Ecosystems

Question 1

What is meant by the term ecosystem and biome?

Answer 1

Ecosystem - a natural system made up of living things and their non-living environment and all the interactions between them
Biome - an ecosystem on a global scale - large bands of land, running parallel to the equator that share the same typesof plants and animals because they are the same general climate

Question 2

What are the main threats to tropical rainforest ecosystems?

Answer 2

Deforestation, agriculture, farming for palm oil

Question 3

What are some impacts of tropical deforestation?

Answer 3

1. Rainforests are a large carbon sink. If we cut down trees it will make it harder to fight climate change
2. Many people rely on climate change for home and shelter
3. Rainforests produce weather, if we cut down tries the earth will begin to dry up
4. Species will become extinct

Question 4

What is the distribution of rainforests around the world?

Answer 4

6% of the earths surface is covered by rainforests

Question 5

What are 2 strategies used to reduce the rates of tropical rainforest deforestation?

Answer 5

Ecotourism - involves small groups of tourists visiting locations in a way that is sustainable and doesn’t cause environmental damage
REDD Agenda - aim to pay countries to leave rainforests alone

Question 6

How are tropical rainforests adapted to their surroundings?

Answer 6

Drip tips - allows water to run off the leaves quickly without damaging them
Burtess roots - large roots which allow large trees to stay firmly in the ground
Epiphytes - grow on trees and gain their nutrients from the air and from the tree they are growing on
Lianas - have developed strong, flexible roots that can anchor themselves to tree trunks and branches