Paper 3 Flashcards
What is a biome?
A large-scale ecosystem
What are the 7 types of biome?
Tropical rainforest
Boreal forest (taiga)
Temperate grassland
Tundra
Temperate forest
Tropical grassland
Desert
How are tropical rainforests distributed?
-Either side of the equator
-Between 15°N and 15°S
-South America
-West Africa
-South East Asia
How are Boreal forests/ taiga biomes distributed?
-Found in the Northern hemisphere
-Russia
-Canada
Which biomes have hot climates all year?
-Tropical rainforest
-Tropical grasslands
-Deserts
Which biomes have cold climates all year?
-Boreal forest
-Tundra
Which biomes have changing climates?
-Temperate grasslands
-Temperate forests
What are the key climate characteristics of a Tropical Rainforest?
Hot all year: 25-30°C
Wet all year: 200-3000mm precipitation/year
Same day length all year (12 hours)
What are the key climate characteristics of a Boreal Forest?
Mild summers: 10-20°C
Very cold winters: below 0°C
Low precipitation: less than 500mm precipitation/year
Lots of daylight in summer but little to none in winter
What are abiotic factors?
Non living parts of a biome
What are biotic factors?
Living parts of a biome
How do indigenous people use resources from the biosphere?
Food
Medicine
Fuel
Building material
Give an example of an indigenous tribe in the rainforest and what they do:
Efe tribe: Congo Basin, Africa
-Use wood and leaves for temporary houses
-Wood for cooking fires
-Hunt monkey and antelope
-Gather wild yams, nuts and mushrooms
-Use plants and honey for medicine
How are biospheres commercially exploited?
-Irrigation: water
-Biofuels (e.g. palm oil): energy
-Mining resources:minerals
What is carbon sequestration?
The storage of carbon dioxide in ‘carbon sinks’ via photosynthesis. Carbon sinks are biotic material.
What negative impact can humans have on the atmosphere through deforestation?
-Destruction of biomes (and therefore carbon stores)
-Release of carbon stores when trees are burnt/ destroyed
Outline the nutrient cycle:
Soil stores nutrients
Nutrients move into biomass via growth/ uptake
Fallout from dead plants and animals leaves litter on soil surface
Litter decays and returns to the soil
Which 4 things can affect things can affect the nutrient level in the nutrient cycle?
-Precipitation adds nutrients
-Runoff washes away litter, removing nutrients
-Leaching washes nutrients out of soil
-Weathering adds nutrients from rocks to soil
How can humans negatively impact the nutrient cycle?
Removing biomass
Deforestation (leading to soil erosion)
Why is there a lower productivity rate in the Taiga biome?
-The nutrient cycle is less active (cold temperatures)
-Lower levels of biodiversity (smaller flows and stores)
Describe a broken nutrient cycle due to deforestation:
Deforestation
Less vegetation
Less litter
Less decomposition
Less nutrients entering the soil
Infertile soil
Leaching
How do biomes impact the hydrological cycle?
Trees intercept the water, reducing soil erosion
Trees increase levels of infiltration, increasing groundwater supplies
Trees decrease surface runoff so water gets into channels more slowly
There is less flooding and cleaner water
Forests prevent the soil from drying out via evaporation
Why does rising affluence (increasing wealth) increase demand for resources?
More disposable income so goods can be bought in excess and fridges, flushing toilets, etc. can be installed.
Why does urbanisation lead to an increased demand for resources?
More energy is needed for transportation and streetlights, etc.
Why does industrialisation increase the demand for resources?
More secondary activity such as manufacturing requires more energy and uses more materials.
What was Boserup’s theory?
People would always produce sufficient resources to meet their needs however big the population got.
She believed that people would come up with new technology whenever resources were limited.
Population increases with resources.
How are TRF animals adapted to their warm climate?
Strong limbs to live in the canopy
Flaps of skin for gliding and suction cups for climbing
Camouflage
Nocturnal animals
Adapted to low light levels
Can swim
How are TRF plants adapted to their warm climate?
Emergent trees have tall trunks and thick buttress roots
Shrub layer has trees with large, broad leaves
Top 3 layers only have leaves at the top of their tree
Thick, waxy leaves with pointed tips for water run-off
Smooth thin bark
Climbing plants get sunlight
How are taiga plants adapted to their cool climate?
Conifer trees-
Cone shape to shed snow
Needle-like leaves prevent water loss
Needle- like leaves contain very little sap (so they don’t freeze)
Shallow roots with a wide area for stability
Dark green leaves absorb lots of light
Define a trophic level
A feeding level in a food chain
How are taiga animals adapted to their cool climate?
-Thickets fur
-Small ears and tails
-Hibernation
-Winter camouflage
-Oily fur for waterproofing
What was Malthus’ theory?
He thought that the population was increasing faster than the number of resources available.
He believed that eventually catastrophes would occur to return the population to a level which could be supported by the environment.
The point of catastrophe would be when there are more people than resources.
What is a food web?
A type of diagram used to show who eats what in an ecosystem and to compare ecosystems.
Food webs for TRF are very complex as there is high biodiversity and may interlinking layers
What are the 4 main reasons for deforestation of TRF?
Poverty
Foreign debt
Economic development
Demand for resources
What are the 2 main uses for deforested land in TRF?
Cattle ranches
Small scale, subsistence agriculture
Name an indirect TRF threat and explain why it’s hard to manage?
Global warming: increase by 2 degrees could make 15-40% of species extinct, change migration patterns and cause extreme weather patterns
Everyone contributes to global warming so it has to be managed by all countries.
Name 5 direct and 2 indirect threats to the taiga biome:
D-Logging for softwood, pulp and paper production
D-Mineral extraction
D-Fossil fuel extraction
D-HEP potential
D-Forest fires
I-Acid precipitation
I-Pests and diseased (encouraged by global warming)
What is CITES? What is its aim? What does it do?
An international treaty signed by 180 countries
It aims to stop illegal hunting and collecting of animals and plants
Protects the most endangered species of animals by banning cross-border trade, etc.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of CITES?
+Wide variety of species protected
+Works well for high profile animals
+Many countries have signed up and co-operate on trade
-Doesn’t protect ecosystems (dosen’t prevent deforestation)
-Global warming could undermine it
-Species have to be under threat to be included in the schemes
What is REDD?
A United Nations project aiming to reduce emissions from deforestation
What are the advantages and disadvantages of REDD?
+Provides international expertise of the situation
+Funding provided is very attractive to governments
-Deforestation is still very rapid in South Asia
-REDD is vague about its replanting rules (palm oil is often the crop replanted)
Define ecotourism:
Small scale, low impact tourism which appeals to tourists interested in wildlife and culture. It is run by local people who receive all of the profit
Define sustainable farming (agroforestry):
Crops are grown between trees, some trees are not cut down. Crops of different heights are grown together (inter- cropping) to protect the soil from erosion and to reduce pests.
Define sustainable rainforest management:
The conservation of forests by ensuring they are not used faster than they an be renewed. This reduces poverty, increases and protects forest biodiversity and improves facilities.
Give an example of sustainable uses of TRF:
Kilum-Ijum is a forest area in Cameroon, Africa is home to 35 communities (3 tribes) and is no longer under pressure from farming and logging.
How is Kilum-Ijum sustainable (environmentally, economically and socially)?
Env- Forest Increased by 8% (Afforestation)
Env- Protects biodiversity for future generations
Env- Less pollution
Eco- Reduces poverty by giving people a livelihood (agroforestry and ecotourism)
Eco- Selective logging still provides jobs
Soc- Helps whole communities as tribes can afford education
Soc- Tribes have better water quality (tree coverage)
What are 3 ways which Taiga biomes are conserved?
Wilderness areas act
National Parks
Sustainable forestry
What is the Wilderness areas act?
An act which states that the government owns a specific ‘wilderness’ area which must remain undisturbed by humans.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Wilderness Areas Act?
+Highest level of protection
+Covers large scale areas so protects migrating animals and other large scale processes
+Area is kept pristine
-Remote areas are hard to police
-Pressure to develop oil extraction plants and build roads
What are National Parks?
An area that is mostly in its natural state which is managed to protect biodiversity whilst promoting recreation.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of National Parks?
+Protects animals from being hunted
+No unsustainable activities
+Good access
-Tourism is sometimes required which can harm the ecosystem
-Indigenous people may be against their land being claimed by the government
What is sustainable forestry?
Harvesting timber without damaging the forest in the long term
What are the advantages and disadvantages of sustainable forestry?
+Economically sustainable (more trees planted than logged)
+Everyone has the right to use the forest so they all respect it
+A mix of tree species are replanted
-Different groups might not agree with the rules
-Restrictions are hard to enforce
Give a National Park case study overview:
Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada
-Protects mountain bison from hunting
-Maintains migration. Patterns
-Protects area from development
Challenged by nearby tar sands which could pollute local river.
What is the UNESCO biosphere reserve model?
A model split into tiers.
The core is the centre with no human use except for scientific research.
The buffer contains limited settlement (e.g. ecotourism).
The transition has more ‘normal’ economic activity but is still protected.
Give one example of Sustainable Forestry:
The ‘Everyman’s Right’ act in Finland.
Anyone can use the forest so people respect it and put pressure on the government to conserve and protect it.
95% of their forest is sustainably managed.
What are the 3 types of energy (give examples)?
Renewable: wind, solar, HEP
Non- renewable: fossil fuels
Recyclable: nuclear, biomass
What are the environmental impacts of mining and drilling?
M and I- Strips away large areas of soil, rock and vegetation
M- Destroys habitats
M- Interupts waters cycle when forests are cleared
M and I- releases greenhouse gases
I- Oil spills reduce biodiversity
What are the environmental impacts of renewable energy?
W- Takes up lots of space
W- Can injure birds and bats
W- Noise pollution (constant humming)
S- Using surface/ ground water can lead to water shortages
S- Heat reflected can kill wildlife
S and HEP- Can destroy habitats
HEP- Flooding via dams and changes in water flow
HEP- Plants and algae can die due to sediment build up
Why are energy resources unevenly distributed?
Geology- fossil fuels
Accessibility- if resource can be reached (e.g. permafrost)
Landscape
How developed a country is
Available technology
Climate
Levels of industrial activities
Which factors affect the prices of oil in countries?
Supply- Oversupply= decreased price and vice versa
Diplomatic relations- political tension= increased price
Economic booms- economic growth= increased demand= increased price
Conflict- Disrupted price= decreased supply= increased price
Recession- Lower demand= decreased price
Growing populations- More oil needed= increased price
What are the economic costs and benefits of exploiting new oils and gas reserves?
+Save money be reducing imports
+Job opportunities
-Land has to be cleared
-Loss of biodiversity
-Pollution
What are tar sands?
Areas where bitumen is extracted by mining then processed in plants. This destroys habitats which decreases biodiversity. Waste is also created.
What is shale gas extraction?
The extraction of natural gas under high pressure via fracking. This pollutes groundwater and destroys habitats.
What are the key environmental costs of increasing energy supply?
-Water pollution
-Habitat destruction
-Decreased biodiversity
-Chemical waste
Name 3 advantages of reducing fossil fuel usage:
-Reducing carbon footprints
-Diverse energy mix
-Improved energy security
How can you use energy sustainably in the home?
-Insulation
-Modern boiler
-Solar panels
How can you use energy sustainably with transportation?
-Hybrid cars
-Regenerative braking
-More efficient engines
-Use more public transport
What are the two contrasting views on the futures of our energy?
-Business as usual
-Move to sustainably
What are the 5 different viewpoints on energy futures?
-Consumer
-TNCs
-Governments
-Climate scientists
-Environmental groups
What are 3 reasons why attitudes to energy are changing?
-Rising affluence: More money means more choice
-Education: Understand effects of fossil fuels
-Environmental concerns
How are carbon and ecological footprints measured?
Carbon footprint= amount of greenhouse gases generated by an individual over its lifetime
Ecological footprint= how much land is needed to support an individuals lifestyle
They are calculated from these areas: food, home, travel, lifestyle
