Forests under threat Flashcards
What are the characteristics of a tropical rainforest?
Very high rainfall
High temperatures 26-27 degrees Celsius
Name all the layers in a tropical rainforest
Forest floor
Understory
canopy
Emergent layer
What adaptations do plants have
-Buttress roots have large roots above ground for stability and to trap dead organisms for nutrients
-Leaves have drip tips which allows rain to flow off the leaf and into the soil
What adaptations do animals have
-Many animals have been adapted to the threat of being eaten by developing poisons or carrying venoms
-Animals have special adaptations which enable them to live on trees
-Camoflouge
What does interdependence mean
The idea that all abiotic and biotic factors interact with each other and are linked in some way.
give examples of interference in a forest
-Plants have adapted to the nutrient poor soils by growing shallow roots, optimising nutrient intake
-humans can grow and hunt food in the rainforest. Humans can also gather medicine from trees
What are the characteristics of the Taiga biome
-Cold
-long winters
-covers a huge are of earth.
-located near high latitudes 50-70
Describe taigas productivity
The taiga is a biome with a very low productivity rate due to low temperatures, frozen grounds and dry weather
Describe the biodiversity of the Taiga biome
There is a low biodiversity as:
-There is low productivity which leads to reduced food supplies in winter, only a few animals survive
-Only high adapted plants can survive, which only certain herbivores can eat having a knock on effect on the animals
-Many animals migrate in winter to warmer areas removing chains on the food web
What does productivity mean
How much new plants and animal growth there is in a given time
Explain the plant adaptations in the Taiga
-Trees are cone shaped which allows snow to slide on the leaves, rather than collect and weigh down the trees
-Some tree branches are flexible which allow snow to fall off when the branch bends
Roots are wide but shallow, stopping them from reaching the frozen subsoil below while supporting the tree.
Explain the animal adaptations in the Taiga
-Many birds migrate to the south to avoid the harsh winters
-Many animals such as bears hibernate during winter to avoid the harsh conditions
Animals have thick fur and large feet to protect them from the snow
Describe the Taiga’s nutrient cycle
The nutrient cycle is very slow due to the climate
Why does the Taiga have a less active nutrient cycle
-A small biomass store due to the limited vegetation, limited growth and low biodiversity especially in winter
-Soil nutrient is deprived as decay is limited
What are the causes of deforestation
Subsistence farming
Commercial farming
Fuel wood
Logging
bio fuels
Mineral extraction
energy development
Hydro electric power
Explain subsistence farming as a cause of de-forestation
When farmers grow crops just enough for their families to eat, and not to sell for profit:
these farmers usually make space by cutting down trees resulting in infertile soil
Explain commercial farming as a cause of de-forestation
Commercial farming is agriculture with intention of making profit from the produce.
many businesses clear land for palm oil plantations
Explain fuel wood as a cause of de-forestation
When other sources of energy isn’t available people use wood as fuel. This results in a great number of trees being cut down
