Battle for the Biosphere Flashcards
Define a biome and give examples
A large plant and animal community (ecosystem) covering a large area of the Earths surface
E.g: rainforests, deciduous forest, sahara desert, tundra
Define a biosphere
Living part of the Earth
Different biomes make up the biosphere
How does latitude affect the distribution of biomes?
The sun is concentrated near the equator and spread more lightly near the poles
At the poles there is less energy for photosynthesis
Describe the climate of deserts
Highly concentrated sunrays
Hot, arid, dry
Air loses moisture after rising over the equator
Describe the climate of coniferous forests
Cold, snowy
Describe the climate of deciduous forests
Rainfall is high
Sun rays less strong
Cooler winter temperatures
Describe the climate of tropical rainforests
Moist air rising
Concentrated sun rays
Heavy rainfall
Hot, humid
Describe the climate of tundra
Cold desert
Sun rays have little strength
Temperatures are below freezing
Describe the vegetation and animals in deserts
Cacti, short grasses, Sagebrush etc.
Very little vegetation
Camels, Kangaroos, Mice, Scorpions, Boa Constructors etc.
Describe the vegetation and animals in coniferous forests
Fir trees, Poison Ivy, Mosses etc.
Trees evolved with needle leaves that reduce moisture and heat loss
Snow easily slides off branches
Arctic fox, Beavers, black bears, Moose, Squirrels etc.
Describe the vegetation and animals in deciduous forests
Oak trees, Birch trees, Beech trees
Trees shed leaves at end of autumn
Eagles, beavers, fox, squirrels, raccoon, skunk etc.
Describe the vegetation and animals in tropical rainforests
Evergreen rain-forests
Orchids, Brazil nut trees, Bromeliad, Poinsettia etc.
Butterflies, Ants, Parrot, Iguana, Lizards, Mosquitos etc.
Describe the vegetation and animals in deserts
Tough short grasses, mosses, Dwarf shrubs, Lichen
Not much can survive
Arctic fox, Moose, Polar bear, Reindeer, Snowy owl, squirrel etc.
Name some local factors affecting biomes.
Altitude - temp fall 1/2 degree for every 100m
Distance Inland - areas isolated from sea have low rainfall
Geology - limestone bedrock is permeable so dry soil conditions
Poor drainage - high rainfall means water can’t soak through the soil - thicker soil is better for plants
What three things make up the biosphere
Atmosphere - plants absorb CO2 and produce oxygen
Hydrological cycle - trees act as natural flood control by slowing flow of rainwater to rivers
Soil health - dead leaves and plants add nutrients to the soil and insects and animals burrow helping the soil to breathe
Name 4 goods or services the biosphere provides.
Food - fish, meats, fruits etc.
Medicines - natural substances have medicinal qualities (Quinine)
Raw materials - wood for construction of houses and boats
Services - Helps businesses through ecotourism
What is an ecosystem?
Community if plants and animals that interact with each other and their physical environment
Define degradation
Social, economic and environmental decline of the forest
Summarise the Windsor forest case study
Before: deciduous forest, 900 Beech trees over 500years old
Became: overused, more farmland required for food demand, wood needed for ships, 1919 5% left
Now: Trying to protect and restore, Natural England manage it
Why is the rapidly increasing population putting pressure on the biosphere?
More people - need more homes
Cut down trees and forests for more space to build homes
Name 4 large scale land uses and why they clear rainforests.
Mining - clear space for iron mines in Grand Carajas Brazil
Timber - mahogany and teak from trees for furniture and flooring
Agricultural land - need more space for farmland for crops
Soya Craze - more meat wanted, more soya needed to feed cows, forest cut down to grow soya
Name 5 global biosphere conservation projects.
Wetland management - Ramsar (Iran) treaty with 162 countries
Rainforest conservation - Debt for nature agreements (reduce if save)
National parks - 13% of Earths national parks protected
CITES - harsh penalties for poachers
World Heritage Sites - over 950 sites since 1972
Summarise the Caledonian Forest case study.
Destroyed by humans
E.U given funding to restore
Bring back lost animal habitats and animal populations
Reintroduced Wild Boar
Some people living nearby don’t want dangerous animals
Define a wetland
Wet area of land
Rich in biodiversity
Define sustainability
Ability to keep something going so that it doesn’t threaten future generations
Name 3 issues with being sustainable
Population increase -higher demand and consumption of resources
Stakeholder conflict - some people don’t want dangerous animals
Economic progress - e.g. Brazil clear the rainforest as it provides jobs and money
