Creative Habitats - Topic 4 (Biodiversity), Element 3 Flashcards
What is a habitat?
The place an organism, or community of organisms, lives.
What are biotic factors?
Influences of living organisms on a habitat.
What are abiotic factors?
Non-living or environmental factors like temperature and humidity.
What is habitat fragmentation?
The process by which a large area of habitat is divided into smaller, isolated patches.
What are the three main categories of woodland habitat?
- Broadleaved woodland
- Coniferous woodland
- Mixed woodland
Name a species that benefits from woodland habitats
Squirrel
Name a species that benefits from grassland habitats
Field mouse
Which species benefit from herbaceous habitats?
Peacock butterfly
What is the significance of pond habitats?
Home to aquatic/semi-aquatic species and a breeding ground for amphibians and insects.
Which species benefit from pond habitats?
Frog
What are hedges and hedgerows?
Habitats within shrubs and clipped hedges, often home to nesting birds.
Which species benefit from hedges and hedgerows?
Robin
What is the soil habitat comprised of?
Everything in the soil, home to many creatures like arthropods and fungi.
Which species benefit from soil habitats?
Earthworms
What is layering of plantings?
Planting in layers to create multiple canopies for wildlife shelter.
What are ecotones?
Transitional zones between different habitat types.
What types of food can plants provide for wildlife?
- Leaves
- Stems
- Flowers
- Fruits
- Berries
What are overwintering sites?
Places that provide protection for insects and animals during winter.
What is a microhabitat?
A small habitat that exists within a larger one.
Fill in the blank: A habitat is determined by biotic and _______ factors.
abiotic
Less than ____of habitats important for wildlife in the UK are in a good ecological state.
15%
What is the benefit of improving biodiversity in gardens?
Protects and supports local ecosystems
What does layered planting provide in a garden?
Pockets of planting to suit different organisms
What is the role of the tree layer in a garden habitat?
Home to nesting birds, bats, and climbing mammals
What does the shrub layer consist of?
Larger shrubs and small trees
What organisms benefit from the sub-shrub layer?
Nesting birds, small mammals, and insects
What does the groundcover layer provide?
Shelter and cover for small mammals and ground nesting birds
True or False: Ground nesting birds prefer open areas for nesting.
False
What types of shelters can be introduced for wildlife?
Hedgehog houses, hibernacula, bumblebee houses, nesting boxes, and bat boxes
What type of plants should be chosen to benefit wildlife food sources?
Species that produce berries, seeds, or nuts
What is the benefit of placing access points for wildlife?
Allows species to enter and leave the garden easily
What kind of ecosystems exist in healthy soils?
Microorganisms, invertebrates, and larger creatures
What is the impact of chemical fertilizers on wildflowers?
They can outcompete native plants due to increased nitrogen levels
What is the role of pruning in maintaining habitats?
Enhances access to roosting and nesting sites
What should be retained in the garden to benefit microorganisms?
Deadwood and cut woody plant material
What is a key practice for maintaining soil health?
Rotating species grown and using nitrogen-fixing plants
How can low-level outbreaks of pests benefit a garden?
They encourage predators to seek them out
What types of plants are best for supporting garden birds?
Fruit-bearing trees and shrubs
What should be included in plant selection for biodiversity?
A mixture of native and non-native plants
What is a benefit of creating a succession of flowers in the garden?
Ensures food availability for pollinators when active
Which plant species are good for early season food sources for insects?
Primula vulgaris, Anemone nemorosa, and Pulmonaria officinalis
What type of foliage is best for shelter and nesting in gardens?
A mixture of dense and looser foliage and canopies at various heights
Which early season flowering plants are excellent food sources for emerging insects?
- Primula vulgaris
- Anemone nemorosa
- Pulmonaria officinalis
Name three summer plants that are good for pollinators.
- Linaria purpurea
- Verbena bonariensis
- Erysimum cheiri
Which plants feed later season pollinators?
- Echinacea purpurea
- Tagetes patula
- Lonicera periclymenum
What is the benefit of planting groups of plants of the same species together?
Makes it easier for insects to detect the colours and scents of the flowers
Name a species that make good shelter around the edges of ponds.
- Iris pseudocorus
Which marginal plants attract insects that are essential foods for frogs and toads?
- Catha palustris
- Geum rivale
- Stachys palustris
Name two plants that are perfect for newts to lay their eggs.
- Myosotis scorpiodes
- Veronica beccabunga
What do tadpoles of many amphibian species feed on before moving onto a diet of insects?
Plant detritus and algae
True or False: Having some algae can benefit the pond ecosystem.
True
