Ecosystems Flashcards
What is a climax community?
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
What is a sub climax?
When vegetation is prevented from reaching its climax due to interruptions by local factors eg soils
What is a sere?
Stage in the sequence of colonisation by which the vegetation developed over a period of time
What four factors are required to build a dune system?
Plentiful supply of sediment, strong winds, an obstacle and a pioneer species (cooch grass)
Name the stages of Dune system
Embryo Dune, fore dune, semifixed dune, fixed dune, dune slack, climax community
Plants you would find in the embryo dune?
Sea couch, saltwort, sea rocket
What is a xerophyte?
Something that can withstand dryness
What is a halophyte?
Something that can withstand salty conditions
What type of plants would you find in the semi fixed dunes?
Red fescue, creeping willow
What plants would you find in the dune slacks?
Flag iris, bog cotton
Name some arresting factors found in psammoseral succession
Afforestation, levelling for industrial development, pollution from agriculture, interception of longshore drift, human recreational activity
Temperate deciduous woodland case study
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
Name the five layers of tropical equatorial rainforest or a tropical biome
Ground vegetation, shrub layer, under canopy, canopy, emergent
Why are tropical rainforests highly productive systems?
Hi temperatures throughout the year, high rainfall, dense vegetation allowing for higher rates of photosynthesis, efficient and fast recycling of nutrients
The Amazon rainforest facts
Produces 20% of the earths oxygen
2.5 million species of insects
Home to 30% of species on the planet
Plant adaptations to live in the rainforest
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
Causes of deforestation
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
What is an urban niche?
A small-scale area with in an urban location where conditions are favourable for certain species to thrive - eg moss
Japanese knotweed
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
Buddleia
One plan to create 1000 offspring
Colonises upon ballast as similar to Chinese Alps
Network rail spend £3 to £4 million annually clearing buddleia
Urban blight
The spread of land decay and deterioration in to rural areas caused by vandalism, pollution, pressure of tourism, and human activity
What is plagioclimax
When a plant community is permanently influenced by people; It can’t reach climax because of, burning, grazing, deforestation et cetera
Local nature reserve case study
Troopers Hill, St George, Bristol
Declared a lock nature reserve in 22nd June 1995
Important habitat of ECA?
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
Plants that thrive on acidic soil?
Bell heather Wax caps (fungi)
Animals that thrive in ECA case study
Butterflies - holly blues, marbled white
Endangered mining bee (Nomad Guttulata) v rare
Management?
Focused on enhancing the recreational use of the site as well as preserving its beauty, bio diversity, history and geology
Community payback?
Convicted to do community service by cutting back Gorse etc. environmental maintenance
