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BIOLOGY STRUCTURED > 08. Environmental Biology > Flashcards

08. Environmental Biology Flashcards

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1
Q

Why learn environmental biology?

A

To understand how biotic and abiotic components of the environment are linked and interact with each other.

To recognize organizational levels of the environment.

To learn about the major processes of an ecosystem.

To recognize different components of terrestrial and aquatic ecology.

To understand how human activities are altering ecological systems

To understand how natural changes in the environment (climate change, flooding, erosion, etc.) affects species and habitats.

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2
Q

What are the organizational levels of the environment?

A

Individual/Organism
↓
Population
↓
Community
↓
Ecosystem
↓
Biosphere

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3
Q

What are the major abiotic components?

A

Water
Air
Light
Temperature
Nutrients
Sunlight
Soil

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4
Q

What are the biotic components?

A

Plants
Animals
Fungi
Bacteria
Protists

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5
Q

What does an organism’s niche include?

A

How organisms interact with other organisms
Its role in recycling nutrients
Tolerance to environmental conditions (temperature, soil moisture)

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6
Q

What are the environmental factors used in describing a habitat?

A
  1. Average amount of sunlight received each day
  2. Range of annual temperature
  3. Average yearly rainfall
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7
Q

Give examples for biotic-biotic interactions

A

Competition
Feeding relationships
Symbiotic relationships between individuals and species

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8
Q

Give examples for biotic-abiotic interactions

A

water uptake of plants from soil

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9
Q

Give examples for abiotic-abiotic interactions

A

Chemical reactions occurring in the soil

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10
Q

Give examples for a pyramid of number

A

UPRIGHT PYRAMID
Aquatic and grassland ecosystems where small autotrophs support lesser herbivores in turn supporting a smaller number of carnivores

INVERTED PYRAMID
Relationship between host and parasite

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11
Q

Give examples for pyramids of biomass

A

Upright pyramid of biomass- forest ecosystem

Inverted pyramid of biomass- In some aquatic ecosystems, phytoplanktons supports larger primary consumers.

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12
Q

Where are tropical forests located in?

A

It is distributed close to the equator and it extends up to the sub equatorial regions

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13
Q

What is the average annual rainfall in tropical rain forests?

In tropical dry forests?

A

2000-4000 mm

1500-2000 mm

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14
Q

How long is the period of dry season along with a seasonal rainfall?

A

6-7 months

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15
Q

What is the average temperature of tropical rainforests?

A

25-29c

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16
Q

What is the average temperature of tropical dry forests?

A

33c

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17
Q

What are the visible layers of the tropical rainforest?
What is it followed by?

A

Emergent Layer
Canopy
Sub Canopy

It’s followed by understory layer which consists of shrubs and large herbaceous plants

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18
Q

What is the forest floor consisted of?

A

Small, herbaceous plants
Mushrooms
Thick layer of dried plant litter

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19
Q

What can be observed in vegetation of rainforests?

A

Vegetation is arranged in several layers.
Stratification is observed.

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20
Q

What are prominent in tropical rainforests?

A

Evergreens

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21
Q

.What are prominent in dry forests?

A

Deciduous species.
Shrubs with thorns
Succulent plants

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22
Q

What is common to the tropical forest biome?

A

Epiphytes are common in this biome. In dry forests they are less common.

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23
Q

What are the animal species in the tropical rainforests?

A

Many mammal species
5-30 million arthropods which have not been fully described yet

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24
Q

What are the adaptations shown by animals in tropical rainforests?

A

Animals show year round activity
Camouflage is common among small animals
Large animals may have markings on their bodies
Birds migrate to other regions during dry period

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25
Q

What led to the destruction of tropical rainforests?

A

Human involvement in agriculture
Development related activities

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26
Q

What is the location of savannas?

A

It is spread close to the equator and subequatorial areas

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27
Q

What is the average annual rainforest in savannas?

A

300 - 500 ml

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28
Q

How long is the dry season in the savanna?

A

8-9 months

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29
Q

What is the average temperature range in the savanna?

A

24-29c

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30
Q

What kind of variations occur in the subequatorial areas of the savanna?

A

seasonal variations

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31
Q

What is a savanna characterized by?

A

Landscape that supports scattered trees in a tall grass cover

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32
Q

What are the adaptations of the savanna vegetation?

A

Grasses that are adapted to withstand drought naturally grow in savannas

The grasses have a very good underground connectivity

A few herbs found among the grass cover contains small leaves to reduce transpiration.

It contains thorns to be protected from herbivores

Seasonal variations encourage a fresh growth of grasses to compensate the loss of biomass due to consumption by herbivores

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33
Q

What are common animals in this(savana) region?

A

Many insects (mainly termites)
Lions
Zebras

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34
Q

What are the adaptations of the savanna animals?

A

Many animals have effective locomotion for long distance migration

Long range vision for hunting

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35
Q

What is the cause for the deterioration of the savanna biome?

A

Human settlements from very early times

Due to the raring of cattle and hunting of animals by humans the mammal population decreased

Fires caused by humans have a negative impact by suppressing tree growth

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36
Q

How does the fire caused by humans help the savanna?

A

By maintaining the grass cover of this biome

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37
Q

What is the location of the Sahara desert?

A

Occurs near 30 degree north and south latitudes

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38
Q

What is the location of the Gobi desert?

A

In north central Asia
In the center of the continent

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39
Q

What is the distribution of the desert determined by?

A

Non-availability of water (such as in areas with average annual rainfall less than 3000ml per year)

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40
Q

What is the temperature of hot deserts?

A

50c

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41
Q

What is the temperature of cold deserts?

A

-30c

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42
Q

How does the temperatures vary in deserts?

A

Seasonally and daily

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43
Q

What is the nature of the vegetation of deserts?

A

Deserts have more bare land
Vegetation found are sparse and widely scattered

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44
Q

What are some animal species in deserts?

A

Nocturnal species are abundant in deserts
Snakes
Lizards
Beetles
Ants
Scorpions
Rodents
Birds

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45
Q

What are the adaptations of desert plants to withstand high temperature and scarcity of water?

A

Succulent plant body like cacti and euphroes

Most plants have C4 pathway of photosynthesis

Deep roots in shrubs

Ability to tolerate heat and desiccation

Reduce surface area of leaves

Presence of spines/thorns

Presence of toxins in leaves

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46
Q

What are the adaptations of animals in the desert?

A

Water conservation (ex: some species survive solely on water obtained during the breaking down carbohydrates in seeds)

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47
Q

What led to the demise of the desert biome?

A

These areas are converted to human settlements and agricultural lands reducing the natural biodiversity

Deep wells and well development systems for transporting water to facilitate human settlements and agricultural lands

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48
Q

What is the location of chaparral?

A

Mid latitude coastal regions (like north america, chile. spain, southern france, south africa)

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49
Q

Where are chaparrals best developed in?

A

Southern California

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50
Q

What is the average annual rainfall of chaparrals?

A

300-500ml

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51
Q

What do chaparrals experience?

A

Rainy winters
Dry summers

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52
Q

What is the average temperature of chaparrals?

A

Between 10-12c but it can reach upto 40c

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53
Q

Describe the vegetation of chaparrals

A

Dwarf forests
Shrubs
Interspersed vegetation including grasses and herbs

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54
Q

What are the animals of chaparrals?

A

Most of the native mammals are browsers, deer, goats.

Diverse small mammals

Several species of amphibians, birds, reptiles and insects

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55
Q

What are chapparals highly prone to?

A

They are highly prone to events of catastrophic wildfires

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56
Q

What are the adaptations shown by plants in chaparrals to overcome wildfires?

A

Seed germination occurring only after a hot fire

Fire resistant roots

Uses food stored in the fire resistant roots for resprouting after a fire

Quick re-sprouting enables usage of nutrients released by the fire

Tough evergreen leaves in woody plants to survive in droughts

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57
Q

Name the animals which can be found in chaparrals

A

Browsers that include deer and goats (most common native mammal)
Small mammals
Amphibians
Birds
Reptiles
Insects

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58
Q

How is the chaparral biome destroyed?

A

Human settlements
Urbanization
Agricultural conversions
Fire caused by human activities

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59
Q

Where can temperate grasslands be found?

A

These grasslands occur under temperate climatic regimes that are intermediate to those that support forest and desert

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60
Q

What are the different terms used for temperate grasslands?

A

Prairie (in North America)
Steppe (in Eurasia)
Pampas (in Argentina)

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61
Q

Describe the average temperature in grasslands

A

During winter seasons the average temperature falls below -10c and in summer its about 30c

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62
Q

What is the average rainfall in grasslands?

A

300 - 1000 mm per year

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63
Q

Describe the weather of grasslands

A

Precipitation is highly seasonal with periodic drought. These grasslands have relatively dry winters and wet summers

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64
Q

What are the dominant plant species in temperate grasslands?

A

Grasses

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65
Q

What are the divisions of the prairie according to the height of the dominant vegetation?

A

Tall-grass
Mixed-grass
Short-grass

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66
Q

How does the height of grasses vary in tall grass prairies?

A

The height of grasses vary from few centimeters to two meters

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67
Q

What disasters occur commonly in grasslands?

A

Fires and droughts

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68
Q

What animals are found in temperate grasslands?

A

Large grazers (like horses)
Many types of burrowing animals (prairie dogs in North America)

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69
Q

Why are tall-grass prairies an endangered natural ecosystem now?

A

Because they have been almost entirely converted to agriculture and farmlands

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70
Q

Where are temperate broadleaf forests found?

A

Distribution of temperate broadleaf forests are at mid latitudes in the northern hemisphere

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71
Q

What is the annual precipitation of temperate broadleaf forests?

A

Between 700-2000mm

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72
Q

How is precipitation received in temperate broadleaf forests throughout the year?

A

In summer - rain
In winter - snow

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73
Q

What is the average temperature in temperate broadleaf forests?

A

In winter its 0 while in summer its upto 35c

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74
Q

How is the summer in temperate broadleaf forests like?

A

It is hot and allow a favorable time to the growth of trees

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75
Q

What are the dominant trees in temperate broadleaf forests?

A

Deciduous trees

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76
Q

What type of stratification can be seen in temperate broadleaf forests?

A

A vertical layering (stratification)

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77
Q

What is the stratification in temperate broadleaf forests

A

Closed canopy layer

One or two strata of understory trees

Shrub layer

Herb layer (here, only a few epiphytes can be found)

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78
Q

What animals can be seen in temperate broadleaf forests?

A

Many mammals can be seen (they hibernate during winter seasons)
Birds species (they migrate to areas where the climate is warmer during winter seasons)

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79
Q

Where are tropical wet low land rainforests of SL found?

A

They are found below 900m elevation in the south western quarter of Sri Lanka

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80
Q

What is the mean annual temperature of tropical wet low land rainforests of SL?

A

28c

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81
Q

What is the annual rainfall in tropical wet low land rainforests of SL?

A

2000 mm - 5000 mm in different locations without any dry period. The humidity is very high.

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82
Q

What are tropical wet low land rainforests characterized by?

A

A tall canopy

Sub canopy

Sparse shrub layer (consisting mostly of the saplings of canopy trees)

Sometimes an emergent layer is also seen above the canopy

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83
Q

Describe the nature of the vegetation in tropical wet low land rainforests of SL

A

The vegetation is filled with a network of woody lianas that reach to the canopy layer.

A diverse population of epiphytic lichens, mosses, liverworts, ferns and orchids are found while many fungi inhabit decaying woods and soil

High endemism of floral and faunal diversity can be seen in these forests

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84
Q

Give examples for tropical wet low land rainforests in SL

A

Sinharaja
Nakiyadeniya
Kanneliya

85
Q

How are the tropical wet low land rainforests of SL disturbed?

A

Expansion of tea cultivation
Agriculture
Industrial and residential development

86
Q

What are some tree species found in wet lowland rainforests of SL?

A

S:Hora, T:Ennai (Dipterocarpus zeylanicus)
S:Naa, T:Nagai (Mesua ferrea)
S:Hal, T:Kungiliyam pinai (Vateria copallifera)

87
Q

What are some animal species found in the wet lowland rainforests of SL?

A

Purple faced langur
Sri Lanka slender loris
Golden wet zone palm civet

88
Q

Where are tropical montane forests in SL found?

A

They occur at elevation beyond 1500 m above mean sea level

89
Q

What is the average temperature of tropical montane forests in SL?

A

16c

90
Q

What is average rainfall in tropical montane forests in SL?

A

its about 2000mm without any dry period. The humidity is high as lowland rain forests

91
Q

What are tropical montane forests in SL characterized by?

A

A short canopy of about m with a dense shrub layer

Trees with umbrella-shaped rounded crowns and twisted branches having leathery small leaves to accommodate the strong winds that prevail in the montane zone

High density of epiphytes cover the branches and stems of trees

92
Q

What are some plants found in tropical montane forests in SL?

A

S:Keena (Callophyllum walkeri)
S:Walkurudu (Cinnamomum ovaliforlium)
S: Gal weralu (Elaeocarpus montanus)

93
Q

What are some animals that inhabit montane forests in SL?

A

Yellow eared bulbul
Sri Lanka highland Shrew
Sambar

94
Q

Where are the tropical montane forests in SL distributed?

A

in central hills including Knuckles range, Piduruthalagala, Hakgala.

95
Q

What are tropical montane forests in SL greatly affected by?

A

Tea cultivation

96
Q

What is the mean annual temperature of tropical dry mixed evergreen forests/dry monsoon forests of SL?

A

29c

97
Q

What is the annual rainfall of tropical dry mixed evergreen forests/dry monsoon forests of SL?

A

1000mm - 1500 mm, most of which falls during the northeast monsoon periods

There’s a marked dry spell from may to august

98
Q

Where are tropical dry mixed evergreen forests/dry monsoon forests of SL distributed?

A

They are distributed in areas below 300m altitude

99
Q

What are tropical dry mixed evergreen forests/dry monsoon forests of SL characterized by?

A

Having a sparse canopy

a sub-canopy

a well developed shrub/herb layer

100
Q

What are some plant species naturally found in tropical dry mixed evergreen forests/dry monsoon forests of SL

A

Weera (Drypetes sepiaraia)
Palu (Manilkara hexandra)
Kaluwara (Diospyros ebenum)

101
Q

How are the canopy trees in tropical dry mixed evergreen forests/dry monsoon forests of SL like?

A

They are deciduous during the dry spell of the year

102
Q

What do tropical dry mixed evergreen forests/dry monsoon forests of SL harbor?

A

They harbor the largest elephant populations in Asia

103
Q

Name the mammal fauna that lives in tropical dry mixed evergreen forests/dry monsoon forests of SL

A

Leopard
Bear
Deer

104
Q

How are tropical dry mixed evergreen forests/dry monsoon forests of SL protected?

A

They are protected as national parks
(ex: yala national park
wilpattu national park
wasgamuwa national park
maduru-oya national park
ritigala strict nature reserve
and many sanctuaries and forest reserves)

105
Q

How are tropical dry mixed evergreen forests/dry monsoon forests of SL disturbed?

A

By ‘chena’ cultivation
Human settlements
Extraction of timber
Poaching

106
Q

What are some other names given to tropical thorn scrubs of SL?

A

Scrubs (as large trees are sparse and the vegetation is mainly consisted of thorny shrubs)

107
Q

Where are tropical thorn scrubs of SL found?

A

In arid lowlands

108
Q

What is the mean annual temperature of tropical thorn scrubs in SL?

A

31C

109
Q

What is the annual rainfall of tropical thorn scrubs of SL?

A

below 1000mm with a longer dry period

110
Q

What are the commonly found plant species in the tropical thorn scrubs of SL?

A

Gini-andara (Dichrostachys cineria)
Ranawara (Cassia auriculata)
Heeressa (Cissus quadrangularis)

111
Q

What kind of animals are found in tropical thorn scrubs in SL?

A

Due to dry conditions many fauna species cannot be found
Deer
Leopard
Elephants

112
Q

Where are tropical thorn scrubs in SL distributed?

A

Near Hambanthota
Yala
Mannar
Puttalam

113
Q

How are tropical thorn scrubs in SL disturbed?

A

Due to various development pressures

114
Q

Describe the nature of savannas of SL

A

They have a thick grass cover and a few scattered trees

115
Q

Where are savannas in SL commonly found?

A

These are common on hill slopes of the dry/intermediate zone

116
Q

What does the grass cover of the savannas of SL help?

A

Since the thin layer of soil on hill slopes cannot support the growth of trees the grass cover of savannas helps bind soil particles and reduce soil erosion

117
Q

What disasters are common to savannas of SL?

A

Periodic fires are common to this ecosystem as the fried grass cover easily catch fire in dry period of the year

118
Q

How do plants overcome periodic fires in the savannas of SL?

A

They have trees with fire resistant species

119
Q

Name some plant species in the savannas of SL

A

Aralu (Terminalia chebula)
Nelli (Phyllanthus emblica)
Bubu (Terminalia bellirica)

120
Q

Name some grass species in the savannas of SL

A

Mana / Citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus)
Iluk / Cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica)

121
Q

How are the savannas of SL distributed?

A

They are distributed by periodic fires set by villagers for various reasons

122
Q

Where are the savannas of SL seen?

A

Bibile
Monaragala
Wellawaya
Mahiyanganaya

123
Q

Where are the savannas of SL seen?

A

Bibile
Monaragala
Wellawaya
Mahiyanganaya

124
Q

What are the two types of patanas of SL?

A

Wet patana grassland
Dry patana grassland

125
Q

What are the two types of patanas of SL based on?

A

The rainfall pattern and the soil of the site

126
Q

Where are wet patana grasslands of SL found?

A

They are found in areas above 1500m from the sea level

127
Q

What is the mean annual rainfall of wet patana grasslands of SL?

A

over 2000mm

128
Q

What is the temperature of wet patana grasslands in SL?

A

It ranges from 5C to 18C

129
Q

What can be commonly found in wet patana grasslands?

A

Mist, fog and frost are common and they do not experience any dry period

130
Q

What are the grasses found in wet patana grasslands? Describe their nature.

A

Tussock grasses - the grasses do not reach more than 1 meter in height

131
Q

Give examples for tussock grasses

A

Chrysopogon nodulibarbis
Arundinella villosa

132
Q

What are the animals found in wet patanas of SL?

A

A large sambar and wild-boar population
A few leopards

133
Q

Where can an extensive wet patana of SL be found?

A

In Horton Plains

134
Q

Where can dry patana grasslands be found?

A

In altitudes between 500-1600m

135
Q

What is the amount of rainfall received in dry patanas of SL?

A

1400mm - 2000 mm with a definite dry period

136
Q

What are the temperature ranges of SL’s dry patanas?

A

From 18c - 24c

137
Q

What is the vegetation of dry patanas of SL made up of?

A

The vegetation is made up of grasses that grow up to 1-2m height such as Pangiri Mana (Cymbopogon nardus) and Pini bara tana (Themeda/ Themeda tremula)

138
Q

Where can dry patanas of SL be found?

A

On hill tops in Hantana, Gampola, Welimada and Haputale

139
Q

What are wetlands?

A

Wetlands are simply habitats with permanent or temporary accumulation of water with associated plants and animals

According to Ramsar convention, wetlands are defined as areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide doesn’t exceed 6m

140
Q

What are the 3 categories the wetlands of SL are divided into?

A

Inland fresh water wetlands (ex: rivers, stream, marshes, swamp forests and villus)

Coastal wetlands (ex: lagoons, estuaries, mangroves, sea grass beds, salt marshes and coral reefs)

Man-made wetlands (ex: tanks, reservoirs, rice fields and salterns)

141
Q

How is SL’s network of rivers formed/

A

SL’s extensive network of rivers is formed by draining a total of 103 distinct natural river basins

142
Q

Describe the nature of SL’s river basins

A

The river basins originating in the wet highlands are perennial, while many of those in dry zone are seasonal

143
Q

Describe the vegetation of SL’s rivers and streams

A

There is hardly any vegetation to be found in running water

144
Q

What are inland freshwater marshlands?

A

They are low lying areas which receive water through surface runoff, ground water seepage or flood water from rivers.

145
Q

What do inland freshwater marshlands contain?

A

They contain peat (partially decomposed organic matter) and water logged sticky clay soil

146
Q

What types of animals can be found in the marshes and swamp forests of SL?

A

Many water birds
Amphibians
Fish species

147
Q

What types of plants can be found in inland marshlands?

A

Habarala species (Colocasia)
Kekatiya (Aponogeton)
Reeds/Pan species

148
Q

What are the adaptations of the plans growing in inland marshlands?

A

They have adapted to grow in shallow stagnant water

149
Q

What type of swamp forests are not common in SL?

A

Freshwater swamp forests

150
Q

How is the vegetation like in freshwater swamp forests?

A

Forest vegetation is inundated for a short period of time in the year (ex: Waturana swamp at Bulathsinhala located in the ‘kalu ganga basin’)

151
Q

What are villus?

A

Generally, villus are the flood plains of the reservoirs

152
Q

Describe the relationship between villus and the wildlife in the area

A

Villu grasslands possess a special link with the wildlife in the area, especially elephants and bird populations

153
Q

Describe the vegetation in villus

A

The vegetation is dominant with grasses (members of Poaceae) and sedges (members of Cyeraceae)

154
Q

Where are the villu grasslands of SL located?

A

In areas such as Mahaweli flood plains, Wilpattu National park

155
Q

What are lagoons?

A

Lagoons are coastal wetlands generally separated from the sea by a sand barrier

156
Q

Give 2 ex. for lagoons in SL

A

Negombo lagoon
Bundala lagoon

157
Q

Define estuaries

A

Estuaries are formed in places where rivers enter the sea and doesn’t contain a barrier separating it from seas

158
Q

Give 2 ex for estuaries

A

Maduganga
Benthota

159
Q

What is a characteristic of lagoons and estuaries

A

The daily tidal fluctuation

160
Q

Define mangrove ecosystem

A

Mangroves ecosystem is an intertidal vegetation that covers the fringes of lagoons and estuaries.

161
Q

What are the characteristics of mangroves

A

Saline/brackish water
Loose soil
Anoxic conditions
Vegetation is exposed to intense sunlight

162
Q

What are the two groups of mangrove plants

A

True mangroves that occur towards the boundary between sea and land
Mangrove associates that occur more towards inland

163
Q

What are some common true mangrove species?

A

Kadol (Rhizophora spp, Bruguiera spp,)
Mas athu gas (Avicennia marina)

164
Q

What are some common mangrove associates?

A

Karan Koku / Golden leather fern (Acrostichum aureu)
Katu ikili / Holly mangrove (Acanthus ilicifolius)

165
Q

Describe the adaptations of the plants of mangroves to survive in that ecosystem

A

To protect from sunlight, leaves of mangroves have a thick cuticle to reflect sunrays and/or cut off excess radiation

Some plants have salt glands to secrete excess salts absorbed by the plants

There are special roots to intake atmospheric oxygen

Seeds of some mangroves germinate while attached to the mother plant (viviparity) and this helps the seed establish successfully soon after falling from the tree.

166
Q

What animals do mangroves provide a habitat for?

A

many crustaceans and mollusks

167
Q

Where are the mangroves of SL found?

A

Puttalam
Trincomalee
Galle
Bentota
Negombo

168
Q

What are salt marshes?

A

These are marshlands restricted to the arid coastal regions of the country where soil dries up to form crystals of salts during the dry season

169
Q

What are the major characteristics of the salt marsh ecosystem?

A

Low rainfall
High wind
High temperatures
Loose sand blowing with salt

170
Q

Describe the vegetation of salt marshes

A

The vegetation only has a few animal and plant species

Plants are short, contain fleshy succulent plant bodies

171
Q

Describe a common plant in the salt marshes of SL

A

Salicornia sp.

172
Q

Where are the salt marshes of SL commonly found?

A

Puttalam
Mannar
Hambanthota
Vakarai

173
Q

What are sea grass beds?

A

In large lagoon areas with low wave action, the floor of the shallow sea is occupied by sea grasses. These are not grass species but appear like grasses due to the shape of leaves

174
Q

What are common plant species found in Sea grass beds?

A

Halodule spp and Halophyla spp (especially in Kalpitiya to Mannar)

175
Q

Describe the nature of sea grasses

A

They grow in a compact cluster and provides the sea bed a favorable habitat for breeding of many fish species

176
Q

How are sea grass beds destroyed?

A

They are often disturbed by fisheries activities as these are the parking areas of fishing boats.

177
Q

What do coral reefs consist of? What are they known for?

A

Coral reefs consist of calcareous structures secreted by a group of marine invertebrates.

They are known for their spectacular beauty

178
Q

What is another name given to coral reefs and why is that name given?

A

They are also called ‘rainforests of the sea’ because of their high productivity and high diversity of organisms that inhabit them.

179
Q

Where can the coral reefs of SL be seen?

A

In the southern coast (Akurala to Tangalle)
Gulf of Mannar

180
Q

What are coral reefs a habitat for?

A

A large number of fish species
Invertebrates such as spiny lobsters
Sea cucumbers

Marine mammals and reptiles (ex: dolphins and sea turtles inhabit reefs occasionally)

181
Q

What are coral reefs a habitat for?

A

A large number of fish species
Invertebrates such as spiny lobsters
Sea cucumbers

Marine mammals and reptiles (ex: dolphins and sea turtles inhabit reefs occasionally)

182
Q

Where are the ancient irrigation tanks of SL scattered in?

A

In the lowland dry zone

183
Q

Give examples for typical irrigation tanks

A

‘Parakrama samudra’
‘Kala wewa’
‘Minneriya wewa’
‘Tissa wewa’

184
Q

What are the aquatic plant species found in the reservoirs of SL?

A

Manel / Water Lily (Nymphaea spp)
Nelum (Nelumbo nucifera)
Kekatiya (Aponogeton spp)

185
Q

What are the free floating invasive alien plant species that can be seen in the reservoirs of SL?

A

Salvinia
Japan jabara / water hyacinth

186
Q

What is the most common sea shore type in SL?

A

Sandy sea shores

187
Q

What are the characteristics of sea shore areas ?

A

High temperature throughout
Salt spray
High winds (especially during the monsoon seasons)

188
Q

What are the plants that grow in the sea shore areas of SL?

A

Muhudu Binthamburu / Beach Morning Glory (Ipomea pescaprae)
Maha rawana revula (Spinifex littoreus)

189
Q

Describe the nature of the soil a distance away from the tide mark

A

The vegetation gradually becomes stable a distance away from the tide mark, with the stabilization of soil

190
Q

What are dunes characterized by?

A

Dunes are characterized by stunted or creping vegetation on large masses of sand

191
Q

What is the sand dune structure determined by?

A

Wind Speed and direction

192
Q

Define sand dunes

A

Sand dunes are raised beaches of sand

193
Q

Where are the sand dunes of SL found?

A

They’re found in certain coastal areas in the arid zone (ex: near Mullathiv)

194
Q

What plant species can be seen a distance away from the tide mark?

A

Wara (Calotropis gigantea)
Wetakeiya (Pandanus spp)

195
Q

What is the values / importance of biodiversity?

A

Environmental service value

Recreational value

Ethical value

Educational/scientific value

Social/cultural/religious value

196
Q

According to IUCN redlist, what species are threatened with extinction?

A

Conifers
Cycads
Amphibians
Birds
Mammals
(Within the above group, 50% are threatened with extinction)

197
Q

What species have faced a decline in the size of their population?

A

Amphibians
African mammals
Birds

198
Q

Name the threats to biodiversity

A

Habitat loss / Fragmentation
Overexploitation
Pollution
Climate change

199
Q

What are the factors that involve in the environmental service value?

A

*Carbon dioxide fixation through photosynthesis,
*maintaining of essential nutrition cycles,
* maintaining water cycle
*recharging of ground water
*soil formation and protection from erosion
*regulating climate
* recycling moisture into the atmosphere
*water purification
*pollination

200
Q

What does it involve in the recreational value in biodiversity?

A

*Inspiration in artistic activities like poetry, painting, dance etc.
* It promotes eco- tourism,
*helps to generate revenue by designing of zoological, botanical gardens, national parks etc.

201
Q

What are examples for educational/ scientific value in the biodiversity?

A

learning of other animals like nematodes, rats and primates has helped in understanding human body and development of medicines

knowledge about how animals react before a natural disaster is helpful in disaster management,

Interacting with biodiversity is proven to be helpful in developing creativity, relieving stress and development of personality.

202
Q

What are examples for social/ cultural/ religious views of the biodiversity?

A

Some wetland sites are sacred to Aborigines of Australia,
twenty eight species of trees are sacred for Buddhists,
Bulls are considered to be an important part of Hindu culture.

203
Q

Why do humans supplant natural natural eco systems?

A

Grow food,
harvest materials,
build our settlements

204
Q

In habitat loss/ fragmentation, how does it undergo mass scale destruction?

A

Mass scale destruction of Mangrove in lagoons such as Negambo and Puttalam due to establishment
of prawn culture destructed the biodiversity of mangroves in these areas

205
Q

Name examples for over exploitation

A

*Over collection of indigenous medicinal plants from forests in Sri Lanka for export such as Kotalahimbutu (S)/ - (Salacia reticulata). Export of sea cucumber for medicinal purposes from Sri Lankan shores. Ebony(E)/Kaluwara (S), Karun-kaali (T)- (Diospyrus ebanum) is threatened due to over exploitation during the colonial period. Ebony has a very slow growth rate and take many years to grow.

  • Intense commercial fishing has led to over fishing threatening decline of food fish like Tuna and Cod in world’s oceans.
206
Q

How does eutrophication occurs?

A

Due to extensive use of agrochemicals that wash away with rain water into the water bodies make the
water rich in nutrients (eutrophication) resulting in algal blooms.

207
Q

What does algal create and what is the negative effect of that?

A

greatly reduce the populations of fish and other aquatic species.

208
Q

What are the causes of pollution?

A

Uses of synthetic fertilizers for tea in montane areas also has resulted pollution of rivers in many down stream areas affecting the water quality and making it unsuitable for human use.

Releasing of Sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) gasses react with water and make the rain water acidic resulting acid rains.

Acid rains caused by air pollution contributes to the death of trees killing many buds, leaves and the seedlings and causing damage to the plant roots.

BIOLOGY STRUCTURED (13 decks)

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