Ecosystems- Deserts Flashcards
What is the name for all of the things in the desert being reliant on each other?
Interdependence
How are plants adapted to live in the desert?
- long root systems
- short life cycle
- spines to detect prey
- slower growing
- waxy coating leaves and stems
- leaves with hair
How do these adaptations help the plants survive?
- they reduce water loss
- stops animals eating them
How are animals adapted to live in the desert?
- large feet
- thick fur
- three layers of eyelashes
- large surface area
How does the adaptations help animals survive?
- helps them deal with temperature
- help with heat loss
- helps them deal with sand
Where are hot deserts located?
They are located around the equator at 30 degrees N and 30 degrees S. They are found in al continents bar Antarctica and Europe
What are the soils like in the desert?
Soils tend to be sandy or stony with little organic matter due to the lack of vegetation. They are also very salty due to high evaporation rates and tend to be very infertile
What is desertification?
Desertification is the process by which land becomes drier and degraded, as a result of climate change and/or human activities.
Outline the causes of desertification
PHYSICAL -climate change increases temperatures HUMAN -land is farmed more intensively taking nutrients out of the soil and removes natural vegetation -deforestation -animals are being grazed intensively
What are the 3 different strategies to reduce desertification?
Planting Acacia Trees
Using Stone Lines
Planting Pits
How does planting acacia trees help with desertification?
Planting these trees helps manage water by collecting the water to ensure plants are able to survive. It also helps manage soil as it prevents soil erosion and provides the nutrients needed in the soil. They are affordable to set up
How does using stone lines help with desertification?
It manages water as it slows down the flow of water as it acts as a semi permeable membrane meaning there are more water for crops. It also helps the soil as the water will not wash away nutrients or encourage leeching. Low cost
How does planting pits help with desertification?
They are dug by hand. They help manage water as it captures any water run off, helping hold any water around plants. It also helps with soil as it encourages rich sediment and helps form compost. Sustainable
What is appropriate technology?
Appropriate for people, its affordable, place and its sustainable (PAPS)
What is the definition of biodiversity?
The variety of life in a particular habitat
