Impact of Climate Change - Topic 4 (Biodiversity), Element 2

Question 1

What is the projected global temperature increase by 2024 according to climate scientists?

Answer 1

+2.7°C

This projection has increased from the earlier estimates of +2.4°C at COP 26 in Glasgow.

Question 2

What is the aspiration for limiting global heating as agreed upon at COP 26?

Answer 2

+1.5°C

The agreement aimed to manage the increase at +2 degrees C, with an aspiration to limit it further.

Question 3

What is phenology?

Answer 3

The study of how climatic change impacts upon the seasons.

Question 4

How has the flowering time of plants in the UK changed over the past 20-30 years?

Answer 4

Plants are flowering weeks earlier than they did previously.

Question 5

What temperature thresholds can negatively impact pollination and fertilization in plants?

Answer 5

Daytime temperatures over 35°C and night-time temperatures above 25°C.

Question 6

What are some strategies to help plants struggling in high temperatures?

Answer 6

• Mulch
• Provide artificial shade
• Plant heat-resistant varieties
• Locate sensitive plants
• Attract pollinators by planting floriferous plants nearby
• Stop using pesticides

Question 7

What happens to plant transpiration rates as temperatures increase?

Answer 7

Transpiration rates increase.

Question 8

What is the optimum temperature range for most plants’ respiration and photosynthesis?

Answer 8

30 to 40°C.

Question 9

How does humidity affect the spread of pests and diseases?

Answer 9

Certain pests thrive in humid conditions; others prefer low humidity.

Question 10

What does a relative humidity (RH) level of 100% signify?

Answer 10

The air is fully saturated with water.

Question 11

What impact might climate change have on humidity levels in the UK?

Answer 11

Higher humidity outside the growing season, particularly wetter winters.

Question 12

What is the relationship between soil moisture and plant health?

Answer 12

Accessible soil moisture is vital for healthy plant growth.

Question 13

What is drought?

Answer 13

A lack of water in the soil for plants.

Question 14

Why does the RHS advise against watering established borders in the British Isles?

Answer 14

There is usually enough moisture in the soil to sustain most plant species.

Question 15

How does wind affect plants in terms of water loss?

Answer 15

Wind increases evaporation and reduces relative humidity around the leaves.

Question 16

What are the potential consequences of increased moisture rising from equatorial areas?

Answer 16

More damaging storms due to climate change.

Question 17

How can climate change alter the distribution of pests, diseases, and weeds?

Answer 17

Long-term temperature rise or increased moisture can encourage problem species to colonize or spread.

Question 18

What is the significance of the Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner moth (Cameraria ohridella) in the UK?

Answer 18

It threatens the vigor of the Aesculus (Horse Chestnut) species.

Question 19

What bacterial disease affects the Aesculus genus in the UK?

Answer 19

Horse Chestnut Bleeding Canker (Pseudomonas syringae pv. aesculi).

Question 20

What role does soil texture play in moisture retention?

Answer 20

It affects how water is accessed; sandy soils drain quickly, while clay-rich soils may become waterlogged.

Question 21

Fill in the blank: _______ is a solution to frequent waterlogging caused by extreme weather events.

Answer 21

Rain garden

Question 22

What is the main concern related to climate change in gardening?

Answer 22

The management of resources and plant choices for changing climates

Climate change affects the interrelationship between humans and the planet.

Question 23

What did Beth Chatto’s books ‘The Dry Garden’ and ‘The Gravel Garden’ focus on?

Answer 23

Educating gardeners on cultivating plants in very dry conditions with low rainfall

These books were published in 1978 and 2000 respectively.

Question 24

What are two garden styles that address climate change concerns?

Answer 24

• Wildlife garden
• Wildflower meadow style

Both styles are linked to biodiversity loss.

Question 25

Which garden design has become popular in the UK for being low maintenance and ecological?

Answer 25

Mediterranean garden design

It reflects concerns about climate change and resource friendliness.

Question 26

Name three drought-tolerant plants mentioned in the text.

Answer 26

• Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary)
• Phlomis russeliana
• Cistus albidus (rock rose)

These plants are adapted to Mediterranean conditions.

Question 27

What is a key characteristic of plants adapted to drought conditions?

Answer 27

Small and hairy leaves, light foliage

These adaptations help plants manage dry climates.

Question 28

What should gardeners consider for windy sites?

Answer 28

Select species and cultivars that cope with exposure to winds

Flexible stems are better than brittle stems in windy conditions.

Question 29

What is the hardiness rating indicative of?

Answer 29

A plant’s ability to survive low temperatures and resistance to wind

Ratings of 6 or 7 suggest suitability for upland or mountain zones.

Question 30

What is vernalisation?

Answer 30

The need for a period of low temperatures to induce flowering

It typically occurs close to freezing, between 0° and 7°C.

Question 31

How can gardeners make their gardens resilient to high temperatures?

Answer 31

Select plants that tolerate high temperatures and dry periods

Examples include Thymus vulgaris and Origanum vulgare.

Question 32

What impact does climate change have on pests and diseases in plants?

Answer 32

It enables the spread of new pests and diseases, especially in warm, moist conditions

Stressed plants are more vulnerable to infections.

Question 33

What is an example of a disease-resistant plant cultivar?

Answer 33

Tomato ‘Crimson Crush’

It claims to be ‘100% resistant’ to blight.

Question 34

What happens to native plants as non-natives thrive in warmer temperatures?

Answer 34

Natives are out-competed and may decline in numbers

Non-natives often flower earlier, gaining resources.

Question 35

What is a potential consequence of non-natives hybridising due to climate change?

Answer 35

The creation of fitter, stronger species

An example is Rhododendron ponticum, which threatens biodiversity.

Question 36

True or False: All gardeners should be cautious about the non-native plants they choose.

Answer 36

True

Non-natives can escape into the wider ecosystem and become invasive.