Forestry & Rangelands

Question 1

biodiversity in old growth forest

Answer 1

An old growth forest will have greater species richness as age distribution
within the forest will vary more; species within the forest will vary more and many organisms who rely on the
old growth tree stands will be found in that habitat. The old growth forest will be in the climax community
stage of succession which is a more stable environment;

Question 2

biodiversity in tree plantation

Answer 2

Remediated forests often have large stands of one

type of tree; all of the same age. They will be earlier in succession

Question 3

impact of forest fires in coniferous ecosystem

Answer 3

Many conifers are adapted to fires; their cones
open in the fires to distribute seeds for regrowth; fires burn underbrush and tree debris that decompose slowly
in the cooler environments of the Taiga which returns nutrients to the soil and enriches the seeds for optimal
growth

Question 4

explain how national forest land is managed by the US Forest service

Answer 4

National forests are used for forest products including commercial use of lumber, herbs,
fungi, fruits, nuts etc; removal of which is managed by government; manages region to conserve and restore
forests to be more resilient to climate change and enhance water resources

Question 5

explain how overgrazing can lead to desertification and a collapse of a grassland ecosystem

Answer 5

Overgrazing reduces grass cover, exposes soil to erosion and enhances invasion of
invasive species due to animals exceeding the carrying capacity of the grassland

Question 6

what methods are used to avoid overgrazing?

Answer 6

moderate levels can
stimulate regrowth and greater diversity so larger rangelands (like BLM lands) and moving livestock to give
grasses time to regenerate is the healthiest management strategy

Question 7

tragedy of the commons

Answer 7

When a resource, available to all, is exploited by individuals acting in their own self-interest, leading to that resources depletion.