Battle For The Biosphere Flashcards
What is a biome?
A world-scale ecosystem.
How many main types of biome are there?
5
What are the characteristics of the Coniferous Biome?
- Found at higher latitudes
* Trees have needle-like leaves and are usually evergreen
What are the characteristics of the Deciduous Biome?
- High rainfall
- Sun’s rays vary with seasons
- Trees lose leaves in winter
What are the characteristics of the Tundra Biome?
- Found within the arctic circle
- Receive little heat or rainfall
- Only tough, short grasses
What are the characteristics of the Tropical Biome?
- Near the equator
- Hot
- Plenty of rain
What are the characteristics of the Desert Biome?
- Near the tropics
- Sun’s rays very concentrated
- Hot
How does temperature affect a biome?
It affects plant growth. Temperature decreases the further from the equator you go because the Sun’s rays become less concentrated.
What affects how much precipitation a biome gets?
Precipitation happens in low pressure belts; high pressure belts receive little to no precipitation. These belts move with the season.
How does temperature change with altitude?
Temperatures decrees by 6.5 degrees for every kilometre in height.
How does altitude affect rainfall?
The greater the altitude, the greater the amount of rainfall.
How does an area’s drainage affect the biome?
Large river deltas and areas with impermeable rocks and soil can form marshes and swamps.
How can soil affect what grows in a biome?
- Alkali soil (i.e. Chalk and limestone) have more ash and beech trees.
- Acidic soils have more birch, willows and alder trees.
What are the three environmental things the biosphere helps us with?
- It’s our green lungs (regulates gases in the atmosphere)
- Regulates the water cycle
- Keeps soil healthy
Why food does the biosphere provide?
- Fish
- Meat
- Fruits
- Nuts
- Berries
What medicines does the biosphere provide?
- Vitamins
- Quinine
- Periwinkle
What materials does the biosphere provide?
- Timber
- Bamboo
- Rubber
- Water
- Oil
- Gas
What economic tensions surround the biosphere?
People will want to make money from the biosphere in ways that could damage it permanently. This makes it environmentally and economically unstable.
What social tensions surround the biosphere?
Everyone needs to benefit from the biosphere including future generations. Businesses may want to exploit the biosphere at other peoples’ expense.
What environmental tensions surround the biosphere?
Not harming natural resources so that they are unable to regenerate or continue long-term.
What are the consequences on the biosphere of deforestation?
Flooding and soil erosion
What is a consequence on the biosphere of farming?
Altering the Eco system
What are the consequences on the biosphere of pollution?
Decline in water quality and the melting of the ice caps.
What is the consequence on the biosphere of tourism?
It disturbs the wildlife.
How many countries signed the RAMSAR Wetlands treaty?
168
When was the RAMSAR Wetlands treaty signed?
1971
What does the RAMSAR Wetlands treaty protect and why?
2.05 million square kilometres of wetlands to protect biodiversity.
What is the main threat to the wetlands?
Population growth means that wetlands are being drained for farming.
What management does the RAMSAR Wetlands treaty provide?
New laws to protect the wetlands.
How many countries signed the CITES treaty?
166
When was the CITES treaty signed?
1973
What does the CITES treaty conserve and why?
It protects animals from being hunted for material goods in order to protect rare species.
What is the largest threat to rare animals?
The production of products like ivory and snakeskin handbags.
What form of management does the CITES treaty provide?
Legal framework
What is sustainable management?
The conservation o the biosphere for future generations by making sure it isn’t used up faster than it can be renewed.
What is agroforestry?
The growing of trees and crops on the same land. This prevents soil erosion and allows the crops to benefit from dead organic matter.
What is selective logging?
Only cutting down trees that exceed a certain height. This guarantees trees a full life cycle.
What is afforestation?
Replacing felled trees.