Secondary School Biology short Notes and Exercises for

Grade 10

Amhara Regional State Education Bureau

Curriculum Development and Implementation Directorate

Augest 2020
Bahir Dar

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 The endocrine system
Endocrine system is a system that consists of number of glands that discharge chemicals called
Hormones into the blood circulation. Glands are structures that produce hormones and other
useful substances. Endocrine glands are ductless glands. Exocrine glands are with duct. The
endocrine system consists glands such as – Thyroid, Parathyroid, Adrenal, pancreas, Gonads,
Pituitary

The Endocrine system

Thyroid gland:-Located on the neck region, Produced thyroxin hormone which contains iodine.
Thyroxin hormone involved in regulation of – metabolic rate of the body , Development of the
brain (growth)
Adrenal gland:-Located at the top of each kidney. Produced adrenalin hormone ( also called a
fight-flight hormone). The hormone works in preparing the body for –stressed, angry, excite
situation.
Pancreas:-A small organ located below the stomach. It consists of group of endocrine tissue
called islets of Langerhans which is responsible for secreting two hormones known as –insulin &
Glucagon. Insulin and glucagon are responsible for regulation of blood sugar level.

Pituitary:-Is a pea size gland located at the base of the brain. Controlling the activity of other
endocrine glands. The hormone that are produced by pituitary are –thyroid stimulating hormone
(TSH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), anti duratic hormone (ADH ) , growth hormone

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 The Gonads:-Gonads are glands produced sex hormone. The male gonad is testis and the female
gonad is ovary.When the boys and girls reach at the age of puberty the F.S.H stimulate the testis
and ovaries to produce male and female hormone. Testosterone is male hormone. Oestrogen is
female hormone. These two hormones promote the development of the secondary sexual
characteristics of males and females.
Secondary sexual characteristics of Male and Females are listed on the table below
Males secondary sexual characterstics Female secondary sexual characterstics
Deepening of voice development of breast
Enlargement of penis widening of hips
Production of sperm development of height
Pubic hairs, body hairs begins to Grow armpits maturation of egg and menstruation begin

Note:-The menstrual cycle is a sequence of events that take place approximately every four
weeks.

The female reproductive structure

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 The male reproductive structure
Contraception:-Contraception is the method of avoiding pregnancy. The major contraceptive
methods are
 Natural method e.g.-breast feeding
- Calendar
 Physical/ barrier method e.g. Condom, diaphragm
 Hormonal method e.g.- Mixed pills
- implant
- Injection
 Intrauterine device e.g. loop
 Sterilization eg. -Vasectomy
- Tubectomy

Review Question
1. Name the hormone secreted by the thyroid gland?
2. The endocrine gland which secret adrenalin is?
3. The hormone that lowers blood glucose level is?
4. Why pituitary gland is a master gland?
5. Define menstruation.
6. The male gonad is called________?

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7. List the two hormone secreted by pancreas?
8. Which of the following hormones stimulate liver to remove excess glucose?
A. Glucose B. glucagon C. Insulin D.FSH
9. Which of the following is the result of iodine deficiency?
A. Anemia B. Goiter C. Diabetes D. All
10. Diabetes mellitus is the result of production?
A. A D H B. glucagon C. Aldosteron D. Insulin
11. One of the following is physical barrier?
A. Pills B. Breast feeding C. Condom D. Injection
12. Which of the following act as an exocrine gland and endocrine gland?
A. Thyroid B. Adrenal C. Pancreas D. Pituitary

Homeostasis
Homeostasis is the process of maintaining constant internal environment in order to keep the
body’s function normal and stable.
Temperature regulation:-It is one example of homeostasis. It is a very important factor for
various activities. For example the activity of our body’s enzyme is determined by our
body temperature.
Based on their temperature regulating mechanisms there are two types of animals:-
1. Poikilotherms (Ectoderms):- are organisms with variable body
temperature which is affected by environmental temperature.
Ex. Fish, Reptiles, Amphibians
2. Homoiotherms (endothermic):-are organisms which have constant body
temperature which is not affected by environmental temperature.
Ex. Birds and mammals
Homoeothermic animals regulate their body temperature through the following methods :-
Physiological Example:- Vasodilatation, sweating ,Behavioral :- Example Hibernation and
clothing and Morphological.
Temperature regulation in when they are:- poikilotherms In colder condition and In too hot
condition are shown table below.

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poikilotherms In colder condition In hot condition
Basking in the sun Move in to shade
Press their bodies close to be warm surface Move in to water or mud
Erect special sails

Review Question
13. Define homeostasis?
14. Define poikilotherms?
15. Define Homoiotherms?
16. Name five physiological methods of temperature regulation ?
17. Write two examples of poikilothermic animals?
18. Write two animals of homoeothermic?

Match the following from B to A

A B
19. Poikilotherm Animal A. Birds & Animals
20. Homoiotherm Animal B. Hibernation
21. Behavioral method C. Vasodilatation
22. Physiological method D, Fish, Reptiles, Amphibians

Homeostasis & the kidney

Excretion: - is the process of getting rid of metabolic wastes from the body. Excretory organs:
are organs which involved in getting rid of metabolic wastes. The major excretory organs: - are
lungs, skin & kidney. Osmoregulation: - is the process of regulating the water & ionic balance of
the body = the amount of daily water gained & lost must be in balance.
The kidney:-The kidneys are blood filtering organ which removes excess water.
Longitudinal sections of the kidney

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Each kidney consists of millions of nephrons in which blood filtration & reabsorption take
place. Nephrons are functional unit of the kidney. Bow mans capsule is cup shaped structure.
Glomerulus are cluster of tiny capillaries in the cup of bow mans capsule. First convoluted
tubule: - consists glomerular filtrate.Second convoluted tubule: - main water balance is
done.Loop of Henle: - urine is concentrated.Collecting duct: - urine is collected is uretra

Q. Label the longitudinal section of the kidney shown on the above diagram.
Answer
1. cortex – the outer part of the kidney.
2. Medulla – the inner part of the kidney.
3. Pelvis
4. ureter – the tube that carries the urine from kidney to the bladder.

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5. Renal vein: - carries deoxygenated blood away from the kidney.
6. Renal artery: - supplies oxygenated blood to the kidney.

Match the following kidney structures

A B
23. Nephrons A. Consist glomerular filtration
24. Bow mans capsule B. Main water balance is done
25. Glomerulus C. Functional unit of the kidney
26. First convoluted tubule D. Urine is concentrated
27. Second convoluted tubule E. Urine is collected
28. Loop of Henle F. Cup shaped structure
29. Collecting duct G. Cluster of tiny capillaries in the cup of
Bow mans capsule

The liver & Homeostasis

Liver is the organ situated the abdomen beneath the diaphragm. It is very important organ that
play in maintaining the homeostatic stability of the body. The major function of the liver are: -
regulate blood sugar level: Balance cholesterol level, Determination ,Broken down worn out
r.b.c, Formation of bile, Detoxification, Temperature control

Review Question
30. Which of the following the function of the liver?
A. Excretion of excess salt B. Excretion of urea
C. Deamination D. Maintaining water balance

Food making & Growth in plants

The leaf
The four organs of a flowering plant and their functions are:
 Flowers - contain the reproductive organs.
 Leaves - use light energy, CO2 & H2O to make food by photosynthesis.
 Stem - provides support & a transport system for water & minerals to the leaves &
flowers. It also transports food from the leaves to the roots & flowers.
 Roots - anchor the plant to the ground & absorb water & minerals
The internal structure of a leaf:

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The roles of the internal structures of leaves?
 Waxy cuticle-- to prevent water loss
 Palisade mesophyll -- the main photosynthetic tissue
 Spongy mesophyll -- has fewer chloroplast but with lots of air spaces & a big surface
area for gas exchange and some photosynthesis takes place
 Lower epidermis with stomata and guard cells – control the opening and closing of
stomata
 Vascular bundles (xylem and phloem) tissue---transportation of minerals ,water and food
 Chloroplast – photosynthesis
Review Question
31. What is the function of the palisade mesophyll? It is used:
A. for gas exchange between leaves and the environment B. to make food by
photosynthesis C. for protection of water loss from the leaf surface D. for absorption of
water and minerals
Photosynthesis
The chemical equation for photosynthesis

The mechanism of photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplast; molecules absorb light through activation of their
electrons; chlorophyll are the main pigments used in photosynthesis; photosynthesis has light –
dependent and light – independent phases; production of ATP and reducing agents occur during
the light - dependent phase; and CO2 is reduced to glucose during the light – independent phase.
Q. Which one of the following are the requirements for photosynthesis?
A. light B. CO2 and H2O C. Chlorophyll D. all are required
The importance of light, carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O) and chlorophyll for photosynthesis.
Light - to split water molecules (H20) into hydrogen (2H+) and oxygen (O2) and produce
Adenosine triphosphate which are used in the light – independent process and O2 is given off as
a by - product. ATP) and H+ convert CO2 into glucose (C6H12O6).
12 H2O ------------ 24H+ + 6O2 ---- (light - dependent phase) in the grana (thylakoid
membrane).
24H+ + 6CO2 ---------C6H12O6 + 6H2O ---- (light - independent phase or dark reaction in the
stroma).

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Over all reaction 6H2O + 6C2O -------C6H12O6 + 6O2 –overall result
CO2:- A source of carbon for the plants to synthesise sugar. CO2 removed from the air
surrounding a leaf or a plant using potassium hydroxide (KOH) which absorbs CO2. H2O:- a
source of H+
Chlorophyll: - is the green pigment in plants that captures the energy from the sun for
photosynthesis.
The importance of photosynthesis in agriculture?
 The sun is tapped & converted into chemical energy (food).
 As the basis for the world’s food supply.
Much photosynthesis takes place in water bodies and people need to make use of this because:
 Two-thirds of the Earth’s surface is covered in water, & much of the world’s
photosynthesis goes on in the large bodies of water.
 Algae (phytoplankton) used as a future source of both human food & fuels to replace
fossil fuels.
Photosynthesis helps to balance the concentrations of O2 and carbon dioxide CO2 in the
atmosphere as:
Photosynthesis takes place in green plants and green algae in the presence of light. It uses CO2
and give out O2 that decreases atmospheric CO2 but increase atmospheric O2.
Cellular respiration which takes place in almost all organisms at all times has opposite process to
photosynthesis that uses O2 as a raw material but CO2 as a bi – product. This process increase
CO2 concentration but decreases O2 concentration in the atmosphere.
How deforestation lead to a CO2 build-up in the atmosphere and finally to global warming?
Removing photosynthetic organisms from the environment is interfering in photosynthesis of
utilizing CO2 and hence assisting CO2 build – up in the atmosphere which leads to global
warming.
Review Questions
32. Which one of the following are the requirements for photosynthesis?
A. light B. CO2 and H2O C. Chlorophyll D. all are required
33. What is the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis? To absorb:
A. oxygen gas B. carbon dioxide C. water molecule D. light energy
34. How does photosynthesis balance conservation of O2 and CO2? It:
A. releases O2 and absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere B. releases CO2 and absorbs O2
from the atmosphere
C. oxidizes and removes the CO2 from the atmosphere D. converts O2 to ozone and CO2 to
carbonic acid
35. The stomata open and close to allow:
A, carbon dioxide to diffuse into the leaf and oxygen and water vapour to diffuse out of it
B, oxygen to diffuse into the leaf and carbon dioxide and water vapour to diffuse out of it
C, water vapour to diffuse into the leaf and carbon dioxide and oxygen to diffuse out of it
D, carbon dioxide, oxygen and water vapour to diffuse into the leaf
36. Which of the following is not an adaptive advantage of a leaf having large surface area for
photosynthesis?
A, to capture light energy B, have more stomata for gas exchange
C, to prevent water lose from plants D, short distance for gas exchange
37. Water is split to provide hydrogen to make glucose and oxygen as a waste product during:

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 A. The light-dependent reaction of photosynthesis B. the light-independent reaction
of photosynthesis C. the trapping of light by chlorophyll D. none of the above
Transport
The mechanism of water movement in plants:
The main transport systems in plants are: - osmosis, diffusion and active transport.
Plants take up water through their roots from the soil by osmosis because the soil has a high
water potential (low concentration of minerals) than the root hair cells. Water moves into the
plant root cells across the cell membrane along a concentration gradient. The water moves on by
osmosis until it reaches the xylem & the transpiration stream. Root hairs increase the surface area
for osmosis to take place.
Transpiration stream
Water is taken into a plant through the roots & moves by osmosis to the long distance in the
xylem vessel as a result of transpiration stream without active transport. The lose (evaporation)
water from the surface of the leaves of plants through the stomata is called transpiration. They
opening and closing of the stomata controlled by guard cells.
Factors affecting the rate of transpiration:-transpiration is more rapid in hot, dry & windy
conditions. Transpiration is slow in still or humid conditions. Stomata in will close, most leaves
have a waxy, waterproof layer known as cuticle (thick & shiny), the stomata are on the underside
of the leaf, developed hairy leaves, reduced their leaves to narrow spikes to reduce the surface
area, the stomata are sunk into pits, leaves to be rolled in trapping a micro-environment of moist
air inside.
Transpiration and its implications for agriculture:
If crop plants do not get enough H2O, they will not transpire & they will wilt and fail. So need to
irrigate fields, choose crop plants which are more resistant to H2O loss by transpiration and grow
crops in sheltered places
The mechanism of uptake of mineral salts through roots
Transport in plants is a double transport system- xylem (a dead vessel) and phloem (a living
vessel).Mineral ions in the soil absorbed by plants by using active transport (use ATP) which is
against a concentration gradient through xylem vessel.
The movement of organic materials (translocation) in the phloem:
The phloem is made up of living tissue which is thin walled and is regularly replaced when they
are worn out. It is involved in the transport of organic materials – the nutrients made by
photosynthesis – from the leaves to the rest of the plant by active transport through the phloem
tissue to make new plant materials and stored in storage organs.
Factors affecting the rate of H2O movement (transpiration stream):
 The constant moving of H20 through the xylem from the roots to the leaves is known as
the transpiration stream (pull).
 Root pressure – the pressure created in the roots as a result of turgidity of the root cells
when water enter from the soil.
 Adhesive forces –the force of attraction between the water and the walls of the xylem.
 Cohesive forces – force of attraction between water molecules.
 Water capillarity – the ability of water to move up in narrow (fine) tubes.
The difference between the two transport systems in monocot and dicot plants:
 In monocot plant – xylem and phloem vessels are arranged in a scattered manner no ring
formation.

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  In dicot plants – xylem and phloem tissues are arranged in a ring. Xylem vessels found
inner to phloem vessel Phloem vessels arranged underneath the bark this makes young
trees in particular vulnerable to damage by animals because, if a complete ring of bark is
nibbled, transport in the phloem comes to a complete halt & the tree will die.
Review Questions
38. What is the importance of turgor pressure for plants? It:
A. keep plant parts rigid and firm B. helps roots to lose excess minerals
C. makes plant cells to plasmolyse D. unchanged
39. Water uptake by roots is facilitated by:
A. active transport of H2O molecules B. high concentration of water in the
roots
C. high surface area of the root hairs D. the large vacuoles in the roots and
leaves
40. How do plants absorb mineral ions?
A. by the action of enzymes as carriers B. by using energy from the plant
C. without using the action of enzymes D. without using energy from the plant
41. Which of the following transport process takes place in the phloem? The movement of:
A. minerals from the roots to the leaves B. water from soil to the roots
C. organic materials from the leaves to other parts D. CO2 from the air to the palisade
mesophyll
42. What will happen to the onion epidermal cells if we put them in distilled water for
30minutes?
A. unchanged B. plasmolysed C. burst D. turgid

Response in plants
All living organisms respond to their surroundings - to find food, move towards the light or
avoid danger. To take in information about the surroundings & then react in the right way is
known as co-ordination. Plants achieve their co-ordination & responsiveness through a system of
plant hormones (phytohormones) which is chemical messengers. Plant hormones co-ordinate
growth responses such as flowering, cell division & cell elongation. In most flowering plants,
growth starts when the seed begins to germinate.
Germination: - the process by which a seed changes in to a young plant (seedling).
The requirements of germination
 Air (O2), moisture (H2O) and warmth (moderate temperature).
 As the seed absorbs H2O, the large insoluble food molecules such as starch, lipids,
proteins broken down (hydrolysed) into soluble food by enzymes.
 Starch --- diastase --- sugars.
 Lipids ---lipase-----fatty acids and glycerol
 Protein --- Proteolytic enzymes----amino acids
The basic structures of a seed:
 Endosperm - food storage tissue.
 Embryo – developed in to seeds and made up of 3 main parts:
 Plumule - embryonic shoot.
 Radicle - embryonic root.
 Cotyledons - embryonic leaves.
 Testa (seed coat) – outer protective cover of the seed.

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  Micropyle – tiny hole through which O2 and H2O enters the seed.
Comparison of monocotyledons (one seed leaf) & dicotyledons (two seed leaves) plants:
monocotyledons dicotyledons
Has one cotyledon (seed leaf) Has two cotyledons (seed leaves)
Endosperm – main food store Cotyledon - main food store
Small embryo Large embryo
Eg. Maize grain Eg. Bean seed
Comparison of the processes of germination in dicots and monocots:
Monocotyledons (maize grain) Dicotyledons (bean seedling)
Cotyledons remain underground and is Hypocotyl (curved portion) straightens and
called hypogeal germination carries the cotyledons and the plumule
above the soil called epigeal germination
Eg. Wheat, sorghum, millet, (kidney Eg. Castor oil seeds, groundnuts, cotton,
beans & broad beans - dicots). bambara nuts. (onions & lilies - monocots).

The plant hormones and their functions.

Plant Functions
hormones
Auxins (indole- Regulate plant growth, involved in apical dominance & the growth of roots.
acetic acid,
IAA)
Gibberellic acid growth of plant stems, help seeds to break their dormancy, regulate growth of
lateral bran
Cytokinin Stimulate cell division, The balance b/n auxins & cytokinins in a tissue
culture decide whether roots or shoots will grow.
Ethylene causes fruit to ripen.
Abscisic acid Inhibit growth, involved in seed dormancy.
The mechanism of action of auxins.
 IAA is made at the tip of the main shoot & as it moves down the stem it slows down
the growth of side shoots. So the main shoot dominates the whole plant. .
The effect of removing apical dominance on plant growth.
 The side shoots grow quickly once we remove the apical dominance,
 If auxin is applied to a cut stem it will stimulate new roots to grow
How sunlight influences plant growth:.
 Plants need light for photosynthesis & grow towards the light.
 Seedlings respond vigorously to light and if it only comes from one side (unilateral), they
will grow towards it
 The type of response in which shoots grow towards light is positive phototropism
Different tropisms in plants.
Tropism – is a differential growth movement of plants in responses to stimuli.Tropisms can be:

 Positive tropism – growth movements towards the stimuli.

 Negative tropism – growth movements away from the stimuli.
Examples tropisms:
 Phototropism:- is a directional growth movement of plants in response to light.

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  Geotropism:- is a directional growth movement of plants in response to gravity.
 Chemotropism:- is a directional growth movement of plants in response to
chemicals.
 Tigmotropism:- is a directional growth movement of plants in response to touch.
 Hydrotropism:- is a directional growth movement of plants in response to water.
Example:-. Roots grow downwards and shoots always grow upwards. So. Root growth is
positive to geotropism and negative to phototropism while shoot growth is positive to
phototropism but negative to geotropism.
The processes of tropism.
The growth curvature was influenced by light and it is involved in the distribution of IAA
(indole-3-acetic acid) in the shoot. When a shoot is illuminated on one side, IAA in that side
diffuses towards the dark side of the shoot. This causes a build-up of the hormone in the dark
side of the shoot. the dark side will grow faster than the illuminated side then the shoot bends
towards light. Maize grains germinate to produce a straight shoot called coleoptiles. Coleoptiles
are widely used in experiments to investigate the role of hormones in shoot growth. However,
when the tips of the coleoptiles are removed (decapitated), they don’t grow. Nastic movement: -
non – directional growth of plants in response to stimuli. Example:-Opening of flowers, leaves
Review Questions
43. Which one of the following statements is correct about characterstics of monocots? They:
C. have stem with a ring of vascular tissue D. have embryo with single seed leaf
A. are generally insect pollinators B. have leaves with network of veins
44. What is the effect of removing apical dominance? It:
A. increases stem length B. increases water loss C. prevents fruit formation D. causes side
shoot growth
45. The tendency of plants to grow towards water is?
A. phototropism B. geotropism C. hydrotropism D. chemotropism
46. The young shoots which are often used in experiments on tropisms are known as:
A coleoptiles B adventitious roots C cotyledons D cornucopia
47. Which of the following is not a plant hormone?
A, thyroxin B gibberellins C abscisic acid D, IAA
48. Which of the following statement is not correct?
A, roots are positively hydrotropic and geotropic
B, roots are positively hydrotropic but negatively geotropic
C, shoots are positively phototropic but negatively geotropic
D, shoots are negatively hydrotropic but roots are negatively phototropic
49. A response in which plants grow towards or away from light is:
A, gravitropism B, phototropsm C, geotropism D, thigmotropism
Conservation of natural resources
Definition of resources
Natural resources:- is Anything that is found naturally in the country which is useful to
humans. These include: gold, platinum, potash, limestone, natural gas, coal, hydropower, some
deposits of oil, timber & d/t crop plants (coffee plantations), d/t species of animals & plants, d/t
breeds of domestic animals.
Renewable and non-renewable resources

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  Renewable resources: - are produced indefinitely, mainly living things & their
products.If managed carefully, they can be used, reused & replaced.
Example :-Crop plants, trees, cattle, chickens, water, air.
 Non-renewable resources:- are not living & when used they cannot be replaced.
Example:-
 Metals --- gold, iron
 Fossil fuels --- gas, coal, oil
Conservation as the protection and preservation of our natural environment: is the
protection & preservation of natural environment, so that non-renewable resources are used
sparingly & renewable resources are managed so that they can last for the foreseeable future
Review Questions
50. Which one of the following is a renewable resource? A. gold B. fossil fuels C. live stock
D. coal
Conservation and biodiversity
Biodiversity as the wealth of species in a given place is:
 a measure of the wealth of species in a given place
 It includes everything from the smallest microbe to the largest animal.
 measured as the number of species in a given area at a particular time or it is
measured as the number of d/t species breeding in an area at a particular time.
The importance of conserving biodiversity.
 in food chains & food webs
 If biodiversity is reduced in one area, the natural balance destroyed elsewhere
 Healthy biodiversity is important for the health of the planet
 The air & water of the Earth are purified by a wide range of organisms.
 Photosynthesis:- stabilizing the atmosphere & the world climate
 Plants absorb water from the soil which evaporates into the atmosphere through
transpiration & helps to determine where rain will fall.
 Plant roots hold the soil together - this reduces the risk of flooding & the soil is
not blown away & remains fertile.
 Plant pollination, seed dispersal, soil fertility & the nitrogen cycle are all needed
for natural ecosystems & for farming.
 Biodiversity gives the genetic diversity to grow d/t crops in d/t conditions.
 Biodiversity means breed cattle, sheep, goats & other livestock that are best
suited to our climate & also bring in new genes as climate conditions change.
 Biodiversity means d/t types of plants & animals which act as a source of
medicines, clothing, food & other useful things for people.
 Areas that have a rich heritage of animals & plants are good to look at.
 a single crop (monocultures) do not support a wide range of other
animals & plants.
The general methods of conserving biodiversity.
 Individual species protected
 Reduce pollution (levels of CO2) in the atmosphere & reduce climate change
 Reduce the loss of habitats

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  protect large areas of habitat
Biodiversity is lost around the world for d/t reasons
 Grow single crops (monocultures).
 Deforestation
 Climate change, pollution & human activities
Review Questions
51. What is the measure of the variety of species in a particular area, including everything from
the smallest microbes to the largest animals?
A. conservation B. biodiversity C. poly culture D. monoculture

Vegetation
Some uses of vegetation.
 For food (producers)
 to make drinks,
 building materials, to make clothing, boats.
 source of medicines,
 provide fuel (wood) or use bio-fuels,
 Vegetation is vital for human life & for biodiversity.
The impact of human activity on natural vegetation:
 Cut down & clear large areas of forest - for timber or to grow crops or farm cattle.
 Reduces the biodiversity of the vegetation & destroys the structure of the soil.
 Change the vegetation of an area when they farm the land – they may grow local
plants as food or commercial crops (eg. teff), or may grow introduced species for
local use or to sell (eg. coffee).
 Fertilizing the soil, removing weeds & planting specific crops (effect on the local
vegetation).
 Grazing domestic animals.
 By pollution & climate change.
Some of the endemic vegetation species in Ethiopia.
 An endemic species: - is an organism that is only found in a particular area.
 In Ethiopia there are around 7,000 d/t species of higher plants alone, from which 800 of
them are endemic plant species in Ethiopia.
 Some of the endemic plant species in Ethiopia include:
 teff (Eragrostis teff) * Ficus vasta Forssk,
 many Euphorbia spps * zigba,
 noug or niger seed (Guizotia abyssinica) * juniper (tid),
 enset (Ensete ventricosum) * kererro & sembo trees & many
other species.
How Ethiopian vegetation was affected in history?
 Emperor Zera Yakob (1434–1468) is organized the collection of the seeds of many
indigenous trees such as juniper (tid), olive (woira) & podo (zigba) from the Wof-
Washa forest near Debre Sina.
 He had planted them on the Menagesha Mountain.

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  The Menagesha forest is still one of the best preserved in the whole country.
 Not all efforts at conservation are completely successful.
 In 1895 Emperor Menelik II ordered the introduction of bahir zaf (blue gum) to try &
replace the native vegetation that was disappearing around many settlements. They
have a damaging effect on the soil & reduced biodiversity of other plants in areas of
bahir zaf vegetation.
 Vegetation should be a sustainable resource
 Originally around 35% of Ethiopia was covered in forests & lush vegetation.
 By 1952 only 16% of that forest cover was left.
 By 1980 this was down to 3.6%, 2.7% by 1987 & 1990 only 2.4% of forest cover –
we had lost one of the most biodiversity ecosystems in the world.
Methods of conservation of vegetation.
 Replanting of land with endemic species.
 Looking at indigenous knowledge & using local practices of looking after resources.
 More care taken when introducing exotic plants.
 The most important ways conserving vegetation & wildlife – is the setting up of
internationally famous National Parks.
Review Questions

52. Which of the following statements is true about vegetation? It:

A. reduces the amount of O2 in the air B. is a source of alcohol and foods
C. causes air pollution D. causes global warming
53. Which of the following is not an endemic Ethiopian plant? A tid B teff C, zigba D,
maize
54. What is the importance of protecting the natural environment? Because it:
A. reduces the availability of decomposers for waste removal
B. increases the effect of global warming
C. increases the accumulation of CO2 in the atmosphere.
D. insures the presence of healthy weather and climate

Wildlife
The uses of wildlife.
 The wildlife of Ethiopia is the richest in the world.
 We have 242 mammalian species, which range from huge elephants to tiny elephant
shrews.
 There are around 862 species of birds.
 Insects are another important aspect of Ethiopian wildlife too.
 A rich diversity of animal life is important to maintain our ecosystems.
 Wildlife acts as pollinators for flowering plants & helps to disperse the seeds.
 Our bees provide the honey for a thriving export business & for the production of tej.
 The balance of wildlife in d/t regions helps to maintain the natural balance of the plants
as well, with predators keeping down the numbers of herbivores so that they do not
destroy all the vegetation.
 Some of the wildlife acts as a genetic bank for our domestic animals & can be used as a
source of genetic diversity.

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  to generate income from tourism (elephants, lions, cheetahs, rhinos, wildebeest &
antelopes), birdlife (pelicans & flamingos, parrots, white-winged flufftail
Endemic wildlife species of Ethiopia.
 We have a high number of endemic species of d/t types of wildlife.
 There are about 28 species of mammals.
 Gelada Baboon, * Menelik’s Bushbuck,
 Walia ibex, * Swayne’s Hartebeest
 Mountain Nyala, * Ethiopian wolf.
 Endemic bird species include:
 heavy-headed, * wattled ibis, * white-collared pigeon

 thick-billed raven, * black winged lovebird, * Prince Ruspolis Turaco

 6 endemic reptiles
 Around 33 endemic amphibians.
The effects of humans on wildlife and its status in Ethiopia.
 Deforestation, illegal hunting, human settling, extinction.
 4 mammal species & 2 bird species are on the brink of extinction as a result of habitat
loss. These are:
 Walia ibex (there are only about 514 left),
 Mountain Nyala,
 Ethiopian wolves & Grevy’s zebras,
 white-winged flufftail
 Ankober Serin birds are also badly threatened.
Methods of conservation of wildlife and the uses of National Parks of Ethiopia.
 Conservation involves protecting habitats & managing populations, preventing the spread
of disease.
o Eg. in the area of breeding groups of Ethiopian wolves, keep domestic dogs
vaccinated
against diseases such as rabies.
 Many of the conservation points for animals would apply to vegetation as well.
 We have set up & maintain a number of National Parks.
 A National Park:- is a large area of land which is owned by the Government &
is set aside for
the protection of vegetation & wildlife.
 Wildlife sanctuaries:- a conservation area established to focus on a particular
species.
 Wildlife reserve:-is an area of conservation, management and propagation of
wild life.
It is a highly protected area.

National parks of Ethiopia and some of the common species that exist in each of the
National Parks:

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National park Area Location Wild animal
Abijatta- 887km Oromia Flamingos, Great White Pelicans, Grant’s Gazelle, Oribi Warthog &
Shalla Lakes 2 Golden Jackals.
Awash 786km Oromia Beisa oryx, Soemmerrings Gazelle & wild pigs. Zebra, dik-dik, Anubis
2 & Hamadryas Baboons, cheetahs, serval leopards, birdlife - ostriches,
Secretary Birds, Carmine Bee-eaters & the Abyssinian Roller
Bale 2150k Oromia Gelada Baboon, Mountain Nyala & Ethiopian wolves, Giant Mole Rat,
Mountain m2 Klipspringer, Menelik’s Bushbuck & warthogs.
Gambela 5000k Gambel Nile perch, crocodiles & hippos as well as waterbuck, Roan Antelope,
m2 a hyena, lions, elephants, buffalo, zebra, Vervet Monkeys & black-&-white
colobus monkeys.
Rift Valley Grant’s Gazelle & warthogs, Greater & Lesser Flamingos, a huge colony
Lakes of Great White Pelicans, fish eagles, spoonbills, Abdim’s Storks &
ibises.
Mago 2000k SNNPR Giraffe, elephants, lions, buffalo, cheetah, zebra, leopard & oryx. Birds-
m2 Black Rhinos, Vultures
Omo 4000k SNNPR Over 300 species of birds alone, kudu, hartebeest, oryx, Anubis Baboons,
m2 lions, cheetahs, buffalo, giraffes & elephants.
Nechisar 500 SNNPR 200 species of birds - Red-billed Hornbills, fish eagles, the Abyssinian
km2 Ground-hornbill & the Kori Bustard. Animals - crocodiles, Burchell’s
Zebra, bushbucks, Grey Duiker, Grant’s Gazelle & the Greater Kudu &
the rare, endemic Swayne’s Hartebeest.
Simien 220km Amhara Home to both spectacular scenery & spectacular & rare wildlife-
Mountains 2 .Endemic species are protected & conserved. Eg. Walia ibex, Ethiopian
wolves & Gelada Baboons.
Yangudi 4730k Afar Wild-ass ancestor of our domestic donkeys & Greater & Lesser Kudu,
Rassa m2 Grevy’s Zebra & cheetah.
Some wildlife sanctuaries which are similar to NPs but focus on the conservation of particular
species.
Sanctuary Wild animals
Harar Wildlife Our native elephant sub-species, Loxodonta
Africana oleansie. black-maned lion
Kuni-Muktar Mountain Nyala Mountain Nyala (Tragelaphus nyala)- an
extremely rare endemic animal in Ethiopia.
Senkelle Swayne’s Hartebeest hartebeest
Review Questions
55. Which of the following is a sanctuary rather than a National Park in Ethiopia?
A, Senkelle B, Gambala C, Bale, D Simien
56. Which of the following is not an example of endemic Ethiopian wildlife?
A, Ethiopian wolf B, Walia ibex C, Cheetah D White-winged fluff tail
57. Which of the following animal is found in Bale Mountain National Park?
A. Filamingo B. Mountain Nyala C. Walya D. Zebra
Air
The causes of air pollution:

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  Pollution is the contamination of the natural environment by harmful substances as a
result of human activities, deforestation.
 A pollutant contaminates the air, soil & water.
 Smoke produced by burning fuel, hydrocarbons, (‘black carbon’ pollution), burning
fuels in cars, homes & industries, burning of wood. CO2, drop litter or a dog fouls the
street, methane, paraffin lamps are some of the causes of pollution.
 Global dimming– caused by Smoke pollution is a worldwide blocking of some the
light from the sun.
The effects of air pollution.
 Affects our Health, well-being & the whole environment.
 Irritation to the eyes, nose & throat & upper respiratory infections such as bronchitis &
pneumonia, headaches, nausea & allergic reactions
 Long-term health effects of air pollution can include chronic respiratory disease, lung
cancer, heart disease & even damage to the brain, nerves, liver or kidneys. Death. Young
children are particularly vulnerable
 Depletion of the ozone layer in the atmosphere.
 Ozone: - is a gas which is found in the atmosphere of the Earth. It absorbs some
of the ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Ultraviolet radiation damages & burns
the skin.
 Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) cause the ozone layer around the Earth to get
thinner (ozone hole).
 Global warming.
Global warming:Is the rising of temperature on the earth’s surface due to accumulation of green
house gases, such as CO2, CH4 acts like a blanket & traps heat close to the surface of Earth.
The causes of global warming.
 green house gases (CO2, CH4)
The methods of preventing global warming.
 use of solar energy
 Walk or cycle instead of using cars or buses.
 to conserve our vegetation (reforestation)
Review Questions
58. Which of the following process removes CO2 from the atmosphere?
A. respiration B. photosynthesis C.burning D. decomposition
59. The burning of fossil fuels causes air pollution by:
A. producing and releasing CO2 in to the air B. producing and releasing NO2 in to the
air C. releasing burnt hydrocarbon particles in to the air D. releasing unburnt
hydrocarbon particles in to the air
60. Which of these chemicals has caused the formation of the ‘ozone hole’?
A, sulphur dioxide B, CFCs C, carbon dioxide D, nitrogen oxides
61. Which of these pollutants causes most problems in Ethiopian homes?
A, sulphur dioxide B, benzene, lead and soot C, carbon dioxide D nitrogen oxides

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 Answer for Review Questions
1. Thyroxin
2. Adrenalin gland (found at the top of the kidney)
3. Insulin (reduced the blood sugar level into glycogen)
4. because it controls the secretion of other hormones.
5. it is monthly discharge (event) that takes place every month.
6. testes (the male gonad produce sperm)
7. insulin and glucagon
8. B.(glucagon secret when glucose is excess in the blood)
9. B. GOITTER (enlargement of the thyroid gland as a result of iodine)
10. D. Insulin (diabetes mellitus caused when the pancreas produce too little or no insulin at all)
11. C. Condom ( as sheath that is used to prevent the sperm from entering the vagina )
12. C. (pancreas act as endocrine because it secret Insulin , glucagon and as exocrine it produce
digestive juice)
13. is the body ability to maintain normal function (staying & the same)
14. are animals whose body temperature is maintained by external environment.
15. Have constant body temperature which is not affected by external environment.
16. Sweating , Vasodilatation , Shivering , Vasoconstriction , Fat layer
17. Fish & Amphibians
18. Birds & mammals
19. D 20. A 21. B 22. C
23. C 24. F 25. G 26. A 27. B 28. D 29. E
30. C. Deamination
31. B 32. D 33.D 34. A 35. A 36. C 37. A 38. A 39.C 40. B 41. C 42. D
43. D 44. D 45. C 46. A 47. A 48. B 49. B
50. C 51. B 52. B, 53.D 54. D 55. A 56. C 57. B 58. B 59. A 60. B
61. B

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