ecosystems and biodiversity Flashcards
1
Q
What is the distribution of the tropical rainforest biome?
A
Found near the Equator in Central and South America, parts of Africa and Asia. Tropical rainforests are hot and humid and contain a huge variety of plants and animals - around half of all the world’s species.
2
Q
What are the climate characteristics of tropical rainforest?
A
Hot all year round (27-30°C). Wet all year (average annual precipitation of 2,000-3,000mm).
3
Q
What is the distinctive vegetation of tropical rainforest?
A
A huge variety of broad-leaved deciduous plants. Trees dominate, with other plants competing for light.
4
Q
What is the distribution of the tropical grassland biome?
A
Tropical grasslands are found in central Africa (Kenya, Zambia, Tanzania), northern Australia and central South America (Venezuela and Brazil).
5
Q
What are the climate characteristics of tropical grassland?
A
Hot all year (25-35°C). 500-1,000mm of rain each year, but always with a dry season.
6
Q
What is the distinctive vegetation of tropical grassland?
A
Tall grasses with scattered, drought-adapted trees and shrubs.
7
Q
What is the distribution of the desert biome?
A
Desert is the driest and hottest of the biomes. It is found close to the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. The world’s largest desert is the Sahara in North Africa.
8
Q
What are the climate characteristics of desert?
A
Very hot all year (above 30°C). Very low rainfall (less than 250mm annual average).
9
Q
What is the distinctive vegetation of desert?
A
Plants have water-storing features (such as swollen trunks), spines instead of leaves and extensive root systems.
10
Q
What is the distribution of the temperate grassland biome?
A
Temperate grasslands include the Puszta in Hungary, the Veldt in South Africa, the Pampas in Argentina and the Prairies in the USA.
11
Q
What are the climate characteristics of temperate grassland?
A
Hot in summer (25°C) and very cold in winter (as low as -40°C). 500-900mm of rainfall a year, mostly in late spring and summer.
12
Q
What is the distinctive vegetation of temperate grassland?
A
Grasslands with very few trees or shrubs.
13
Q
What is the distribution of the temperate forest biome?
A
Temperate forests are found across Europe (including the UK) and the USA.
14
Q
What are the climate characteristics of temperate forest?
A
Warm summers (around 18°C) and cool winters (around 5°C). Precipitation all year round (1,000mm).
15
Q
What is the distinctive vegetation of temperate forest?
A
Deciduous trees which drop their leaves in autumn e.g. oak, beech and ash.
16
Q
What is the distribution of the boreal forest biome?
A
Boreal forest is found in Scandinavia, Russia and Canada.
17
Q
What are the climate characteristics of boreal forest?
A
Warm summers (16-30°C) and very cold winters (well below 0°C). Low precipitation (less than 500mm), mainly in summer.
18
Q
What is the distinctive vegetation of boreal forest?
A
Coniferous trees with needles instead of leaves to survive the cold and reduce water loss.
19
Q
What is the distribution of the tundra biome?
A
Tundra surrounds the North and South Poles.
20
Q
What are the climate characteristics of tundra?
A
Temperatures below 0°C for most of the year and only reaching 10°C in summer. Low precipitation (often less than 250mm).
21
Q
What is the distinctive vegetation of tundra?
A
Very few plants can live here, mostly lichens and mosses. Trees are rare and stunted (i.e. they are short in height).
22
Q
How do global temperature variations affect the location and characteristics of large-scale ecosystems?
A
Temperatures are lower at higher latitudes (nearer the Poles), so boreal forest is much colder than tropical rainforests. Growing seasons are longer in lower latitudes (near the Equator).
23
Q
How do global precipitation patterns affect the location and characteristics of large-scale ecosystems?
A
The global circulation system influences precipitation. Desert and tundra areas have low precipitation levels due to descending dry air. The high temperatures at the Equator cause air to rise. It cools and the moisture condenses causing rain.
24
Q
How does the amount of solar radiation received by different parts of the Earth affect large ecosystems?
A
Dispersed solar radiation at the Poles mean less warmth and less sunlight for plants to carry out photosynthesis. The opposite is true near to the Equator where solar radiation is concentrated.
25
How do local factors such as rock and soil type affect the distribution of large-scale ecosystems?
Local differences can lead to different vegetation in the same ecosystem e.g. poor, sandy soils lead to shorter grasses than areas with deep, fertile soils.
26
How does a local factor such as altitude affect the distribution of large-scale ecosystems?
This can lead to different plants growing within the same ecosystem. The higher the altitude, the lower the temperature. At low altitudes, lowland rainforests and mangroves grow; at 1,200m moist cloud forest occurs.
27
How do humans affect the distribution of large-scale ecosystems?
Centuries of human activity (urbanisation, agriculture, forestry and industry) have altered the local characteristics of large-scale ecosystems.
28
How does the biosphere provide food for people?
Natural vegetation can be replaced by crops such as wheat and rice. People gather fruit, berries and nuts. Fish and meat comes from the biosphere.
29
How does the biosphere provide medicine for people?
Poppies (morphine) treat pain. The aloe plant soothes skin conditions. Vitamin C (found in citrus fruit) is vital for good health. Lichens can be used to stop blood loss from cuts.
30
How does the biosphere provide building materials for people to use?
Straw can be used for roofing and insulation. Timber is used in the construction of a range of buildings. Animal dung mixed with clay and straw can be used to make bricks.
31
How does the biosphere provide fuel resources for people?
Animal dung can be dried and burnt. Trees and shrubs can be burnt. Fermenting crops such as sugar cane can produce bioethanol.
32
How have modern technologies increased commercial exploitation of the biosphere for energy production?
Commercial production of biofuels means huge areas of land are no longer farmed for food crops and local species may suffer e.g. orang-utans in Malaysia are declining because of the increased number of palm oil plantations.
33
How have modern technologies increased commercial exploitation of the biosphere for water supply?
Increased demand for water (from urbanisation, agriculture and industry) means there is less water in the biosphere for other areas e.g. the Hamoun wetlands in Iran have dried up because of water exploitation in neighbouring Afghanistan.
34
What has been the impact on the biosphere of the increasing demand for mineral resources e.g. coal?
Increasing demand for minerals has a major impact. Open-cast mining causes widespread habitat destruction.
35
What is the nutrient cycle?
The transfer of nutrients between stores in an ecosystem (soil, litter and biomass).
36
What are the three basic stores of Gersmehl's model of the ecosystem?
The soil, litter (leaves and debris lying on top of the soil) and biomass (living plants and animals) stores.
37
What are the biotic components of an ecosystem?
The living parts of an ecosystem e.g. plants and animals.
38
What are the abiotic components of an ecosystem?
The non-living parts of an ecosystem e.g. light, water, temperature and soil.
39
What is the distribution of moorland in the UK?
Upland areas that are too high to be used for crops. The largest area is in Scotland.
40
What are the characteristics of moorland ecosystems?
Rough grasslands and peat bogs. Low growing plants.
41
What are the distinctive plants and animals associated with moorlands?
Heather often dominates. Rare birds and game birds (e.g. grouse) are often found here.
42
What is the distribution of heathland in the UK?
Now only found in small, isolated areas. Located in lowland areas of the UK such as Hampshire and Dorset in the South of England.
43
What are the characteristics of heathland ecosystems?
Some sites are dry and sandy while others are marshy.
44
What are the distinctive plants and animals associated with heathlands?
Heather, gorse and rough grassland. Many rare species are also found here e.g. sand lizards.
45
What is the distribution of woodland in the UK?
Only 12% of the UK land area is woodland. Some is deciduous while other areas are coniferous. Large woodlands are found in Kielder Forest in NE England and the New Forest in Hampshire.
46
What are the characteristics of woodland ecosystems?
5% of woodland is ancient forest while 80% is less than 100 years old. Many coniferous plantations have been planted as monocultures.
47
What are the distinctive plants and animals associated with woodlands?
Deciduous woodland contains species such as oak and ash. Coniferous woodland contains species such as pine and fir.
48
What is the distribution of wetland in the UK?
The main areas are located in Scotland and East Anglia. Only a small amount of this ecosystem is left in the UK because much of this land has been drained to grow crops.
49
What are the characteristics of wetland ecosystems?
They have water-logged soils which are low in nutrients.
50
What are the distinctive plants and animals associated with wetlands?
Plants such as sedges and bog mosses grow. Wading birds, including curlews and bitterns, are found here.
51
What are inshore marine habitats?
These are found close to the shore and to coastal margins. They are important for recreation and tourism.
52
What are offshore marine habitats?
They are found away from the shoreline. They are important for commercial fishing and energy (wind) production. They play a vital role in buffering the impacts of climate change.
53
How do marine ecosystems support tourism in the UK?
An estimated 250 million people visit the UK coast each year. Tourism generates £3 billion for the UK economy and employs 200,000 people.
54
Why are marine ecosystems important for the fishing industry in the UK?
The UK has the 7th largest fishing fleet in the UK. Fishing employs 26,000 people (working on the fleet and in processing activities).
55
How do marine ecosystems provide energy (oil) resources for the UK?
The UK has 24 billion barrels of oil reserves in the North Sea. This is enough for another 30 years of production. The industry employs 450,000 people.
56
How do marine ecosystems provide energy (wind) for the UK?
Wind energy is helping to reduce the UK's dependence on fossil fuels. The London Array in the Thames Estuary is the biggest wind farm in the world. It has 175 turbines.
57
How is overfishing damaging the UK's marine ecosystems?
Large fishing vessels are very efficient at catching fish. In 2011 there was a collapse in cod stocks in the North Sea. This had an impact on the wider ecosystem and damaged the food chain.
58
How is eutrophication damaging the UK's marine ecosystems?
This occurs when fertilisers used on farmland are washed into the sea. It causes extensive plant growth which absorbs oxygen from the water and damages other organisms.
59
How is the construction of deep ports and navigation channels damaging the UK's marine ecosystems?
Increased global trade has resulted in increased construction of these facilities. This damages important plant and wildlife habitats such as salt marshes.
60
How is development of the coastline damaging the UK's marine ecosystems?
Building marinas and recreation facilities often involves the removal of valuable coastal ecosystems such as salt marshes.
61
How is the construction of large off-shore windfarms damaging the UK's marine ecosystems?
This can interfere with bird migration routes and the noise that the turbines make can disturb animals which rely on sound, such as dolphins.
62
How might climate change damage the UK's marine ecosystems?
This may allow new species to move into areas. This may alter the food webs in these places.
63
Describe the plant and animal characteristics of tropical rainforest ecosystems.
TRF is deciduous, but different species lose their leaves at different times as there is a hot, wet climate all year round. The rainforest has 5 distinct layers, creating a range of wildlife habitats. It is the most productive and biodiverse ecosystem on Earth.
64
Describe the abiotic characteristics of tropical rainforest ecosystems.
The warm temperatures and moist conditions cause chemical weathering of the bedrock, but the minerals do not reach the surface as TRF soils are 30-40m deep. The constant rainfall leads to leaching, so TRF soils are low in nutrients.
65
How have indigenous tribes affected tropical rainforest ecosystems?
Indigenous people hunt animals for food, carry out small-scale farming (often using a 'slash and burn' approach) and spread the seeds of plants when they eat fruit and nuts.
66
What are the characteristics of the tropical rainforest nutrient cycle?
Nutrients are transferred quickly between the biomass, litter and soil stores. Decomposition of dead matter occurs rapidly due to the warm, wet conditions and the plants quickly take up the nutrients. This makes the biomass store the largest.
67
Why is tropical rainforest the most biodiverse ecosystem on Earth?
TRF is believed to be the oldest ecosystem on Earth, so species have been evolving for a long time. Rainforests offer optimum conditions for plant growth which then supports very high animal biodiversity.
68
How does stratification allow plants to take advantage of tropical rainforest conditions?
Emergents grow above the main canopy to gain light for photosynthesis. Plants in the main canopy have large, broad leaves with drip-tips to cope with the extreme humidity. Lianas climb tree trunks to reach the light.
69
How do buttress roots allow plants to take advantage of tropical rainforest conditions?
Nutrients are concentrated in the top level of the soil, so rainforest trees only need shallow roots. Buttress structures have evolved to keep the tall, slender trunks anchored upright.
70
How do drip-tips allow plants to thrive in tropical rainforest conditions?
Plants in the main canopy have large, broad leaves with drip-tips to cope with the extreme humidity. This stops moss and algae growing which would prevent light reaching the leaf surface. It also stops the leaves from rotting.
71
How does having strong limbs allow birds and animals to adapt to tropical rainforest environments?
Harpy eagles use their powerful legs to grab lemurs, frogs, snakes and birds. Lemurs and sloths have strong gripping hands and feet to allow them to move carefully from tree to tree.
72
How do modified wings and beaks allow birds to take advantage of tropical rainforest conditions?
Madagascan serpent eagles fly through the canopy using their strong wings which are adapted for fast manoeuvring. They can spot prey with their extremely good eyesight and tear the flesh with their sharp beaks.
73
How do animals use camouflage to allow them to thrive in tropical rainforest environments?
Insects mimic leaves and sticks. Birds use colouration and barring (stripes) to make them hard to see. Some chameleons can change the colour of their skin to fit in with their surroundings.
74
How does the tropical rainforest ecosystem provide food goods (meat, fruit and crops)?
The TRF provides meat, fruit and nuts for indigenous people. Small areas of rainforest may also be cleared to grow crops such as maize and rice.
75
How does the tropical rainforest ecosystem provide medicine goods?
More than 7,000 drugs have their origins in TRF plant and animal products. The Madagascan rosy periwinkle is the basis for a drug used to treat childhood leukaemia.
76
How does the tropical rainforest ecosystem provide timber goods?
Hardwood timber such as ebony and rosewood has properties which are invaluable for furniture making. Timber is also used for construction and wood as a fuel.
77
How does the tropical rainforest ecosystem provide services such as tourism, recreation and inspiration?
The incredible TRF ecosystem is a popular tourist attraction. Activities include nature walks, river boat rides and visits to waterfalls. This provides an important source of revenue.
78
What role does the tropical rainforest ecosystem play in storing carbon?
Plants store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere when they photosynthesise. Each year the Amazon rainforest soaks up 2 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide. This is important for buffering the effects of climate change.
79
Why are tropical rainforests called the 'lungs of the world'?
The huge amount of plant life in rainforests produces oxygen and stores carbon dioxide during photosynthesis.
80
How might climate change alter the structure of tropical rainforests?
Seasonal tropical forest will develop if the dry season lasts for several months. Trees will drop their leaves to avoid water loss. A thick underbrush will develop. Trees will grow deeper roots and develop swollen trunks. The biomass store will be smaller.
81
How might climate change affect the functioning of tropical rainforests?
Surface runoff may increase because there is less vegetation to intercept rainfall. More sediment will be carried into rivers. Transpiration will reduce, impacting on rainfall. 'Cloud stripping' will be reduced, affecting rainfall. Less CO2 will be absorbed.
82
How might climate change impact the biodiversity of tropical rainforest?
Less rainfall may threaten the survival of plant and animal species. It could lead to the invasion of non-TRF species that are more tolerant to the new conditions. Pests and diseases might spread which TRF species are not adapted to.
83
How does agriculture lead to deforestation in tropical rainforest areas?
Palm oil is in increasing demand as an ingredient in foods, cosmetics and as a biofuel. Deforestation occurs to create large plantations. Cattle ranching needs vast areas of land. It is the biggest cause of deforestation in the Amazon.
84
How do logging and mineral extraction lead to deforestation in tropical rainforest areas?
Commercial and illegal logging occurs to meet the high demand for timber in the western world. The rising demand and rising prices for minerals e.g. iron ore has led to large open-cast mines. Roads have been built to transport these resources.
85
How do social factors such as rapid population growth cause deforestation in tropical rainforest areas?
Madagascar's population has increased from 4 million in 1950 to 20.7 million in 2010 (due to the programme of inoculations and better healthcare). There has been a rapid rise in demand for housing and food production which has led to deforestation.
86
How have political factors contributed towards sustainable management of Madagascar's tropical rainforest?
Most rainforest is owned by the government. It has set up schemes for communities to manage their own resources sustainably. One successful project is Association Mitsinjo. It promotes ecotourism, tree planting and the System of Rice Intensification.
87
How have economic factors contributed towards sustainable management of the rainforest?
In parts of the Amazon, 'reduced impact logging' can be more profitable (12%) than 'clear all' methods. Selected mature trees are felled. Seed trees are left. There is less fragmentation and quicker regeneration of the rainforest.
88
How has ecotourism contributed towards sustainable management of the rainforest?
Visitor centres are constructed. These educate local people and tourists about the importance of conserving the area. Ecotourism also provides an alternative form of employment that does not involve removing trees e.g. people work as guides.
89
What are the plant and animal characteristics (such as dominant tree species) of deciduous woodlands?
Deciduous trees such as oak, beech and ash drop their leaves in autumn to reduce water loss. Trees spread their branches for greater access to sunlight. Plants have broad, thin leaves and deep rooting systems. Species in the herb layer flower early.
90
Describe the abiotic characteristics of deciduous woodlands.
The ecosystem is not as old as TRF so soils are not as deep. The thick layer of leaf fall each year creates deep, fertile soil and reduces runoff. There is less leaching, so fewer nutrients are lost. Deep roots break up the bedrock releasing minerals.
91
How has human activity (such as grazing livestock) affected deciduous woodlands?
Humans and their livestock have impacted on these woodlands for at least 1,000 years. In the New Forest, verderers keep 3,000 ponies and pigs. They graze selectively which means that the herb layer is not as dense as it would otherwise be.
92
What are the characteristics of the deciduous woodland's nutrient cycle?
The biomass store is smaller than in TRF because optimum conditions for plant growth do not occur all year round. The soil and biomass stores are similar in size, as nutrients from the litter store are not recycled during the cold winter months.
93
Why is deciduous woodland only a moderately diverse ecosystem?
There is less food production in winter because of low temperatures. The ecosystem is found in small areas, so there is les space for plant and animal species. Distance from the Equator means lower temperatures and light levels which limits photosynthesis.
94
How do deciduous woodlands support biodiversity?
They have rainfall all year round and four distinct seasons. This leads to different adaptations by species. The ecosystem's four layers create a range of habitats for a diverse range of wildlife.
95
How does leaf size and structure allow plants to take advantage of deciduous woodland conditions?
Large, broad leaves on spreading branches maximise the amount of solar energy that plants can access. They do not need a waxy coating as excess water loss in summer is not a problem.
96
How do plants conserve water in winter in deciduous woodlands?
A seal forms between the leaf and the twig. This causes the leaf to die and fall off. This reduces water loss during the winter months.
97
How does migration allow animals and birds to adapt to deciduous woodland conditions?
Many bird species move south to warmer winter conditions. The swallow leaves the UK in September and spends the winter in Central Africa.
98
How does hibernation allow animals and insects to adapt to deciduous woodland environments?
Some animals spend the winter in a deep sleep during which their metabolic rate drops very low. This means they only need a little energy to survive. Examples include hedgehogs, grass snakes and bumblebees.
99
How do animals and birds use food storage as a means of surviving in deciduous woodlands?
Some squirrels store food (nuts) in piles on the forest floor. Others bury their nuts to hide them from other nut-eaters. They do not always remember where they have stored their nuts, however, which allows some acorns to germinate.
100
How does the deciduous woodland ecosystem provide goods such as timber?
The UK produced 13 million tonnes of timber in 2014. Timber is used to construct a range of buildings. Most of the wood comes from coniferous woodland as softwood trees grow quickly. Only 500,000 tonnes of timber are hardwood.
101
How does the deciduous woodland ecosystem provide goods such as fuel?
Air-dried fuel wood is used in wood-burning stoves and charcoal for barbecues. Some UK power stations are being converted to burn biomass such as wood pellets.
102
How does the deciduous woodland ecosystem provide services such as recreation and conservation?
Deciduous woodlands are a very popular location for cycling, horse-riding, dog-walking and nature walks. The New Forest has 15 million visitors each year.
103
What role does the deciduous woodland ecosystem play in capturing carbon?
Deciduous woodlands capture and store carbon during photosynthesis. The UK's woodland takes in 1 million tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere each year.
104
How might climate change alter the structure of deciduous woodland?
Climate change may increase the risk of forest fires. Deciduous woodland is not adapted to fire, but other species are. Milder winters might not trigger key processes such as germination. Pests and diseases may survive through the milder winters.
105
How might climate change affect the functioning of deciduous woodland?
Increased periods of drought could threaten the survival of deciduous woodlands species. This could impact on their ability to capture and store carbon and release water vapour into the atmosphere through evapo-transpiration.
106
How might climate change impact the biodiversity of deciduous woodland?
Milder winters could mean pests and diseases survive which could threaten some species. Milder winters may not trigger key processes such as seed germination. New species, better adapted to the warmer, drier conditions, may dominate.
107
How do economic activities lead to deforestation in deciduous woodland areas?
After WW1, the government encouraged the planting of conifers (cheap and quick to grow) to provide timber for construction and wood for fuel. Nowadays, woodland is rarely cleared for farming, but pesticides may damage the edges of woodland.
108
How do social factors such as urbanisation and population growth cause deforestation in deciduous woodland areas?
The UK's population has increased rapidly in recent years (rising birth rate, falling death rate and immigration). 240,000 new houses are needed each year to meet demand. Increased car ownership has led to a programme of road-building.
109
How is sustainable management of the New Forest being encouraged?
Conifers are replaced with deciduous species. Pesticides/herbicides are used sparingly. Foresters carry out work during the winter months. The Forestry Commission manages half the forest, running courses for land owners and volunteers.
110
How is sustainable use of this area of the New Forest being encouraged?
Car parks, footpaths and cycle routes control visitor movements. The New Forest tour bus is a sustainable transport scheme. The Green Leaf/Forest Marque schemes promote the use of local products. Grants are available for landowners.
