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GCSE Geography AQA (1) > Living World > Flashcards

Living World Flashcards

Ecosystems, Tropical Rainforests, Hot Deserts

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1
Q

Ecosystem

A

An environment in which a community of plants and animals (biotic) interact with non-living (abiotic) things (eg, soil). Large ecosystems are called biomes (eg, tundra, desert, coniferous forest).

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2
Q

Producers/plants

A

Green plants that use photosynthesis and take nutrients from the soil, using their roots

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3
Q

Primary consumers/herbivores

A

Plant-eating animals

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4
Q

Secondary consumers/carnivores

A

Animals that feed on herbivores

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5
Q

Top carnivores

A

Animals that hunt and eat other carnivores in the ecosystem, as well as herbivores

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6
Q

Food chains vs food webs

A

A food chain shows only one path. A food web shows many food chains.

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7
Q

Weight of biomass decreases at each level in the food chain

A
  1. Animals don’t eat all parts of a plant or animal (eg, bones and roots)
  2. Much of what the predators eat is excreted
  3. 10% energy is lost at each level —> hunters use kinetic energy to chase and catch their prey. Herbivores search for plants to eat. Energy is also constantly used for respiration.
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8
Q

Decomposers

A

Decomposers return nutrients to the soil in the form of an organic substance called humus

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9
Q

Physical factors affecting balance of ecosystems

A 
Imbalanced food chains;
Hurricanes;
Forest fires;
Coral bleaching;
Desertification;
Climate change
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10
Q

Human factors affecting balance of ecosystems

A

Hedge row removal;
Eutrophication;
Deforestation

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11
Q

When one species increases or decreases in population…

A

When one species decreases in population, the population of its predator will increase because it is eating more of its other prey. The species’ prey increases because the prey has no predator. Vice versa occurs for increase of population.

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12
Q

Distribution and Characteristics of Tropical Rainforests

A

Located on the Equator between Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn —> Central America, northern South America, West Africa, South East Asia;
High temperatures (25º+) and heavy rainfall (2000mm+/year);
Humid, dense forest, rich in biodiversity —> half of world’s species

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13
Q

Distribution and Characteristics of Mediterranean

A

40º-45º North of Equator —> Italy, Spain, California, Morocco;
Temperatures range from 10ºC (in winter) to 30ºC (in summer), rainfall of 200-500mm;
Hot, sunny/dry summers, mild/moist winters;
Shrubs, low-lying vegetation —> adapted to drought conditions (eg, olive trees, dry herbs — rosemary)

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14
Q

Distribution and Characteristics of Deciduous Forests

A

25º-50º N/S of Equator —> Eastern USA, Western and Central Europe, North East Asia;
Temperatures range from -10ºC (in winter) to 20ºC (in summer), rainfall of 700-1500mm, well-defined seasons;
Broad-leaved trees, fertile soil enriched by decaying litter, trees lose their leaves during winter months, animals hibernate

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15
Q

Distribution and Characteristics of Coniferous Forests

A

50º-60º North of Equator —> Canada, Scandinavia (largest biome on earth);
Temperatures range from -50ºC (in winter) and 21ºC (in summer), snowfall of 100mm;
Evergreen trees, predators (eg, lynx, wolverines, minx)

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16
Q

Distribution and Characteristics of Savanna Grassland

A

40º-60º N/S of Equator, away from coasts/sea;
Dry for half the year;
Flat plains, limited vegetation, close to desert

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17
Q

Distribution and Characteristics of Deserts

A 
15º-30º N/S of Equator, near Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn —> Africa, South West USA, Mexico, and India;
Temperatures range from 50ºC (at day) and 0ºC (at night), rainfall less than 250mm/year;
Little vegetation (can survive drought conditions and retain water, small animals that bury themselves in the sand
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18
Q

Distribution and Characteristics of Tundra

A

55º-70º North of Equator, coldest and driest biome;
Temperatures range from -70ºC to -28ºC, very windy;
Barely any vegetation, except for grass, bushes, no trees, some wolves, deer, hares, insects

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19
Q

Distribution and Characteristics of Alpine

A

North and South Pole;
Temperatures ranging from -40ºC to 10ºC, little precipitation, mainly as snow;
Most of ground is permafrost, creatures have thick layers and white fur

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20
Q

Why ecosystems are distributed globally

A
  1. Altitude — as altitude increases, temperatures drops
  2. Relief rainfall — windward side of mountain is wetter, leeward side is warmer as air is falling, ie. no clouds
  3. Ocean currents — warm ocean currents create evaporation and condensation, cold currents don’t, so it’s dry
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21
Q

Tropical Rainforest Examples

A

Amazon Rainforest, Congo Rainforest, Borneo Rainforest, Madagascar Rainforest, Queensland’s Tropical Rainforest, Ecuador’s Cloud Forest, Monteverde Rainforest, Sinharajin Forest, Sumatra’s Rainforest

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22
Q

TRF Climate

A

2000mm+ rainfall/year;
Average daily temperature of 28ºC;
Humid and hot atmosphere;
Climate is consistent all year round (no seasons)

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23
Q

TRF Soil

A

Not very fertile;
A thin layer of fertile soil where dead leaves decompose;
Red in color because it’s rich in iron;
Lots of leaching of the nutrients from heavy rainfall

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24
Q

TRF Plants and Animals

A

Warm, wet climate perfect conditions for plant growth;
Wide range of plant species supports many different animals, birds, insects;
Species have adapted to conditions

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25
Q

Structure of TRF

A

Emergent
Canopy
Under canopy
Shrub level

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26
Q

TRF Plant Adaptations: Lianas

A

Roots in the ground, climb up trees to reach sunlight, in the canopy

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27
Q

TRF Plant Adaptations: Tall Trees

A

Reach sunlight, bark is smooth to allow water to easily flow to roots

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28
Q

TRF Plant Adaptations: Drip Tips

A

Waxy surface, pointed tips to allow water to easily run off, prevents growth of algae which would block out sunlight

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29
Q

TRF Plant Adaptations: Buttress Roots

A

Shallow roots, expand surface area to get more nutrients, large roots also provide support for very tall trees

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30
Q

TRF Plant Adaptations: Stilt Roots

A

Shallow roots, provide support for tall trees

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31
Q

TRF Plant Adaptations: Leaf Angling

A

Leaved arranged as different angles to prevent shading its own leaves

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32
Q

TRF Plant Adaptations: Thin Bark

A

Don’t need thick bark to lose moisture because the climate is always wet and humid, smooth bark makes it hard for other plants to grow on tree

33
Q

TRF Plant Adaptations: Epiphytes

A

Live on trunks and branches of other trees, reach sunlight

34
Q

TRF Plant Adaptations: Red Leaves

A

Young leaves are red to protect from strong sunlight while their photosynthesis organs are still developing

35
Q

TRF Animal Adaptations: Sloth

A

Camouflage, slow movement, hard for predators to spot

36
Q

TRF Animal Adaptations: Spider Monkey

A

Long, strong limbs, climb though trees

37
Q

TRF Animal Adaptations: Flying Frog

A

Webbed hands and feet, flap of looses skin that stretches between its limbs, which allows it to glide from plant to plant

38
Q

TRF Animal Adaptations: Toucan

A

Long, large bill, reach, cut fruit from branches that are too weak to support its weight

39
Q

Deforestation Threats: Farming

A

Pastoral farming global demand for meat increases cattle ranching, arable farming, growing cash crops, eg, soya beans

40
Q

Deforestation Threats: Logging

A

Mahogany sold for timber to make furniture. Other trees cut down for making paper products

41
Q

Deforestation Threats: Mining

A

Rich in iron ore, copper, tin, aluminum, manganese, gold. Development of mines —> Carajas mine in Brazil is world’s largest iron ore mine

42
Q

Deforestation Threats: Roads

A

Construction of access roads for farmers, loggers and miners results easy access to more areas of the TRF

43
Q

Deforestation Threats: Hydroelectric Power

A

Large areas flooded to create reservoirs and dams. Flooding of Balbina dam in Brazil led to 920 square miles loss of TRF

44
Q

Deforestation Threats: Population

A

Population growth means land needs to be cleared to build houses and infrastructure

45
Q

Deforestation Threats

A
  1. Farming
  2. Logging
  3. Mining
  4. Roads
  5. Hydroelectric Power
  6. Population
46
Q

Impacts of Deforestation: Soil Erosion

A

No interception by trees so nutrients leached and lots of surface run-off. Nutrient cycle stops as no trees leave litter and nutrients to be recycled into soil. Soil is not fertile. Soil easily eroded, no roots of plants can hold the soil together.

47
Q

Impacts of Deforestation: Loss of Biodiversity

A

Habitats lost, trees are habitats of birds and other animals like sloths and monkeys often live in them, plants are needed for producers to eat them, disrupts food web

48
Q

Impacts of Deforestation: Climate Change

A

Trees absorb CO2 and turn it into oxygen through photosynthesis, less CO2 is absorbed, so enhanced greenhouse effect, leading to global warming and climate change

49
Q

Impacts of Deforestation: Economic Development

A

Rich in resources: mines, farms, roads, logging. Creates jobs for rural-poor, increasing taxes, so money goes into government for more economic development in TRF and providing infrastructure and services (eg, healthcare, education)

50
Q

Impacts of Deforestation (Evaluate, discuss, to the extent, assess)

A
  • Loss of biodiversity
  • Climate change
  • Soil erosion
  • Decline of indigenous tribes (loss of land)
  • River pollution (mercury used for gold mining)
  • Conflicts (indigenous, TRF conservation groups vs developers)
  • Loss of plants (medicine)
  • Tourists (see TRF)
    + Jobs
    + Taxes
    + Homes
    + Infrastructure
    + Economic development
51
Q

Management of TRF: Selective Logging

A

Mature trees chosen, rainforest canopy is reserved, younger trees gain more space and sunlight to grow

52
Q

Management of TRF: Replanting

A

For every tree that is felled, one is replanted

53
Q

Management of TRF: Education

A

Local people, businesses, politicians understand importance of TRF

54
Q

Management of TRF: Ecotourism

A

Sustainable tourism, creates jobs for locals, money is still generated, goes into government through taxes, while still protecting and conserving TRF for future generations to enjoy

55
Q

Management of TRF: Intergovernmental Agreements

A

Trade restrictions, timber must have registration number otherwise it’s illegal logging

56
Q

Management of TRF: Debt-for-Nature Swaps

A

Debt from debtor country is swapped into conserving the TRF through third-parties/NGOs buying debt and sell to a creditor country who will help protect the TRF

57
Q

Management of TRF: Conservation Groups/NGOs

A

Provide education and training, buy threatened areas, create nature reserves,

58
Q

Management of TRF: National Governments

A

Use satellites to monitor activity, high-tech rangers, fines to illegal loggers and miners, create more protected areas

59
Q

Management of TRF: Agro-Forestry

A

Growing trees and crops at the same time to maintain fertile soil and still sell crop yield

60
Q

Hot Deserts Examples

A

Sahara Desert (N. Africa), Arabian Desert, Atacama Desert (W. South America), Namib Desert (S. Africa), Kalahari Desert (S. Africa), Mexican Desert, Thar Desert (±India), Great Sandy Desert (Australia)

61
Q

Hot Desert Climate

A

Hot, dry —> <250 mm rainfall/year;
Summer = +40ºC (day), 0ºC (night);
Winter = 20-30ºC (day);

62
Q

Hot Desert Soil

A

Thin, sandy, rocky, gray;
Dry, soak water quickly;
Appear crusty, evaporation of water leaves salts on surface of soil.

63
Q

Hot Deserts Plants: Small Leaves

A

Less water loss through transpiration, smaller surface area

64
Q

Hot Deserts Plants: Tap Roots

A

Long roots (7-10 m long), larger than plant, reach underground water supplies

65
Q

Hot Deserts Plants: Spines

A

Spines lose less water, prevent animals from eating plant

66
Q

Hot Deserts Plants: Waxy Skin

A

Thick, reduces water loss by transpiration

67
Q

Hot Deserts Plants: Water Storage

A

(Succulents) store water in stems, leaves, roots, or fruits. Also will have thick waxy skin to prevent water loss.

68
Q

Hot Deserts Animals

A
  • Thick skin on soles of feet to prevent burning from sand
  • Light-colored fur to reflect light
  • Get water from food rather than water
69
Q

Causes of Deforestation: Population Growth

A

Increased population means a greater demand on resources such as wood and water. Increased population from mining and tourism for more jobs

70
Q

Causes of Deforestation: Removal of Wood

A

In developing countries, wood is used for cooking. Population growth means more greater demand for wood. Land is clearer of trees, roots no longer hold soil together —> soil erosion

71
Q

Causes of Deforestation: Overgrazing

A

Population growth —> more land used for farming. Sheep, cattle, goats eat vegetation, exposing soil to erosion

72
Q

Causes of Deforestation: Soil Erosion

A

Made worse by overgrazing and wood removal. Population growth responsible

73
Q

Causes of Deforestation: Climate Change

A

Temp. increase —> desert gets warmer and drier. Less rain now than there was 50 years ago.

74
Q

Strategies to Reduce Desertification: Solar Cookers

A

Cheap, reduces carbon emissions;
Reduces amount of wood used;
Cannot be used in the morning, very windy days;
Slow method of cooking;
Reduced chance of deforestation, soil erosion, desertification

75
Q

Strategies to Reduce Desertification: Sand Dams

A

No evaporation;
Water naturally gets filtered;
No mosquito larvae —> no spread of diseases (malaria);
Saves time —> children can go to school, parents can work;
Provides water for 1200 people;
Holds 2-10 million liters water

76
Q

Strategies to Reduce Desertification: Water Pumps

A 
Appropriate technology;
Easy to use and maintain;
No electricity needed;
Saves time —> children can go to school, parents can work;
Health improves;
— Could encourage over cultivation
77
Q

Strategies to Reduce Desertification: Magic Stones

A 
Contour lines 40m high;
Reduces soil erosion and leaching;
Allows water to infiltrate;
Easy to build and cheap;
Sustainable;
Increases crop yield by 40%;
— Takes time to be effective
— Best with manure, but expensive
— Takes effort
78
Q

Strategies to Reduce Desertification: Fruit Trees and Bushes

A 
Branches for firewood —> reduces deforestation;
Better nutrition from fruits and berries;
Good soil anchor —> less soil erosion;
Leaves feed goats;
Raises status of women;
Protects watershed of the area;
— Takes time to grow
— Can’t solve desertification on its own

GCSE Geography AQA (1) (15 decks)

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