Living World Flashcards
1
Q
What are plant adaptations?
A
Changes in plants that help them survive in their environment
Adaptations can include changes in structure, function, or behavior.
2
Q
What is the purpose of spiny leaves?
A
To deter animals from eating the plant
Spiny leaves can make the plant less palatable or harder to consume.
3
Q
What adaptation do some plants exhibit to obtain sunlight?
A
Growing taller to reach sunlight
This adaptation is common in forest plants competing for light.
4
Q
Fill in the blank: Plants may grow _______ to adapt to limited sunlight.
A
taller
5
Q
How do adaptations help plants in their environment?
A
They enhance survival and reproductive success
Adaptations can improve access to resources, reduce predation, or increase resilience.
6
Q
True or False: All plants have the same adaptations.
A
False
Different plants have unique adaptations based on their specific environments.
7
Q
What is one way plants can protect themselves from herbivores?
A
By developing spiny or tough leaves
This physical defense mechanism reduces the likelihood of being eaten.
8
Q
What does Rhinoceros beetle metabolism refer to?
A
It refers to the metabolic processes of the Rhinoceros beetle.
9
Q
What is the function of sharp claws in Rhinoceros beetles?
A
To grip or climb on surfaces.
10
Q
Fill in the blank: Rhinoceros beetles have sharp claws to prevent being _______.
A
eaten
11
Q
What is a key adaptation of Rhinoceros beetles in forest environments?
A
To navigate through the canopy layer.
12
Q
How do Rhinoceros beetles attract mates?
A
By using their physical features, such as horns.
13
Q
True or False: Rhinoceros beetles can be found in various forest types.
A
True
14
Q
What is the purpose of the poison found in Rhinoceros beetles?
A
To prevent being eaten.
15
Q
Fill in the blank: Rhinoceros beetles can help protect their _______.
A
eggs
16
Q
What does ‘forest flow’ refer to in the context of Rhinoceros beetles?
A
The movement of these beetles through their forest habitat.
17
Q
What is the significance of the canopy layer for Rhinoceros beetles?
A
It is where they find food and mates.
18
Q
Fill in the blank: Rhinoceros beetles use their claws to navigate around the _______.
A
canopy
19
Q
What role do Rhinoceros beetles play in their ecosystem?
A
They contribute to the forest’s biodiversity.
20
Q
What is one reason Rhinoceros beetles need to avoid predators?
A
To survive and reproduce.
21
Q
What are large scale ecosystems also known as?
A
Global ecosystems or biomes
22
Q
What primarily defines large scale ecosystems?
A
The type of vegetation that grows in the region
23
Q
What are the main characteristics of large scale ecosystems?
A
A particular set of characteristics that gives an area certain plants and animals
24
Q
What is the equator’s latitude?
A
0° latitude
25
What do lines of latitude that are further away from the equator represent?
High latitude
26
What do lines of latitude that are close to the equator represent?
Low latitude
27
What is the definition of precipitation?
Anything that falls from the sky as moisture (rain, snow)
28
What is solar radiation?
Heat from the sun
29
What is the invisible line around the center of the earth that divides the world into two hemispheres?
The equator
30
What characterizes the desert in terms of precipitation?
The desert has very low levels of precipitation because the air is dry, preventing condensation.
## Footnote
This low precipitation level is a defining characteristic of desert climates.
31
Why is the tropical rainforest considered hot and wet?
The tropical rainforest is very hot and wet because it is located at low latitudes, leading to high solar radiation.
## Footnote
The combination of high temperatures and moisture contributes to the dense vegetation found in tropical rainforests.
32
What are the characteristics of the tundra?
The tundra is dry and cold because it is located at high latitudes.
## Footnote
This climate results in a unique ecosystem with limited vegetation and extreme conditions.
33
What is a major cause of deforestation related to livestock?
Commercial (cattle) ranching
## Footnote
This involves rearing cattle for the production of meat.
34
What type of farming is aimed at growing enough food to feed a family?
Small scale subsistence farming
## Footnote
This type of farming focuses on self-sufficiency.
35
What is the purpose of commercial farming?
Large scale farming with the purpose of selling what is grown
## Footnote
This is different from subsistence farming.
36
What activity involves cutting down trees for wood products?
Logging
## Footnote
This is a significant factor in deforestation.
37
What causes deforestation related to mineral resources?
Mineral extraction
## Footnote
This includes mining for resources under the earth.
38
What energy development activity contributes to deforestation?
Buildings hydroelectric dams across rivers to produce energy
## Footnote
Dams require land and can lead to habitat destruction.
39
What infrastructure development is necessary for new settlements?
Road building
## Footnote
New access routes are often needed for development.
40
What is the term for new houses needed for a growing population?
Buildings settlements
## Footnote
This refers to the construction of residential areas.
41
Fill in the blank: _______ involves mining for resources under the earth.
Mineral extraction
## Footnote
This process can lead to significant environmental changes.
42
What is the total amount of carbon stored in the Amazon?
100 billion tonnes
## Footnote
This carbon is released into the environment through deforestation, contributing to global warming.
43
What impact has deforestation had on local Brazilian rubber tappers?
They have lost their livelihoods
## Footnote
This is due to the cutting down of rubber trees.
44
What infrastructure project was built in 1972 that facilitated trade in Brazil?
Trans-Amazonian Highway
## Footnote
The highway spans 4,000 km.
45
What environmental issue arises from the use of mercury in gold mining?
Mercury poisoning
## Footnote
This poisoning affects fish in rivers.
46
How many people does the Buenaventura mining company in Peru employ?
3,100 people
## Footnote
This number highlights the economic impact of mining in the region.
47
What happens to topsoil once trees are removed?
It is quickly degraded by heavy rainfall
## Footnote
This leads to soil erosion and prevents anything from growing.
48
What is a consequence of soil erosion on rivers?
Loose sediment affects wildlife
## Footnote
This sedimentation can disrupt aquatic ecosystems.
49
How does logging contribute to Brazil's economy?
It contributes a huge amount
## Footnote
Logging is a significant economic activity in Brazil.
50
How much topsoil is Brazil losing every year due to soil erosion from soy farming?
55 million tonnes
## Footnote
This loss is a serious environmental concern.
51
What was Brazil's income from cattle trading in 2008?
$7 billion
## Footnote
Brazil is the biggest exporter of cattle.
52
What is the value of tropical rainforests?
Tropical rainforests have significant ecological value including biodiversity, climate regulation, and oxygen production.
## Footnote
They are critical for maintaining global ecosystems.
53
Fill in the blank: The value of tropical rainforests includes _______.
biodiversity, climate regulation, oxygen production
54
True or False: Tropical rainforests are important for carbon dioxide absorption.
True
## Footnote
They play a crucial role in mitigating climate change.
55
What do tropical rainforests contribute to the Earth's climate?
They help regulate the Earth's climate.
## Footnote
This includes influencing rainfall patterns and temperature.
56
What is one key component of the ecosystem found in tropical rainforests?
Diversity of species including plants, animals, and microorganisms.
## Footnote
This biodiversity is essential for ecological balance.
57
Fill in the blank: Tropical rainforests require a _______ climate.
humid
58
What is one of the primary gases produced by tropical rainforests?
Oxygen
## Footnote
They are vital for producing oxygen through photosynthesis.
59
What type of organisms thrive in tropical rainforests?
Microorganisms, plants, and animals.
## Footnote
These organisms contribute to the rich biodiversity of the ecosystem.
60
Fill in the blank: The flora in tropical rainforests includes _______.
trees, vines, and understory plants
61
What is a significant threat to tropical rainforests?
Deforestation
## Footnote
This leads to loss of biodiversity and climate disruption.
62
What is the primary benefit of ecotourism?
To benefit local communities and protect local environments
## Footnote
Ecotourism aims to promote sustainable travel that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.
63
What role do international agreements play in environmental protection?
They help to reduce carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere and maintain oxygen levels
## Footnote
International agreements often focus on climate change and biodiversity conservation.
64
What is the importance of educating people about rainforests?
To help them understand how to sustain it for future generations
## Footnote
Education is crucial for fostering awareness and encouraging conservation efforts.
65
What financial issue do some countries face that affects deforestation?
They have borrowed money to run development projects that may lead to deforestation
## Footnote
Debt can pressure countries to exploit natural resources unsustainably.
66
What role do conservation areas play in protecting rainforests?
They help preserve rainforests in national parks or nature reserves
## Footnote
Conservation areas are designated to protect biodiversity and ecosystems.
67
What is a method for managing the rainforest sustainably?
Selective logging
## Footnote
Selective logging involves choosing specific trees to cut down while preserving the surrounding vegetation.
68
What does selective logging entail?
Selecting where you want to cut down a tree
## Footnote
This method aims to minimize environmental impact by only removing certain trees.
69
What is replanting or afforestation?
The process of planting new trees to replace those cut down
## Footnote
Afforestation helps restore ecosystems and combat climate change.
70
What is ecotourism?
A form of tourism that aims to introduce people to natural worlds while benefiting local communities
## Footnote
Ecotourism promotes environmental conservation and supports the local economy.
71
What is the aim of ecotourism?
To benefit local communities and protect the environment for the future
## Footnote
This approach encourages sustainable travel practices and awareness of environmental issues.
72
Where are polar and tundra environments located?
Found in high latitudes, 70-90 degrees north and south of the equator
73
What is characteristic of the tundra environment?
Coldest climate with a very short growing season
74
What is the temperature range in the tundra during summer?
3 to 12 degrees Celsius
75
What is the average temperature in the tundra?
Approximately -34 degrees Celsius
76
Fill in the blank: The tundra has a _______ growing season.
short
77
True or False: The tundra has a long growing season.
False
78
What percentage of Alaskan people are employed in commercial fishing?
10%
## Footnote
Commercial fishing has been a significant industry in Alaska since 1870.
79
How many jobs has commercial fishing created in Alaska?
78,500 jobs
## Footnote
Commercial fishing contributes significantly to the Alaskan economy.
80
What is the economic contribution of commercial fishing to the state economy?
US$6 billion
## Footnote
This showcases the importance of the fishing industry in Alaska.
81
What is a potential problem associated with commercial fishing?
Overfishing
## Footnote
Overfishing can lead to depletion of fish stocks and negatively affect the ecosystem.
82
What type of fishing is practiced by Native communities in Alaska?
Subsistence fishing
## Footnote
This type of fishing is crucial for the livelihood of many Indigenous Alaskan communities.
83
What is the role of oil extraction in Alaska's employment?
Large amounts of people are employed in the oil industry
## Footnote
The oil industry is a major contributor to employment in Alaska.
84
What environmental concern is associated with oil extraction?
Pollution
## Footnote
Oil extraction can lead to environmental degradation and harm wildlife.
85
What percentage of electricity is supplied to Alaskan communities by hydroelectric power plants?
1/5
## Footnote
More than 50 hydroelectric power plants operate in Alaska.
86
What type of energy is being harnessed at the tourist resort in Chena Hot Springs?
Geothermal energy
## Footnote
This resort is powered entirely by geothermal energy.
87
What is the contribution of gold mining to Alaska's wealth?
1.5%
## Footnote
Gold mining is a significant part of Alaska's mining industry.
88
Fill in the blank: Gold mining contributed to the wealth of Alaska and allows others to spend _______.
money
## Footnote
The economic activity from gold mining has broader implications for the local economy.
89
How many summer visitors does tourism attract in Alaska each year?
Between 1-2 million
90
What is one of the biggest employers in Alaska?
Tourism
91
What type of work is common in the tourism industry in Alaska?
Seasonal and poorly paid
92
What environmental issues can tourism lead to?
Pollution and disruption
93
True or False: Tourism work in Alaska is often full-time and well-paid.
False
94
Fill in the blank: Tourism is one of Alaska's biggest _______.
Employers
95
What is the average temperature range in Alaska?
-16 degrees C to 5 degrees C
## Footnote
In the summer, the highest average temperature is approximately 8 degrees C.
96
What type of precipitation occurs in winter in Alaska?
Snow
## Footnote
Although low rainfall occurs, precipitation falls as snow in winter.
97
What is permafrost?
Permanently frozen ground
## Footnote
This condition affects building and infrastructure development.
98
What happens during winter in Alaska regarding sunlight?
Months without sunlight
## Footnote
This extreme condition poses challenges for living and development.
99
Why is travel difficult in many parts of Alaska?
Lack of proper roads
## Footnote
Most of Alaska has few residents, leading to challenging travel conditions across rough tracks.
100
What geological process occurs when temperatures warm in Alaska?
Solifluction
## Footnote
This process involves thawed soil sliding over frozen ground, cutting off access for months.
101
What are some challenges to agricultural production in Alaska?
Difficulty to produce crops
## Footnote
Extreme temperatures and harsh living conditions hinder agricultural efforts.
102
What is a significant consequence of the melting active layer in Alaska?
Damage to buildings
## Footnote
Many structures are affected by the melting of the ground beneath them.
103
What is the population density in most parts of Alaska?
Less than one person per square kilometer
## Footnote
This low density affects infrastructure development and accessibility.
104
Fill in the blank: The ground in Alaska is _______.
Permanently frozen
## Footnote
This condition is known as permafrost.
105
True or False: Alaska experiences high rainfall throughout the year.
False
## Footnote
Alaska has low rainfall, especially in winter when precipitation falls as snow.
106
What makes constructing buildings in Alaska particularly challenging?
Building on permanently frozen ground
## Footnote
The permafrost complicates construction and maintenance of structures.
107
What issues arise from the low population density in Alaska?
Exploratory challenges and infrastructure limitations
## Footnote
Residents must navigate tundra without established roads.
108
Why are cold environments fragile?
Cold environments are extremely fragile and can easily be damaged by human actions.
## Footnote
Tundra vegetation takes a very long time to become established, making it susceptible to small changes in the ecosystem.
109
What are the consequences of small changes to the ecosystem in cold environments?
Small changes can have negative consequences on the vegetation.
## Footnote
This highlights the sensitivity of these ecosystems to disturbances.
110
What human actions are damaging cold environments?
Human actions include pollution, tourism, economic development, and mining.
## Footnote
Each of these activities contributes to environmental degradation in cold regions.
111
What is the impact of oil spills on cold environments?
Oil spills can pollute rivers and cause damage to plants and animals.
## Footnote
This pollution significantly harms biodiversity in affected areas.
112
How does tourism negatively affect cold environments?
Tourism can disrupt animal habitats and cause land damage from off-road vehicles.
## Footnote
This disruption can lead to long-term ecological consequences.
113
What type of environmental damage is caused by economic development in cold environments?
Clearing land for electricity pylons causes environmental damage.
## Footnote
This often involves loss of habitat and degradation of the landscape.
114
What is the environmental impact of mining in cold environments?
Mining causes damage to land and water pollution.
## Footnote
This can lead to a decrease in habitat quality and biodiversity.
115
Fill in the blank: Cold environments are becoming damaged as a result of increasing human _______.
activities.
116
True or False: Cold environments do not need protecting.
False.
117
What is one way that tourism damages cold environments?
Disruption to animal habitats from visitors.
118
What is the main challenge in managing cold environments?
Balancing conservation and development is rarely easy to achieve.
119
At what scales have management actions been taken for cold environments?
Global, national, local.
120
What type of communication technology is used in populated areas of Alaska?
Wireless radio and satellite links.
121
What are some uses of technology in Alaska's protected areas?
Mobile phones, video conferencing for health and education.
122
What significant action has the USA government taken to protect Alaskan wilderness?
Created a Reserve in the Arctic - 9 million hectares of protected wilderness.
123
Is oil drilling allowed in the Alaskan wilderness reserve?
No, oil drilling is not allowed.
124
What government actions are taken to ensure sustainability in Alaska?
Laws to limit development and oversight of fishing.
125
What agreement was signed in 1959 regarding Antarctica?
An agreement to protect the natural environment and manage tourism.
126
What are the key points agreed upon by countries claiming Antarctica?
* Protect Antarctica for scientific research
* Control tourism and minimize disturbance.
127
What organization helps to protect polar and tundra areas?
WWF (World Wildlife Fund).
128
What role does WWF play in the management of polar regions?
Holds countries accountable for minimal and careful use of resources.
129
Fill in the blank: The WWF started working in _______ to help protect polar areas.
Antarctica.
