Impact of Climate Change - Topic 4 (Biodiversity), Element 2 Flashcards
What is the projected global temperature increase by 2024 according to climate scientists?
+2.7°C
This projection has increased from the earlier estimates of +2.4°C at COP 26 in Glasgow.
What is the aspiration for limiting global heating as agreed upon at COP 26?
+1.5°C
The agreement aimed to manage the increase at +2 degrees C, with an aspiration to limit it further.
What is phenology?
The study of how climatic change impacts upon the seasons.
How has the flowering time of plants in the UK changed over the past 20-30 years?
Plants are flowering weeks earlier than they did previously.
What are some strategies gardeners can implement to help plants struggling in high temperatures?
- Mulch
- Provide artificial shade
- Plant heat-resistant varieties
- Locate sensitive plants
- Attract pollinators by planting floriferous plants nearby
- Stop using pesticides
What happens to plant transpiration rates as temperatures increase?
Transpiration rates increase.
What is the optimum temperature range for most plants’ respiration and photosynthesis?
30 to 40°C.
How does humidity affect the spread of pests and diseases?
Certain pests thrive in humid conditions; others prefer low humidity.
What impact might climate change have on humidity levels in the UK?
Higher humidity outside the growing season, particularly wetter winters.
How does wind affect plants in terms of water loss?
Wind increases evaporation and reduces relative humidity around the leaves.
What are the potential consequences of increased moisture rising from equatorial areas?
More damaging storms due to climate change.
How can climate change alter the distribution of pests, diseases, and weeds?
Long-term temperature rise or increased moisture can encourage problem species to colonize or spread.
What is one pest of trees?
Cameraria ohridella, Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner moth, It threatens the vigor of the Aesculus (Horse Chestnut) species.
What is one bacterial disease affects trees in the UK?
Horse Chestnut Bleeding Canker (Pseudomonas syringae pv. aesculi). affects Aesculus (horse chestnut)
What role does soil texture play in moisture retention?
It affects how water is accessed; sandy soils drain quickly, while clay-rich soils may become waterlogged.
Fill in the blank: _______ is a solution to frequent waterlogging caused by extreme weather events.
A Rain garden
What did Beth Chatto’s books ‘The Dry Garden’ and ‘The Gravel Garden’ focus on?
Right plant, right place. Educating gardeners on cultivating plants in very dry conditions with low rainfall
These books were published in 1978 and 2000 respectively.
What are two garden styles that address climate change concerns?
- Wildlife garden
- Wildflower meadow style
Both styles are linked to biodiversity loss.
Name a garden design style that has become popular in the UK for being low maintenance and ecological
Mediterranean garden design
It reflects concerns about climate change and resource friendliness.
Name three drought-tolerant plants mentioned in the text.
- Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary)
- Phlomis russeliana
- Cistus albidus (rock rose)
These plants are adapted to Mediterranean conditions.
What is a key characteristic of plants adapted to drought conditions?
Small and hairy leaves, light foliage
These adaptations help plants manage dry climates.
What is the hardiness rating indicative of?
A plant’s ability to survive low temperatures and resistance to wind
Ratings of 6 or 7 suggest suitability for upland or mountain zones.
What is vernalisation?
The need for a period of low temperatures to induce flowering
It typically occurs close to freezing, between 0° and 7°C.
How can gardeners make their gardens resilient to high temperatures?
Select plants that tolerate high temperatures and dry periods
Examples include Thymus vulgaris and Origanum vulgare.
What impact does climate change have on pests and diseases in plants?
It enables the spread of new pests and diseases, especially in warm, moist conditions
Stressed plants are more vulnerable to infections.
What happens to native plants as non-natives thrive in warmer temperatures?
Natives are out-competed and may decline in numbers
Non-natives often flower earlier, gaining resources.
What is a potential consequence of non-natives hybridising due to climate change?
The creation of fitter, stronger species
An example is Rhododendron ponticum, which threatens biodiversity.
True or False: All gardeners should be cautious about the non-native plants they choose.
True
Non-natives can escape into the wider ecosystem and become invasive.
