Ecosystems Flashcards
Characteristics of tropical rainforest soils
High in nutrients thin layer in the humus
Very deep (many layers )
How does the climate affect the soil in the TRF
The climate is very hot so the rate of decomposition happens quicker as a result. This means that there is more nutrients in the thin layer of the soil compared to a colder climate
Explain how lianas has adapted to the TRF
Lianas grow up other trees to reach the sunlight to photosynthesise this is because there is a high amount of competition for sunlight on the forest floor
Why does energy get lost between each layer of the food web
Temperature
Excretion
Movement
How has the pitcher plant adapted
Lure animals in by having nectar inside
Conditions plants will have to adapt to in rainforest
Little sunlight
Lots of rainfall
Humid
Poor soil fertility
How are buttress roots adapted
Roots spread above ground with shallow roots and a wide base this helps them with stability. The shallow roots mean they can get nutrients from the top layer of the soil
How are drip tips adapted
Enable the rain to run off quickly this will help avoid growth of bacteria and fungus
What does interdependence mean
The mutual dependence between components of the ecosystem
What does biotic mean
Living thing (animals and plants )
What is abiotic
No living things (rocks, water)
Adaptation of the mantid
Born with exceptional eyesight so they can see predators and prey easily
Name the layers of the tropical rainforest in order (bottom to top)
Forest floor, under canopy, canopy, emergent layer
What is the forest floor
Dead plants and animal matter decompose
Warm humid
Only 2% of sunlight reaches here
What is the under canopy
Only 5% of sunlight reaches here
Young trees
Little wind
What is the canopy
Contains majority of large trees
Most biodiversity lives here
What is the emergent layer
Hot temp strong winds
Small no of trees
Layers of the soil
Litter, humus, a horizon , b horizon, c horizon
What is the litter layer
Bundle of leaves, sticks, dead plants and animals
What is the humus layer
Very thin layer
Broken down litter decomposed
Very fertile
What is the A horizon
Dry
Nutrient poor
Orange in colour from being rich in iron
What is the B horizon
Dry, nutrient poor
Orange in colour from being rich in iron
What is C horizon
Weathered eroded rock
What percentage of worlds oxygen comes from rainforests
28%
What percentage of worlds medicine comes from TRF
25%
How can we manage rainforests sustainably
-selective logging and replanting
-education and conservation
- international agreements
- ecotourism
What are the 3 parts of the nutrient cycle
Biomass, soil and humus, litter and detritus
What is biomass in the nutrient cycle
Organic matter, living organisms such as plants and animals
What is soil and humus in nutrient cycle
Organic component of soil formed by decomposition
What is litter and detritus in the nutrient cycle
Waste and dead organic matter in the leaf litter
Problems of ecotourism in TRF
Litter, co2 emissions from transport , animals could be harmed
One reason why deforestation has decreased in some countries
International agreements
How ecotourism is sustainably in tropical rainforests
Aims to educate visitors so increase their understanding and appreciation of plants and animals
Opportunities of Svalbard
Tourism , fishing, mineral extraction and energy, scientific research
Challenges of Svalbard
Construction, extreme temperatures, inaccessibility
How is inaccessibility a challenge for the people of Svalbard
-can only be reached by plane or ship
-no roads serve the outlying communities
-remote
How is extreme temperatures a promblem in Svalbard
Winter temperatures fall below -20 degrees
Some temperatures make it dangerous to work outside with a risk of frostbite
How is fishing an opportunity for the people of Svalbard
150 species of fish here including herring and haddock
Waters also important for breeding and nursery grounds
How is mineral extraction and energy an opportunity for the people of Svalbard
-has rich conserves of coal
-more than 300 people are employed in mines
-however government wants to invest in geothermal energy which is better for the environment
How is construction a challenge for the people of Svalbard
-may forms of construction being carried out
-constructing and maintaining roads
-working outdoors however can become very demanding
How is tourism am opportunity for Svalbard
-appeals to people to go to extreme places to take part in extreme events such as snow mobiles and safaris
-700,000 people visited in 2011
Why do cold environments need protecting
Many indigenous people live here (Inuit in Alaska)
Home to biodiversity such as birds and animals like penguins and polar bears
Used for scientific research about global warming
3 ways we can protect cold environments
Stop mass tourism, international agreements , education
What are Greenpeace campaigning for in Antarctica
-purpose to promote conservation of natural environments
-Greenpeace campaigned to create world park by setting up a scientific base
-protected as a result of the biodiversity such as whales, penguins
How long is trans Alaskan pipe line
800 miles
How many barrels of oil have travelled though the trans Alaskan pipeline
18 billion barrels
Design feature of trans Alaskan pipeline
-Raised off ground on stilts to prevent permafrost from melting because of the hot oil and allows animal migration such as caribou (3m off ground)
-Cleaned and maintain by PIGS which prevents any build up of water, wax or anything else and therefore oil pumps easier
What is the Antarctic treaty
An agreement signed by 12 nations in which Antarctica has been made a demilitarised zone to be preserved for scientific research
What are the tourist rules which help manage tourism in
-respect scientific research
-protect wildlife
-no litter
Some aims that when you sign the Antarctic treaty you also sign into
-protection of all animals and plants
-ensure all waste is disposed without damaging environment
-to share scientific research
How is bear berry adapted to cold environments
Low lying which enables it to survive strong winds, stems have thick bark for stability in windy conditions, small leathery leaves help retain water in dry environment
Difference between food web and food chain
Food web has a number of connected food chain whereas a food chain consists of one straight line
Example of human activity that might affect nutrient cycle
Deforestation, mining, farming
Causes of deforestation in Malaysia
Largest exporter of oil, mining for metal ores
Effects of deforestation
Malaysia lost 9% of its forests between 1990-2010
How many tourists visited Svalbard
70,000
How many km of roads in Svalbard
40 km
Purpose of Antarctic treaty
No territorial claims
Share scientific research
Dispose of all waste products off continent
Protect all animals and plant life
What is commercial farming
farming for a profit, where food is produced by advanced technological means for sale in the market
