Component 3 - People and the Biosphere

Question 1

What is the climate like in Tropical forests?

Answer 1

1.No seasons
2.Hot all year as they’re on the equator
3.Rainfall is very high

Question 2

What are the characteristics of Tropical forests?

Answer 2

1.Plants are large, and grow quickly
2.there are lots of species of all animals
3.The soil is always very fertile

Question 3

How is biome distribution affected by local factors?

Answer 3

1.Altitude - higher up = colder = less plants and animals
2.rock type
3.soil type - nutrient rich soils can support more life.
4.Drainage

Question 4

What is the biosphere?

Answer 4

The biosphere includes all parts of the earth that’s occupied by living organisms

Question 5

What resources does the biosphere provide?

Answer 5

1. food
2. medicine
3. building Mats
4. Fuel

Question 6

How does energy demand affect the biosphere?

Answer 6

1.Large areas of forest are cut down for crops to make biofuel, or for power stations
2.Some areas of forest are flooded by hydroelectric dams
3.Drilling for oil and gas in tundras causes the permafrost to melt, due to the pipelines

Question 7

How does water demand affect the biosphere?

Answer 7

1.As humans take more of the water, less water is available for other creatures

Question 8

How does mineral demand affect the biosphere?

Answer 8

1.Mining for minerals is often done beneath forests
2.This means many forests are destroyed
3.toxic chemicals are also washed into rivers
4.Open pit mining results in the loss of land

Question 9

Why is it important to maintain a balance of gases in the atmosphere?

Answer 9

1.Higher CO2 can result in climate change
2.Increased CO2 makes the oceans more acidic
3.Decreased CO2 can make the world too cold
4.monnay leff me broccen

Question 10

How does the biosphere help maintain soil nutrient and structure?

Answer 10

1.Plant roots and earthworms dig, and spread nutrients
2.The roots also hold the soil together, stopping weathering
3.Vegetation intercepts rainfall before it reaches the ground. This prevents leaching

Question 11

What is leaching?

Answer 11

when nutrients in the soil are washed downwards, away from plants

Question 12

What was Malthus’ theory?

Answer 12

1.18th century
2.He thought that population would eventually surpass the supply of resources
3.This would cause catastrophes such as famine and war
4.Thus population follows resource production

Question 13

What is Boserup’s theory?

Answer 13

1.20th century
2.She believed that if resource supplies grew limited, then people would improve technology to produce more
3.Thus resource production follows population