peatland ecology Flashcards
define diluvial with reference to movement of organic matter in peats
it remains in one place
define ombrogenous with reference to the type of water that enters peatland
only rainwater is added to the ecosystem
why is decomposition of organic matter slowed in peats
aerobic respiration and low pH
what is the dominant flora in peatland
sphagnum moss
how does moss reproduce?
female releases spores. eggs fertilised by male sperm which swims through water.
what is phenolic and why does it help stop decay of dead moss?
a structure that helps for cells that hold water and produces acid
which part of the moss does growth occur from?
the apex
before the bog becomes too acidic for it to grow, what kind of vegetation can be found in them?
woody alder trees
define oligotrophy in terms of nutrient need
organisms that to not require lots of nutrients
define copiotrophy
when an organism needs a lot of nutrients
define eutrophic
an environment with lots of nutrients available
define bulk density
the dry mass of a sample of peat
