3.1 Ecosystems- UPDATED Flashcards
Which 2 local factors play a part in the distribution of ecosystems?
Rock and soil type
altitude differences
What resources can the biosphere provide to people?
food
medicine
fuel
muilding materials
What food comes from the biosphere?
natural vegetation
fruit/berries/nuts
fish and meat
What medicine comes from the biosphere?
morphine- found in poppies
aloe plant soothes skin condition
Vitamin C is found in oranges
What fuel can the biosphere provide?
animal dung is dried and burned
trees and shrubs can be burned
crops like sugar cane produce bioethanol
What building materials can the biosphere provide?
timber
straw
animal dung mixed with clay and straw makes bricks
Where is the biosphere being commercially exploited?
increased water demand means theres not enough water for other areas
production of biofuels means there are lower crop yields
What are the Uks 4 main ecosystems?
moorlands
heathlands
woodlands
wetlands
What are some characteristics of moorlands?
bogs and rough grasland
upland areas
found in scotland and central uk
What are some characteristics of woodlands?
found in scotland
lots of trees
rich in plants and wildlife
What are some characteristics of heathlands?
located in lower areas of the UK
some sites are marshy and some sites places are dry and sandy
What are some characteristics of wetlands?
mainly located in Scotland and East Anglia
waterlogged soils
Why are marine Ecosystems important for the uk?
tourism-local economy and employment
Energy- wind energy helps reduce fossil fuels
Fishing- provides employment
How can humans damage marine ecosystems?
overfishing can damage the food chain
climate change can alter the food web
What are the 3 key nutrient stores?
biomass
litter
soil
What is the largest nutrient store?
biomass
What are some animal adaptations of the TRF?
lemurs have gripping hands and gripping feet
rainforest species are camouflaged to match their surroundings
what are some plant adaptations of the TRF?
drip tip leaves allows water to run off them and prevents them getting too hot and rotting
Butress tree roots only reach the top layer of soil and provide stability
fruit flowers all year round so animals always have enough to eat
Why does the TRF have such high levels or biodiversity?
its is the oldest ecosystem so species have been evolving for many years
there is a hot wet climate all year which is perfect for many lifeforms
What are 3 good of tropical rain forests?
provide a source of food like nuts
diverse range of plants can provide key ingredients in drugs
provides timber for construction and fuel
What are 3 services of tropical rainforests?
acts as a carbon store, taking in 2 billion tones of co2 every year
source of revenue as a popular tourist attraction
home to many tribes
How will climate change affect the structure of TRFs?
long periods of drier weather slow down decomposition, reducing the biomass store
How will climate change affect cloud functioning of TRFs?
longer periods of dry weather can stop clouds functioning which provides water for the ecosystem
How will climate change affect the biodiversity of a TRF?
changes in conditions threaten the survival of species, leading to invasion of non TRF species which are more tolerant to changing conditions.
What are the main reasons for TRF deforestation?
road building mining oil palm plantations illegal logging cattle ranching rapid population growth
How any football pitches of forest are cleared every minute?
36
Name a TRF and a fun fact about one?
amazon rainforest
it is home to over 40000 plant species
How are government policies helping to manage the amazon rain forest more sustainably?
national forests belong to the state but governments can grant timber companies permission to manage certain areas
biodiversity surveys must be carried out before logging to establish which areas need protection
What is reduced impact logging?
selected mature trees are cut down
seed trees are left to help quicker regrowth
12% cheaper than traditional logging
quicker regeneration
