Ecosystems Flashcards
What are the 8 global ecosystems
Coniferous forest
Deciduous forest
Desert
Mediterranean
Tundra
Temperate Grassland
Tropical Rainforest
Savanna
Where are coniferous forests found
Roughly 60* north
Where are deciduous forests found
50* north
Where are deserts normally found
30* north and south of equator
what is an ecosystem
a natural system made up of plants, animals and the environment in which they live
what is interdependence
the way in which the different biotic components rely on each other for survival
how is Epping Forest interdependant
- most of the trees are deciduous meaning they lose their leaves in the winter
- the forest floor is then thick with leaf litter
- decomposes return the nutrients to the soil
- which supports the new season’s plant growth
- including berries and fruits that support primary consumers
what are some characteristics or Epping Forest’s nutrient cycle
- large biomass store (high trees and dense undergrowth)
- large nutrient store in soil
- high turnover and vigorous new growth
- high yearly loss of nutrients due to leaching during episodes of heavy rainfall
key facts about Epping forest
- located east of London near the M25
- very high biodiversity
how are species in Epping forest interdependant
- plants provide food and shelter for animals
- soils store water and nutrients for plants to use
- plants bind the soil and shield it from extreme weather
- decomposers return nutrients to soil
- plants rely on animals to disperse their seeds
Epping forest food web
what is the impact of change in deciduous woodlands in the UK
ash dieback
over 1000 species are directly dependant on this tree which then affects the woodpeckers and other small mammals and birds that feed on them, maybe causing a population decrease
what natural events cause disruption to ecosystems
- wildfires caused by lighting
- disease
- extreme weather events
what human activities cause disruption to ecosystems
- deforestation
- hunting of species
- introduction of invasive species
- changes to water supply
how does latitude affect climate
which distance form the equator, temperatures and sunshine hours decrease
how does continentality affect climate
locations further inland heat up quicker in summer and cool more quickly in winter
what is one way of restoring ecosystem balance
rewilding
eg the reintroduction of grey wolves into yellowstone national park
how are nutrients distributed throughout the stores in Epping Forest
mostly evenly between the litter soil and biomass stores
Characteristics of the coniferous forest biome
- cold dark winters, warm summers
- coniferous trees are cone bearing and usually evergreen
- less biodiversity than temperate forests
characteristics of the deciduous forest biome
- deciduous trees shed their leaves in the winter to retain moisture
- more moderate climate
- mostly mild and moist conditions with a few extremes of temperature
- wide range of animals and plants
characteristics of the desert biome
- arid conditions due to sinking air suppressing rain formation
- hot daytime cold nights due to lack of cloud cover
- plants and animals have to be very well adapted to survive
- low diversity
characteristics of the Mediterranean biome
- hot and dry summers, wet and mild winters
- dense scrubland
characteristics of the tundra biome
- extremely cold throughout year with brief quite warm summers
- limited precipitation
- very fragile
- low biodiversity
- short growing season
characteristics of the temperate grassland biome
- hot summers and cold winters
- relatively low rainfall
- ideal conditions for grasses and grazing animals
characteristics of the tropical rainforest biome
- moist air and heavy rainfall
- high temps
- rapid plant growth and biodiversity
- distinct layers of vegetation
characteristics of the savanna biome
- distinct wet and dry seasons
- fires are common in the dry season (usually caused by lightning)
- dominated by grasses
- fairly hot
- many herd animals
to what extent is change a natural part of the ecosystem
to a very small extent because ecosystems have evolved over thousands of years in order to become balanced as they are today. they are very fragile due to their intricate interdependence so that one small change could affect the whole system
