Author Question: How are radioactive wastes produced, and what are the associated hazards? What will be an ideal ... (Read 74 times)

debasdf · **on:** Jul 15, 2018

How are radioactive wastes produced, and what are the associated hazards?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Distinguish between intraspecific and interspecific competition. How do they affect species as a form of environmental resistance?

What will be an ideal response?

14vl19 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 15, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Radioactive emissions are the direct products of fission; they are generally unstable isotopes of their respective elements. The unstable isotopes become stable by ejecting subatomic particles (alpha particles, beta particles, and neutrons), or high-energy radiation (gamma rays), or both.
Exposure to radiation increases the risk of cancer. Low doses of radiation may damage DNA. Some people argue that there are doses of radiation below which there would be no adverse effect because of the DNA repair mechanisms that exist. Others argue that no safe level of exposure exists. High doses of radiation can block cell division, resulting in death.

Answer to Question 2

Interspecific competition is competition between species, while intraspecific competition is competition within a species. Interspecific competition occurs when ecological niches overlap. Intraspecific competition occurs because members of the same species are competing for the same resources. Intraspecific and interspecific competition are forms of environmental resistance that limit a population size because these types of competition result from density-dependent biotic and abiotic factors that are necessary for survival.