Biology and Physics Assignment: Universe, Body, and Environment

This Biology and Physics assignment delves into the Big Bang theory and solar system formation, explaining the universe's origin and expansion based on Hubble's Law. It analyzes evidence of the universe's changing nature, discussing the strengths and weaknesses of the supporting evidence. Furthermore, the assignment explores the human body's temperature and glucose level control mechanisms through flowcharts. Finally, it examines environmental pollution, discussing recycling, reusing, and reforestation as methods for pollution control, including their advantages and disadvantages. The assignment provides a comprehensive overview of these interconnected scientific concepts.

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Task One
Big bang theory and solar system formation
The term “universe” has been used to collectively refer to space, matter, time and energy.
Actually, it refers to everything that is known to a human being. Everything from the tiniest
particle to the clusters of galaxies that are sometimes called super-clusters is held together by the
universe. The Big Bang theory states that the universe was actually formed several million years
ago. According to this theory, the universe formed as a result of the giant explosion of hot and
very dense matter. This particular matter expanded and started to cool down by going down
through several transitional phases. It suggests that the earth has been expanding ever since1.
The idea or the theory of the big bang was first suggested by a scientist called Friedrich Franz
Friedman who was an astrophysicist. He was the first person to come up with the relevant
equation to prove the continuous expansion of the universe. This theory was later proved by the
observations by Edwin Hubble who discovered the concept of shifting red galaxies measured the
distance between the earth and these variable stars that she referred to as Cepheids. The theory of
the redshifts has now come to be known as the Hubble's Law.
According to the theory of the big bang, the solar system was formed from the clouds of the
space gas and dust that was actually compressed and squeezed by an explosion of a supernova.
As nebula underwent contraction, it increasingly spun rapidly resulting in the frequent collision
between grains of the dust. The gravity was responsible for pulling the dust and gas tougher
leading to the formation of the solar nebula. The solar nebula became hotter and denser leading
to the formation of the disc of dust and gas at its Centre. The particles of nebula dust started to
1 Batáry, P., Dicks, L.V., Kleijn, D. and Sutherland, W.J., 2015. The role of agri‐environment schemes in conservation and
environmental management. Conservation Biology, 29(4), pp.1006-1016.

stick together leading to the formation of clumps. These clumps eventually formed planets and
their satellites. The center of the nebula that remained hot eventually formed the star called the
sun. There are various particles of planetary left over which resulted from the initial explosion
that can still be seen flying around the space. The particles are commonly referred to as the
meteorites
The big bang theory, however, has weaknesses and one of them is as explained below:
The cosmic radiation that is used to support the theory of the big bang mainly comes from
widely different or separate parts of the sky. The points or the regions are naturally too far for
them to interact with each other even if it is assumed that their signals are traveling at the speed
of light. This is commonly referred to as the horizon problem.
Task Two
Evidence that the Universe is changing
Introduction
The expansion of the universe is considered to be very fundamental to the cosmology of the big
bang. In case there is no expansion process then the theory of the big bang will not be valid. It's
the expansion that became the basis of the big bang theory.
Hubble Law Evidence
By having a projection of cosmological expansion in background radiation whose time is known,
there is an assertion that one would eventually come to the hypothetically proven time when all
the points will be the same. Considering that all these points are all present, it follows logically

that no time or space existed before this particular moment. It is basically singularity2. At the end
of the year the 1920s, a scientist by the name Edwin Hubble made one of the significant
discoveries. In his research work, he discovered that there is a proportionality between the
number of spectral lines in the light that originates from relatively nearby galaxies that are
normally redshifted. This has been denoted as (z). Their distances from the earth were marked as
(r). He established a relationship between these two parameters which later came to be known as
Hubble Law c z = H0 r, In this equation, c is the speed of light while H0 is the commonly known
Hubble’s constant of proportionality. This law has since extended to greater redshifts in the
cosmos by the use of redshift-distance relationship.
The interpretation of the redshifts has been done by the use of velocity recession
concept.According to this concept, the galaxies are continuously moving in space. The recession
implies that the universe is expanding. The best and the surest evidence for the expansion of the
universe is for one to just take a simple look at numerous galaxies that are ta successive redshifts
including at z = 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, etc. Considering that the redshifts are normally meant to represent
different past epochs or time steps, the variation in the density if the numbers of galaxies
indicates an evidence of expansion that has been taking place over time and which would be
redshift is a universe that is expanding3.
The strength of this evidence
The theory uses the equation to substantiate the argument which is later proven to be right.
Weaknesses of this evidence
2 Bennett, N.J., 2016. Using perceptions as evidence to improve conservation and environmental management. Conservation
Biology, 30(3), pp.582-592.
3 Clayton, S., Litchfield, C. and Geller, E.S., 2013. Psychological science, conservation, and environmental sustainability. Frontiers in
Ecology and the Environment, 11(7), pp.377-382.

The major difficulty is the reconciliation of the observation that the earth is expanding.
According to the law of Hubble, the universe is expanding away from us yet we are not located
at the center of the universe. How could this be possible? Actually, there is no Centre. Questions
will always raise that if expansion exists then where the center is.
Observational evidence
Through counting the number of the galaxies at every redshift, it will be observed that the
density of the galaxies tend to reduce as the universe undergo expansion. This basically implies
that one would expect to see a systematic trend of; lowering the density or the concentration of
the galaxies at redshifts that are low. Starting with redshifts that are higher to redshifts that are
low in the universe, expansion actually implies moving from earlier time or period to a more
recent date.
Weaknesses
The cosmological principle assumes that the universe looks the same in all directions which are
not true
Conclusion
Despite the fact that Hubble died while he was still doubtful of some of the aspect of his theory
or discovery, there have been subsequent studies that have proven its relevance4
Task 3
4 Ramaraju, B., Imae, T. and Destaye, A.G., 2015. Ag nanoparticle-immobilized cellulose nanofibril films for
environmental conservation. Applied Catalysis A: General, 492, pp.184-189.

Part 1: Temperature control mechanism by the body
Figure 1: Flow chart of temperature control mechanisms5

Part 2: Glucose level control
Figure 2: Glucose regulation flow chart5
Task 4
Introduction
Pollution refers to the introduction of harmful substances into the environment either knowingly
or unknowingly. Some of these substances are toxic and can alter the abiotic factors of the
environment. Several factors are normally put in place to control the pollution5.
Recycling
5 Sullivan, S., 2013. Banking nature? The spectacular financialization of environmental
conservation. Antipode, 45(1), pp.198-217.

Recycling refers to the conversion of waste materials into new objects and materials. It is usually
treated as the option for the waste management that not only save on the material but also lower
the emissions of the greenhouse gases. This process usually targets those components that can be
re-processed.
Most of the materials used in daily operations include plastics that are non-biodegradable. When
these components are allowed to accumulate, they turn into ugly landfills. In order to avoid these
effects of accumulation and subsequent pollution of the environment, they can be taken to the
factories for recycled. Recycling is common in the case of plastic bags. Plastic containers can be
reused for other purposes like being used as water carrying containers instead of disposing them
of.
Advantages
 The processes of recycling minimize pollution. It is important to note that the majority of
the industrial wastes originate from the industries. When such wastes such as plastics,
chemicals can help in cutting back the ever-rising pollution levels.
 Recycling helps in the protection of the environment. This is possibly realized when the
process like the deforestation is avoided completely by eliminating pressure on the forest
protected. The environment is therefore conserved into the original state. It minimizes
chances of global warming especially when the release of the greenhouse gases like the
carbon dioxide gases are controlled.
Disadvantages
 Goods produced by recycling processes are not as effective as the original products. The
process of recycling is never cost effective. This is because the steps involve including

the waste collection, transportation and establishment of the recycling unit are some of
the very expensive undertakings.
 The repeated process of the material usually interferes with the integrity of the material.
The products that have been obtained from the same process are not durable at all. They
cannot effectively compete with the original components effectively in the market.
 Although the key objective of the recycling is to reduce pollution, this process has not
spread wider to make it have a proper impact. This is because of the strict regulation as
demanded by the process
Reusing
The term reusing as used in the health and safety of the environment means waste prevention by
the use of a resource or an object again for either different purpose or the same purpose but
without making changes to the structure of the object in a way that is considered significant. It is
only on this basis that it can be differentiated from the process of recycling.
Advantages of reusing
 The reusing process helps in saving money that would otherwise be used in the
acquisition of the new product. Also, the money that would otherwise be used in the
recycling is saved.
 Reuse of the materials especially the plastic bottles helps in the reduces the landfill
products. This assist in the elimination of the ugly scene at the specific points. When
plastic bags are left to accumulate, they acct as the hiding places for the rodents and other
destructive creatures,

 Reuse helps in saving on raw materials since the processes of the extraction are greatly
reduced.
 It helps in the saving of the energy that would otherwise be used in recycling.
Disadvantages
 Although little energy is normally required for this particular process, maintenance is
compulsory. This is because the components that are being reused continues to undergo
aging.
 The reuse code terms that are usually recommended take long to have them implemented.
These codes must be followed in order to ensure that the safety standard is maintained
 Some of the processes of the reuse require that they are subjected to the reinforcement of
the tool support. Some of the materials that are used in the provision of the reinforcement
may lead to the contamination,
 There is usually a syndrome of not invented here that affects their usability.
Reforestation
Reforestation refers to the planting of the trees in the places that had faced destruction before.
One of the major causes of pollution is carbon emission from industrial plants. The research
work has indicated that the natural means of solving the issue is by the use of natural sinks. Trees
are considered to be one of the natural sinks of carbon.
Advantages

 The process is natural and can be used to promote agriculture or agroforestry as an
economic activity in the areas where crop growing is prominent.
 Soil erosion which is responsible for the pollution of the water bodies can be controlled
effectively by planting trees at the river banks. The silting effects on the river banks are
prevented.
 In order to increase the quality of the fibrous roots that are capable of holding the soil
particles together, breeding programs can be incorporated. This will go alongside having
improved vegetative properties of the crops or the plants hence becoming potential
carbon sinks.
Disadvantages
 Trees take longer to mature and start controlling pollution. In case the process of
reforestation is not properly managed can lead to biodiversity reduction in the locality.
This is because it is responsible for the modification of the biomass.
 The process facilitates the introduction of invasive species which are non-native and
potentially incompatible with the indigenous species.
 Reduction of the flow of the steam for the case of the invasive as well as affecting the
revenue that is generated from agriculture. The native grassland may not host the same
animals if it is converted into the forest.
Replacement planting
Replacement planting just as the name suggests refer to the substitution of the indigenous plant
species with the exotic.In simple terms, it refers to the removal of the plant that has been

originally in the area and introducing a different one with the characters that is considered
desirable.
Advantages
 It can change the ecosystem composition of the area under the study. This may lead to the
interaction of the beautiful scenes. When grass is used to replace shrubs, the effects like
the soil erosion can be used in the control of the soil erosion especially rill erosion.
 The economic value of land can be improved when the plants that are introduced are
those with advanced economic advantages.
 Replacement leads to improved or increased agricultural production. Replacement of
poor and scanty grass with nappier grass will increase the quality of the dairy products.
Disadvantages
 There is a possibility of environmental degradation in case the newly introduced plants
fail to catch up.
 Removal of the indigenous plants disrupts the ecosystem and leads to the migration of the
certain species of plants and animals
 It is normally an expensive e undertaking especially when it is to be conducted on a large
scale basis.
 There is a possible loss of the biodiversity when certain species that are not compatible
with the environment fail to work
Breeding Programme

Programmed breeding refers to the planned breeding of a group of plants and animals which
actually involves several individuals and then extends to other generations. There are several
methods of breeding some of which are artificial while others natural. This program is normally
used in cases where one would wish to change the desirable characterizes of the plans and
animals.
Advantages
 It leads to the increased production of agricultural products.In animals like cows, the
animal that has a good quality of milk production can be bred selectively with the one
that has very little milk production characteristics.
 It assists in the elimination and control of the disease both in plants and animals. This is
normally made possible for cases where the species that are known to be resistant to
disease are selectively bred with those perceived to be weak
 This kind of technology can lead to the production of a superior breed with very unique
and desirable characteristics.
Disadvantages
 Considering that the characteristics of the organisms are improved by regulation of the
cell division. Some of the chemicals that are used in the process are responsible for the
uncontrolled cell division also called mutation. These mutations results do not offer any
benefits.
 There is a possibility of the gene from the sample of the genetic pool. This happens
considering that the selection of the plant and animals are done based on the extreme
characteristic that is considered to be dominant.

 The loss of certain types of genes may lead to the loss of resistance to disease by the
plants and animals hence possible loss through death.
Task 5
Visitor’s worksheet
Indicators Type(living /Non-
living)
Tick where
appropriate
The example in the
area
Explanation of the
type of pollution
caused.
Lichen [L ] [N]
Algae [L ] [N]
Spider webs [L ] [N]
Moss [L ] [N]
Herbs and grasses [L ] [N]
Tulsi [L ] [N]
Pine tree barks [L ] [N]
Coliforms [L ] [N]
Colour of water [L ] [N]
Odor [L ] [N]
Completed Answer work Sheets
Indicators Type(living /Non-
living)
Tick where
appropriate
The example in the
area
Explanation of the
type of pollution
caused.
Lichen [L ] Presence of Lichen in
the environment
The massive growth
of Lichen is a
reflection of the
penetration of
chemicals likes
nitrates and other
pollutants in the soil
and air
Algae [L ] Presence of blooming
algae
This is a reflection of
the change in the
physiological

characteristic of the
soil. Introduction of
chemicals like sulfates
that are pollutants.
Spider webs [N] Presence of dust and
carbon particles on
the webs
The Presence of dust
and carbon particles
on the webs is an
indication of air
pollution in the area.
Moss [L] The decline in
population /absence of
moss
An indication of the
increasing levels of air
pollution especially
acidity.
Herbs and grasses [L ] The absence of
kikuyugrass
Presence of heavy
metals like zinc in the
soil of the area.
Tulsi [L ] Presence of Tulsi in
the area
An indication of the
introduction of
nitrogen and sulfur as
the main pollutants in
the air6
Pine tree barks [L ] Cracking barks An indication of the
presence of heavy
metals like lead in the
environment.
Coliforms [N] Bacteria presence It has been used in the
determination of the
level of contamination
of the fecal matter in
the soil.
Colour of water [N] Turbid An indication of the
soil erosion and other
decaying organic
matter7
Odor [N] The bad smell
emanating from a
specific area
An indication of dead
decaying matter that is
polluting soil and
water
6 Thomsen, P.F. and Willerslev, E., 2015. Environmental DNA–An emerging tool in conservation for monitoring past and present
biodiversity. Biological Conservation, 183, pp.4-18.
7 Wunder, S., 2013. When payments for environmental services will work for conservation. Conservation Letters, 6(4), pp.230-237.

References
Batáry, P., Dicks, L.V., Kleijn, D. and Sutherland, W.J., 2015. The role of agri‐environment
schemes in conservation and environmental management. Conservation Biology, 29(4), pp.1006-
1016.
Bennett, N.J., 2016. Using perceptions as evidence to improve conservation and environmental
management. Conservation Biology, 30(3), pp.582-592.
Clayton, S., Litchfield, C. and Geller, E.S., 2013. Psychological science, conservation, and
environmental sustainability. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 11(7), pp.377-382.
Ramaraju, B., Imae, T. and Destaye, A.G., 2015. Ag nanoparticle-immobilized cellulose
nanofibril films for environmental conservation. Applied Catalysis A: General, 492, pp.184-189.
Sullivan, S., 2013. Banking nature? The spectacular financialization of environmental
conservation. Antipode, 45(1), pp.198-217.

Thomsen, P.F. and Willerslev, E., 2015. Environmental DNA–An emerging tool in conservation
for monitoring past and present biodiversity. Biological Conservation, 183, pp.4-18.
Wunder, S., 2013. When payments for environmental services will work for
conservation. Conservation Letters, 6(4), pp.230-237.