Lecture Quiz (Based on Weeks 1 & 2) Flashcards
What is a forest?
A tree-dominated area with a fairly continuous canopy.
Define “populations” in the context of a forest.
Multiple individuals of the same species, living in the same area, interbreeding.
Define “communities” in the context of a forest.
Multiple populations living together.
Define “ecosystems”.
The living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) things in an area.
Define “biomes” and “biosphere”
Biomes: regions with similar climate and biota.
Biosphere: region of Earth where life can exist and grow.
Why do we have different ecosystems?
Ecosystems are largely shaped by energy (sunlight), temperature and precipitation, which are all different depending on where on the Earth you are.
Why is the equator warmer than the poles?
The sun’s rays are more directly pointing at the equator rather than the poles.
Name the 8 terrestrial biomes.
Tundra, taiga, temperate forests, temperate rainforests, shrubland/scrub, prairie, tropical rainforest, desert.
What are some key characteristics of the tundra?
- The coldest biome.
- Treeless expanse
- Permafrost.
- Low precipitation.
Why can’t trees grow far in the north?
The lack of summer warmth— photosynthesis can only happen if plant tissue is warm enough.
What are some key characteristics of the taiga/boreal forest?
- Large expanse of coniferous trees (pines, spruce, etc.)
- Covers huge amount of Earth (~11.5%).
- Low productivity/low diversity of plants and vertebrates.
- Many insectivorous birds migrate to and nest here.
- Extreme climate.
- Acidic soil and low nutrients.
How do evergreens keep their needles all year?
Leaves can be damaged by freezing, but they have a special, sticky, thick, resinous sap that doesn’t freeze.
What are some reasons that conifers dominate the taiga?
- Short growing season, they photosynthesize whenever weather is warm enough.
- Conical shape, promotes shedding of snow and prevents loss of branches.
- Dark colour, helps foliage absorb maximum heat.
- Narrowness of needles reduce surface area through which water may be lost.
What are some key characteristics of the temperate forests?
- Grows throughout temperate latitudes and almost anywhere there is sufficient water during summer to support large trees.
- These places have all 4 seasons.
- 30-60” of rain per year.
- Broadleaf trees (oaks, maples, beeches), shrubs, perennial herbs and mosses.
What are some key characteristics of temperate rainforests?
- Known for mild temperatures and abundant precipitation.
- Dominated by evergreen forests.
- Warmer conditions due to nearby warm ocean currents (winds move east).
- Supports low species diversity.
- In NA, these forests are dominated by coastal redwoods.
What are some key characteristics of the shrubland/scrubs?
- Found in the Mediterranean, California, Chile, South Africa and Australia.
- Generally located on the western edges of continents between latitude 30° and 40°.
- Western winds cause wet winters, and summer winds from lower latitudes cause dry summers.
- Accounts for 20% of plant diversity but only covers 2% of the Earth.
- Very dense and bushy.
What are some key characteristics of the Prairies?
- Hot, dry summers and cold winters.
- Dominated by grasses, non-woody flowering plants and drought-adapted shrubs.
- Not enough precipitation to support trees.
- Tallgrass prairies that occur when rainfall is high, shortgrass prairies that occur when rainfall is low.
What are some key characteristics of tropical rainforests?
- Warm and rainy (2000mm+ yearly).
- Multiple layers of lush vegetation.
- Canopy of 30-40m trees with an understory of smaller trees, shrubs, vines, etc.
- Species diversity higher than anywhere in the world.
What are some key characteristics of deserts?
- Hot temperatures.
- Scare rainfall and vegetation.
- Long growing season.
- Soils are shallow, devoid of organic material and have neutral pH levels.
- Moisture supports growth of succulents, cacti, shrubs and small trees.
- Very little precipitation (<250mm yearly)
-Covers 1/3 of the Earth.
What are some factors scientists look at when classifying a desert?
- Annual temperature (hot vs. cold deserts).
- Location (coastal vs. high).
- Vegetation (deserts with grasses or shrubs).
What are the two most common types of forests in Canada?
Temperate deciduous (very common in Southern Ontario) and boreal forests (cover largest area in Canada).
What are the 4 types of services forests provide us?
- Provisioning services.
- Regulating services.
- Habitat and supporting services.
- Cultural services.
Describe and give some examples of the provisioning services forests give us.
- A provisioning service is any type of benefit to people that can be extracted from nature.
- Examples: food, water, raw materials, medicine and other resources.
Describe and give some examples of the regulating services forests give us.
- A regulating service is a ecosystem process that maintain environmental conditions favourable to life.
- Examples: regulating the air quality and soil, providing flood and disease control (forests control temperatures, increase humidity and improve air quality, trees act as barrier to slow/stop avalanches, the roots of trees and other plants stabilize soil and reduce erosion).
Describe and give some examples of the habitat and supporting services forests give us.
- A habitat and supporting service provides habitats for organisms and allow allow the Earth to sustain basic life forms and different ecosystems.
- Examples: photosynthesis, nutrient cycling, the creation of soils, providing living spaces for plants/animals, maintaining diversity.
Describe and give some examples of the cultural services forests give us.
- Cultural services are non-material benefits people obtain from ecosystems.
- Examples: art, recreation, tourism, spiritual enrichment.
What are some ecosystem services the forests provide us?
Wood, carbon sequestration, soil protection/formation, biodiversity, water regulation, recreation, disturbance regulation, cultural (spiritual, education, recreational, art).
