Ecosystems - The Epping Forest Ecosystem, UK

Question 1

Location:

Answer 1

East and North of London.

Question 2

What is it the remains of?

Answer 2

A larger forest that colonised England at the end of the last Ice Age.

Question 3

Bogs and ponds have their own unique species, including __ types of dragonfly:

Answer 3

20

Question 4

For 1000 years, in what ways has Epping Forest been managed?

Answer 4

• Hunting grounds for royalty
• Timber resource
• Recreation (more recently)

Question 5

Examples of native tree species:

Answer 5

Oak, Elm, Beech, and Ash

Question 6

Lower shrub layer:

Answer 6

Holly and hazel, 5 metres

Question 7

Field layer:

Answer 7

Grasses, brambles, bracken, fern, flowering plants.

Question 8

How many species of moss and lichen grow in the field layer?

Answer 8

177 species

Question 9

Number of bird species:

Answer 9

38

Question 10

Number of amphibian and reptile species:

Answer 10

9

Question 11

What is special about the producers in Epping Forest?

Answer 11

Great diversity of producer species.

Question 12

Number of fungi species:

Answer 12

700

Question 13

Explain the interdependence in Epping Forest (excluding humans):

Answer 13

• Deciduous trees lose leaves in Winter (to conserve energy and heat), causing a layer of leaf litter to build up.
• Decomposers and detritivores break this litter down, returning nutrients to the soil in the form of humus.
• The humus supports the growth of more plants, which will then support consumers.

Question 14

Explain the interdependence between Epping Forest and humans:

Answer 14

Visitors pick berries and flowers - this helps to spread seeds that stick to their clothing.

Question 15

Explain the large biomass store:

Answer 15

• Great height of the trees
• Dense undergrowth beneath them

Question 16

Explain the large soil store:

Answer 16

Always a lot of humus in the soil

Question 17

Explain the high flow rates:

Answer 17

There are high flow rates between the litter, soil, and biomass stores - this reflects the vigorous cycle of new growth that occurs every year.

Question 18

Nutrient losses:

Answer 18

Most loss occurs through leaching, during periods of heavy rainfall.