires great amount
of investment.
 Construction of power plants may damage coral reefs and
other marine ecosystems.
 OTEC system may result to political concerns.

Environmental Awareness

 Air Pollution
 Water Pollution
 Soil and land Pollution
 Climate Change
 Global Warming
 Deforestation
 Increased carbon footprint
 Genetic modification
 Effect on marine life
 Public health issues
 Overpopulation
 Loss of Biodiversity