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A levels > Ecosystems > Flashcards

Ecosystems Flashcards

1
Q

What is a climax community?

A

The group of species that are at a dynamic equilibrium with the prevailing environmental conditions - in the UK under natural conditions this would be oak woodland

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2
Q

What is a sub climax?

A

When vegetation is prevented from reaching its climax due to interruptions by local factors eg soils

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3
Q

What is a sere?

A

Stage in the sequence of colonisation by which the vegetation developed over a period of time

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4
Q

What four factors are required to build a dune system?

A

Plentiful supply of sediment, strong winds, an obstacle and a pioneer species (cooch grass)

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5
Q

Name the stages of Dune system

A

Embryo Dune, fore dune, semifixed dune, fixed dune, dune slack, climax community

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6
Q

Plants you would find in the embryo dune?

A

Sea couch, saltwort, sea rocket

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7
Q

What is a xerophyte?

A

Something that can withstand dryness

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8
Q

What is a halophyte?

A

Something that can withstand salty conditions

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9
Q

What type of plants would you find in the semi fixed dunes?

A

Red fescue, creeping willow

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10
Q

What plants would you find in the dune slacks?

A

Flag iris, bog cotton

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11
Q

Name some arresting factors found in psammoseral succession

A

Afforestation, levelling for industrial development, pollution from agriculture, interception of longshore drift, human recreational activity

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12
Q

Temperate deciduous woodland case study

A

Haleywood, Cambridgeshire - Oak trees can support 250 species of insects
Dominant species of maple and willow
Soils are rich in hummus due to a thick leaf litter that accumulates in autumn when the leaves fall

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13
Q

Name the five layers of tropical equatorial rainforest or a tropical biome

A

Ground vegetation, shrub layer, under canopy, canopy, emergent

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14
Q

Why are tropical rainforests highly productive systems?

A

Hi temperatures throughout the year, high rainfall, dense vegetation allowing for higher rates of photosynthesis, efficient and fast recycling of nutrients

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15
Q

The Amazon rainforest facts

A

Produces 20% of the earths oxygen
2.5 million species of insects
Home to 30% of species on the planet

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16
Q

Plant adaptations to live in the rainforest

A

Trees grow tall and straight to reach the canopy where maximum sunlight to be absorbed - Liana tree
Shallow root systems due to the latosol soil - no nutrients below
Epiphytes set their roots into the truncal branches of other plants enabling them to reach maximum sunlight

17
Q

Causes of deforestation

A

Trans-Amazonian Highway connecting the jungle making it easier to distribute tropical goods
Hydroelectric power schemes - Tucuri dam flooded 2250km sq of forest
Mining - leaves large areas of forest cleared and greater volumes of suspended sediments and mercury in rivers affecting ecosystems
Cattleranching account for over 60% of deforestation
Soy bean farming

18
Q

What is an urban niche?

A

A small-scale area with in an urban location where conditions are favourable for certain species to thrive - eg moss

19
Q

Japanese knotweed

A

Introduced to the UK because it absorbs pollution
Most aggressive weed in the UK
Rhizome root system stems 20 feet across and 9 feet down
Cost £9 million to clear the 2012 Strafford Olympic site
Can seriously affect house prices
Potential economic benefit knot weed removal business is worth £1.5 billion

20
Q

Buddleia

A

One plan to create 1000 offspring
Colonises upon ballast as similar to Chinese Alps
Network rail spend £3 to £4 million annually clearing buddleia

21
Q

Urban blight

A

The spread of land decay and deterioration in to rural areas caused by vandalism, pollution, pressure of tourism, and human activity

22
Q

What is plagioclimax

A

When a plant community is permanently influenced by people; It can’t reach climax because of, burning, grazing, deforestation et cetera

23
Q

Local nature reserve case study

A

Troopers Hill, St George, Bristol

Declared a lock nature reserve in 22nd June 1995

24
Q

Important habitat of ECA?

A

Rare acidic grassland recognised as Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Site
Lies on sandstone as opposed to the usual limestone
Encourages a wealth of plants exclusive to the area to grow

25
Q

Plants that thrive on acidic soil?

A 
Bell heather
Wax caps (fungi)
26
Q

Animals that thrive in ECA case study

A

Butterflies - holly blues, marbled white

Endangered mining bee (Nomad Guttulata) v rare

27
Q

Management?

A

Focused on enhancing the recreational use of the site as well as preserving its beauty, bio diversity, history and geology

28
Q

Community payback?

A

Convicted to do community service by cutting back Gorse etc. environmental maintenance

A levels (6 decks)

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