Ecosystems Flashcards
What is an ecosystem
A natural system made up of living things and their non living environments and all interactions that come between them
What is a biome
An ecosystem but on a larger scale
What are three causes of deforestation
Civil wars
Agriculture
Palm oil industry
What are some impacts of deforestation
Species threatened with extinction due to their habitats being destroyed
I.6 billion people will have to find new food and shelter sources
Rainforests are a major carbon sink - if we cut them down fighting climate change will become harder
2 ways to reduce deforestation
Consumer power - if people change shopping habits we can influence patterns of demand
National parks
What are the four layers of the rainforest
The emergents
The canopy
The under canopy
The shrub layer
What are lianas
Thick vines that reach sunlight by looping around tree branches
What are epiphytes
Plants that perch on high branches and feed on rain and rotting leaves
What are buttress roots
Big strong roots that stop tall trees from falling over
