Podcast
Questions and Answers
What percentage of South Africa's water is used by homes?
Mines and industry are the largest users of water in South Africa, using 62% of the total.
False
What is the primary use of water by farmers in South Africa?
Irrigation
The largest percentage of water usage in South Africa is attributed to __________.
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Match the following water usage categories with their descriptions:
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Which of the following is NOT a use of soil?
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Aeroplane engines do not need air to function.
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What is one way people use rocks?
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Water is essential for _____ to drink and for washing.
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What is meant by the term 'abuse of resources'?
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The amount of people on Earth is less than 5 billion.
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Match each resource with its primary use:
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What visible signs of pollution are noted in Figure 4.11?
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A landscape with significant erosion and a struggling single tree indicates _____ abuse of resources.
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Match the following environmental issues with their descriptions:
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What is one key disadvantage of building more dams?
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Dams are only used for storing water and do not serve any other purpose.
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By what year does South Africa require double its present water needs?
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Water needs to be cleaned so that it is safe to _______.
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Match the following functions of dams with their descriptions:
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What is a river catchment?
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Human activities within a catchment area have no impact on river water quality.
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Name one way that human activity can damage a river catchment area.
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Removing __________ from a river catchment can negatively impact river health.
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Match the human activity with its impact on river catchments:
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What organization was established to rehabilitate damaged wetlands?
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Seekoeivlei Nature Reserve is located in the eastern part of South Africa.
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What is the main type of wetland found in Seekoeivlei Nature Reserve?
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By 2009, over _____ wetlands had been restored across the provinces by the Working for Wetlands organization.
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Match the following aspects of Seekoeivlei Nature Reserve with their descriptions:
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What percentage of South Africa's households have access to potable water?
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South Africa receives an average yearly rainfall of 860 mm.
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What is the primary challenge concerning water availability in South Africa?
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In South Africa, 21% of the country receives less than ______ mm of rain annually.
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Match the following percentages with their corresponding water-related facts:
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What is a key protein source provided by animals?
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Animal products are low in protein and not important for tissue maintenance.
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Name one way people use forests.
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Animals help people with various tasks, such as pulling __________ on farms.
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Match the following animal products with their uses:
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Which of the following is NOT an alternative to building more dams?
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Repairing existing water supply systems can help increase water availability.
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Name one method that can increase water availability without building more dams.
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What is one of the main reasons wetlands are considered vital in river catchments?
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The Lesotho Highlands Water Project supplies __________ in South Africa with water.
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The destruction of wetlands in South Africa is primarily due to natural disasters.
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Match the following methods with their benefits for water availability:
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Name one way in which wetlands help in flood prevention.
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50% of South Africa's wetlands have been destroyed due to __________ and urban development.
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Match the following ways wetlands are damaged with their descriptions:
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Study Notes
Ways People Use Natural Resources
- Rocks: Mining, heat and electricity generation, chemical production
- Soil: Agriculture (food and forests), raising animals
- Air: Transportation, waste disposal, powering machines
- Water: Agriculture, drinking, washing, sewage removal, mining and industrial processes, fish habitat
Importance of Dams and Water Cleaning and Distributing Systems
- Dams store water for settlements, farms, and industry
- Dams regulate river flow
- Water can be transferred between dams
- Dams generate electricity
Building Dams
- South Africa's water demand is projected to double by 2030
- Building more dams is considered a solution to meet future water needs
- Disadvantages of dam construction include high cost and potential impact on land and rivers
Water Usage in South Africa
- Less than 1% of Earth's water is freshwater
- Water use sectors:
- Farmers: 8% (irrigation, animal care)
- Homes: 3% (washing, cleaning, sewage disposal)
- Mines and industry: 27% (mineral extraction)
- Forests: 62% (tree growth)
Abuse of Resources
- Overuse or harmful usage of natural resources is considered resource abuse
River Catchment Damage
- River catchment encompasses the area drained by a main river and its tributaries
- Human activities within a catchment can impact water quality
- Removing vegetation, deforestation, and pollution can negatively affect river health
Seekoeivlei Nature Reserve
- Wetlands are vital for filtering and cleaning water
- Seekoeivlei Nature Reserve is a case study of wetland rehabilitation in South Africa
- The reserve has been restored from damaged farmland to a thriving ecosystem
Alternatives to Building More Dams
- Efficient water usage and waste reduction
- Wastewater recycling
- Improved irrigation methods
- Repairing water supply systems
- Storing water underground
River Health Programme (RHP)
- Aims to protect and restore river ecosystems
- Focuses on addressing human impacts on river catchments
Disappearing Wetlands and Conservation
- 50% of South Africa's wetlands have been destroyed
- Causes of Wetland Damage: drainage for farming, urban development, vegetation removal, alien plant invasion, pollution
- Conservation of wetlands is crucial for biodiversity and river health
South Africa's Water Scarcity
- South Africa is water-scarce, with uneven rainfall distribution and increasing population
- Dams and water distribution systems are crucial for water supply
- Water demand is expected to double by 2030
Animals and Marine Life
- Animals are a vital resource for food, protein, and other uses
- Animals contribute to various tasks in agriculture and other industries
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Description
Explore the various ways people utilize natural resources such as rocks, soil, air, and water. This quiz also covers the significance of dams, the challenges of water management, and the projected water demand in South Africa. Test your knowledge on sustainable practices and resource management.