Living World Flashcards
Tropical Rainforests, Hot deserts
where are TRF located.. conditions there and why..
Between the tropics. Hot and humid conditions, because air is rising and condensing causing high rainfall. Sun is directly overhead so high intensity.
why are temperatures at tropical rainforests consistent throughout the year
due to the sun shining directly on the equator throughout the year meaning temperatures are high (around 26-27 degrees) and consistent
Soil characteristics of TRF and why
- extremely nutrient deprived and infertile <– because nutrients are washed away and dissolved very quickly by the continuous rainfall, in a process called leaching
- Layer of decomposing matter that sits on top of the nutrient poor soil. Dead animals broken down by decomposers <– nutrients released and absorbed by roots.
What is the nutrient cycle like in TRF
very fast meaning the nutrients are transported from vegetation, to the soils, back to the vegetation relatively rapidly
layers of a TRF
Forest floor
shrub layer
understory
canopy
emergents
How have plants adapted to the conditions of a TRF
Buttress roots <– ensure tall trees are kept stable without growing roots into the ground. Grown in the nutrient full surface layer of soil.
Drip tip leaves <– tapered end of a lead that allows excess rainfall to quickly drip of the leaf ensuring the lead doesn’t rot or break
Lianas <– woody vines that grow in the ground but climb up into the canopy by wrapping round trees. meaning they can access the nutrients of the forest floor but also the light in the canopy
Epiphytes <– live on the surface of other plants to receive their nutrients. Adapted to growing on tall trees to receive more sunlight
Animal adaptions in TRF
- Poisons and Venoms <– adapted to the threat of being eaten
- Monkeys <– have long limbs and strong tails to help swing between trees and avoid predators
- Camouflage - to hide from predators (e.g leaf-tailed geckos)
- Size - to ensure they can move through dense vegetation
Difference between and examples of Abiotic and Biotic
Abiotic - non living e.g. rainfall
Biotic - living e.g. predators
Malaysia location + how much land is covered by rainforest
- Country in Asia with a tropical rainforest climate
-67% of Malaysia’s land is covered by rainforest - Made up of Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia
Deforestation definition
The permanent and usually large-scale cutting down of trees
Causes of deforestation in Malaysia
- subsistence farming
- commercial farming]
- logging
- mineral extraction
- population pressure
- energy development
- building roads
Two types of logging and how they lead to deforestation
Clear felling - where all trees are chopped down in an area, leading to total destruction of habitats
Selective Logging - where only full-grown trees are cut down , trees that have important ecological value are left unharmed
What is subsistence farming
Subsistence farming - where farmers only produce enough food for themselves and family
What is slash and burn? what farming uses it? And why is it good/bad?
Often use ‘slash and burn’ which involves the use of fire to clear land. These fires can create nutrients that help plants grow but also can grow out of control and destroy large areas of forest
What is commercial farming and use in Malaysia
commercial farming - agriculture with the direct intention of making a profit from produce
Malaysia is the largest exporter of palm oil. During the 1970’s large areas of land were converted to palm oil plantations
Why is mineral extraction use in Malaysia? Pros/Cons?
Mining for mainly tin and smelting is common in Peninsular Malaysia. Also contains high reserves of bauxite
- large areas have to be cleared for roads and mines causing environmental degradation
Why is road building use in Malaysia? Pros/Cons?
Roads are built in TRF to provide access to areas, to transport goods and to allow heavy machinery into areas
Large areas are deforested to make room. Many animals killed on roads and chemicals can be washed away into the TRF ecosystm
- Also roads can run through areas where indigenous communities live, causing tension
What is the name of the Dam in Malaysia? Pros/Cons?
Bakun Dam <– flooded over 700km^2 of land.
In 2011 after 5 decades of delays, it started generating electricity
deforest large areas, destroying habitats and displacing indigenous communities
Name the impacts of deforestation in Malaysia
- Soil erosion
- Loss of biodiversity
- Contribution to climate change
- Economic development
How does deforestation in Malaysia contribute to climate change
- Malaysian rainforests are estimated to absorb over 30% of the carbon dioxide produced in the country
- Felling of trees releases these stores and enhances the greenhouse effect
