Living World Flashcards
Abiotic
Relating to non-living things
Biotic
Relating to living things
Consumer
Creature that eats animals and/or plant matter
Decomposer
An organism (such as a bacterium or a fungus) that breaks down dead tissue, which is then recycled to the environment
Ecosystems
A community of flora and fauna that interact with each other and their physical environment
Food Chain
The connections between different organisms that rely on one another as their source of food
Food Web
A complex hierarchy of plants and animals relying on each other for food
Nutrient Cycling
A set of processes whereby organisms extract minerals necessary for growth from soil or water, before passing them on through the food chain - ultimately back to the soil or water
Global Ecosystem
Biomes with flora and fauna adapting to their environment, such as tropical rainforests or deserts
Producer
An organism that is able to absorb energy from the sun for photosynthesis
Biodiversity
The variety of life in the world or a particular habitat
Commercial Farming
Farming to sell produce for a profit to retailers or food processing companies
Debt Reduction
Countries are relieved of some of their debt in return for protecting their rainforests
Deforestation
The chopping down and removal of trees to clear an area of forest
Ecotourism
Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the wellbeing of local people and may involve education
Logging
The business of cutting down trees and transporting the logs to sawmills
Mineral Extraction
The removal of solid mineral resources from the Earth, including metal ores, precious stones, building materials and fuels
Selective Logging
The cutting out of trees that are mature or inferior, to encourage the growth of the remaining trees in a forest or wood
Soil Erosion
Removal of topsoil faster than it can be replaced, due to natural, animal and human activity
Subsistence Farming
A type of agriculture providing food and materials for the benefit only of the farmer and their family
Sustainability
Actions and forms of progress that meet the needs of the present without reducing the ability of future generations to meet their needs
Fragile Environment
An environment that is both easily disturbed and difficult to restore. Organisms often must be specially adapted to deal with challenging conditions
Infrastructure
The basic equipment and structures that are needed for a country or region to function properly
Permafrost
Permanently frozen ground, found in polar and tundra regions
Polar
The regions of the Earth surrounding the North and South poles, dominated by ice caps
Tundra
The flat, treeless, Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and North America, where the ground is permanently frozen and lichen, moss, grasses and dwarf shrubs can grow
Wilderness Area
A natural environment that has not been significantly modified by human activity
Flora & Fauna
Plants and animals
Climate
Average temperature and amount of rainfall in a certain area
Natural factors that change ecosystems
- drought
- flood
- fire
- disease
Human factors that change ecosystems
- fish stocking
- altering the drainage of land impacts amount of water
- changing pH level of water
- altering nutrient levels if fertilizers are leached into the water, resulting in eutrophication
Factors affecting climate
- latitude
- high/low air pressure
- winds
How does latitude affect climate?
Areas with lower latitudes are closer to the equator, where the sun’s rays are more strongly concentrated, so the temperature is higher. Areas with higher latitudes are closer to the poles, where the sun’s rays are less concentrated, so it is colder
How does air pressure affect climate?
Low-pressure areas cause clouds and precipitation, as the rising warm air cools, condenses and forms clouds which become heavy enough to become rainfall
High-pressure areas, therefore, are associated more with settled, dry and warm conditions
How do winds affect climate?
Winds blow from areas of high to low pressure; this continual transfer of wind maintains pressure belts which create different climatic zones
Tundra Biome
- found near the poles
- very few plants and animals can survive here
Taiga Biome (coniferous forest)
- found in Scandinavia, Russia and Canada
- evergreen tress thrive in cool temperate climate
Temperate Deciduous Forest Biome
- found across Europe and in the USA
- trees lose their leaves every year
- mild and wet conditions (temperate maritime climate)
Temperate Grassland Biome
- found in Hungary, South Africa, Argentina and the USA
- consists of grass and trees
- moderate rainfall and mild conditions
Chaparral or Evergreen Hardwood Biome
- found across Mediterranean Sea, parts of Australia, and California
- mild and moist in winter; hot and dry in summer
Desert Biome
- found near the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn
- conditions are very hot and dry (arid)
- plants and animals must be specially adapted
Tropical Rainforest Biome
- found near the equator
- hot, wet climate (humid)
- high biodiversity
Savanna Grassland Biome
- found mainly in central Africa, southern India, northern Australia and central South America
- long grasses and a few scattered trees
- hot and dry (arid) conditions
Tropical Rainforest - Climate
Very wet, >2000mm of rainfall per year
Average daily temperature of 28 C
Atmosphere is hot and humid
Climate is consistent all year round - seasons are not distinct from one another
Tropical Rainforest - Soil
Mostly infertile soil
Thin layer of fertile soil at the top (topsoil) where dead leaves decompose
Rich in iron; red in color
Nutrients quickly washed out of the soil by heavy rainfall
Tropical Rainforest - Flora & Fauna
Warm and wet conditions are perfect for plant growth
Many different animal species supported by wide range of plant species
Adapted to the conditions of the restaurant
Structure of a tropical rainforest
Ground level
Shrub layer
Under canopy
(Main) canopy
Emergents
TRF plant adaptations
Lianas
Tree Trunks
Drip Tips
Buttress Roots
Epiphytes
TRF animal adaptations
- camouflage e.g. sloths
- long, strong limbs for climbing e.g. spider monkey
- webbed hands and feet to glide between plants e.g. flying frog
- long bill to reach fruits e.g. toucan
Lianas
Woody vines that ‘climb’ up trees so their leaves and flowers can grow in the canopy, where there is a lot of sunlight
Drip Tips
Pointy leaves that allow water to run off them quickly without damaging them
Buttress Roots
Large roots that help to support tall trees
Epiphytes
Plants living on the branches of the canopy, taking nutrients from water and the air
Reasons for Deforestation
- farming
- logging
- mining
- roads
- hydroelectric power
- population
How does farming lead to deforestation?
Large areas are cleared for pastoral farming, especially cattle farms, due to a growing global demand for meat
Many farmers also clear land for arable farming (e.g. soya beans)
How does mining lead to deforestation?
The development of mines often leads to the clearing of rainforests, e.g. the Carajas Mine (Brazil) which is the biggest iron mine in the world
How / why do roads cause deforestation?
Access roads for farmers, loggers and miners reduce travel times into the rainforest, and land must be cleared in order to construct them
How does HEP contribute to deforestation?
Areas of rainforest may be flooded during the construction of dams and reservoirs e.g. the flooding of the Balbina dam in Brazil damaged over 900 square miles of rainforest
How can population cause deforestation?
Growing population puts pressure on resources, due to the demand for housing and infrastructure
Impacts of TRF loss
- soil erosion
- loss of biodiversity
- climate change
- economic development
How does TRF loss cause soil erosion?
The nutrient cycle constantly replenishes nutrients in the soil, but when vegetation is cleared, the cycle stops and the plants roots can no longer hold the soil together, so it is easily eroded
How does TRF loss affect biodiversity?
Plants and animals are closely connected through the food web, so the clearing of vegetation can impact many components of the ecosystem
How does TRF loss impact climate change?
Trees and plants absorb carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, so less carbon dioxide can be removed from the atmosphere when vegetation is cleared. It also contributes to global warming as they store a little CO2 which is released when they are cut down
How does TRF loss impact economic development?
The creation of mines, farms and roads has generated income and led to economic development which encourages business owners to continue this work, despite the negative environmental impact
How does selective logging manage TRFs sustainably?
Only mature trees are cut down, to ensure the preservation of the rainforest canopy and to allow the forest to recover as younger trees get more sunlight and nutrients
How does ecotourism sustainably manage TRFs?
The money generated allows greater employment opportunities for locals and is used to protect and conserve the tropical rainforest for future generations
Hot Desert - Climate
- summer day time temperatures can exceed 40 C (although it can drop below 0 C at night)
- very dry; less than 250mm rainfall per year
- two distinct seasons, summer (35-40 C) and winter (20-30 C)
Hot Desert - Soil
- thin, sandy, rocky and usually grey in color
- very dry, soak up water quickly when it rains
- the surface appears crusty, as salts are left behind here when water evaporates
Xerophytic
Describes plants and animals that have adapted to hot and dry conditions
Plant adaptations in hot deserts
- small leaves
- tap roots
- spines
- waxy skin
- water storage
How do small leaves benefit plants in hot deserts?
Less water is lost from the plant through transpiration if the leaves have a smaller surface area
How do tap roots benefit plants in hot deserts?
Long roots (7-10m) reach deep into the ground to access water supplies
How do spines benefit plants in hot deserts?
Spines are more efficient as they lose much less water than leaves and prevent animals from eating the plant
How does a waxy skin benefit plants in a hot desert?
A thick, waxy layer prevents water loss by transpiration
Succulents
Succulents store water in their stems, roots leaves and fruits, meaning they can go a long time without water
Development opportunities in the Thar Desert
- mining
- energy generation
- farming
- tourism
Mining in the Thar Desert
- valuable reserves of minerals including feldspar, phosphorite, kaolin and gypsum
- used in many products, from fertilizers to cement
- limestone and marble can also be used in construction
Energy generation in the Thar Desert
Solar panels are the main method of energy generation, and is used to clean water supplies (desalination)
Wind energy can also be used, and is very efficient in large, flat areas where wind is uninterrupted
Farming in the Thar Desert
Irrigation has allowed commercial arable farming more viable, producing crops such as wheat and cotton. This has created many jobs and massively contributed to the local economy
Tourism in the Thar Desert
- Thar Desert National Park attracts many tourists, with over 120 species found there
- tourists explore the desert with local guides on camels
- multiplier effect creates many opportunities
Challenges of development in the Thar Desert
- high temperature
- water supply
- inaccessibility and poor infrastructure
Causes of desertification
- population growth
- removal of wood
- overgrazing
- soil erosion
- climate change
How does population growth impact desertification?
Greater pressure is put on resources such as wood and water, so the limited materials available are all used up and are difficult to replenish
How does removal of wood lead to desertification?
There is a greater need for wood as fuel and construction due to an increasing population. The roots of trees hold soil together, but when they are cut down, the soil is able to degrade much quicker
How does overgrazing increase desertification?
More desert areas are farmed due to a greater demand for food, and animals (e.g. cattle, goats) become more crowded and clear areas completely of vegetation. The vegetation can no longer hold together the soil or provide nutrients when they decompose, so the soil degrades very quickly
How does soil erosion lead to increased rates of desertification?
Soil is eroded faster by overgrazing and wood removal. As soil degrades, land becomes useless for locals, so they migrate to other areas, repeating the process of desertification
How does climate change contribute to desertification?
As the global climate gets warmer, deserts become drier. The lack of rainfall causes soil to erode faster, as vegetation cannot survive and hold it together
Strategies to reduce desertification
- replanting
- improving the quality of the soil
- water management
How does replanting trees reduce desertification?
The roots of trees hold the soil together and protects soil erosion from wind and rain. It may also provide employment opportunities for locals, allowing them to develop beyond the need for intense farming on desert areas
How does improving the quality of the soil reduce desertification?
Encouraging arable farming, as opposed to pastoral farming, allows the roots of growing crops to hold the soil together, whilst animal manure can be used to fertilise the soil. The soil has more moisture and nutrients, which makes it less likely to degrade. This type of farming is more sustainable
How does water management reduce desertification?
Water can be stored in earth dams in the wet season and used to irrigate crops during the dry season. This is an example of intermediate technology to manage water supplies
Decomposer
An organism which eats dead organisms, fallen leaves, animal droppings etc. and breaks them down into simpler materials
Eutrophication
‘Hyper-nutrition’ resulting from fertilizer pollution of aquatic ecosystems
Leached
When nutrients are washed out of the soil by heavy rainfall
Scavenger
An animal (or insect) that feeds on decaying flesh or plant material
Camouflage
An ability to blend in with a background
Humid
When the air holds a lot of moisture
Infrastructure
The basic structures needed for an area to function, for example roads and communications
Nutrient Cycle
Cyclic movements of nutrients, such as calcium, potassium and magnesium within an ecosystem
Sustainable
An activity which does not consume or destroy resources / the environment
Appropriate Technology
Simple equipment and technology that the local people are able to use easily and without much cost
Desalination
The removal of salt from water; it is an energy-intensive process
Honeypot Site
A popular visitor attraction or area, where large numbers of people visit
Irrigation
The channeling of water from rivers and streams to fields in order to help crops grow
Transpiration
The loss of water from leaves by evaporation through the stomata
