people and the biosphere - paper 3 Flashcards
abiotic components
Non-living environmental factors that have influence over the ecosystem
altitude
A measurement of the height of the land
altitudinal zonation
The presence of distinct bands of different vegetation types at different elevations, caused by the change of environmental conditions with altitude.
biome
a large, distinct region of the Earth with similar climate, soil, plants and animals.
what else can a biome be referred to as
globe-scale ecosystem
biosphere
The living layer of Earth between the atmosphere (air) and the lithosphere (crust) where all plants and animals are found.
biotic components
Living organisms that interact with the environment and other organisms within an ecosystem
boserupian theory
The theory that the demands of the growing population will always be met, as humans will continue to invent new ways to increase resource supply.
carbon sequestration
The long-term capture and storage of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
taiga/boreal (coniferous forest biome) facts
A biome located at high latitudes, characterised by conifer trees and a cold climate.
consumer
Organisms that receive energy from consuming (i.e. eating) living organisms.
decomposer
Organisms that break down organic material and release the nutrients back into the ecosystem
desert biome
A biome located around 30° north and south of the equator, characterised by extremely low precipitation levels and extreme daily temperature fluctuations.
ecosystem
A natural system in which a community of plants and animals interact with each other and their physical environment.
Eutrophication
The growth of algae in a body of water due to excess nutrients, leading to the
depletion of oxygen in an aquatic ecosystem.
food chain
shows the biotic interactions within an ecosystem, from a producer to a final consumer.
hydrological cycle
The continuous transfer of water throughout Earth.
indigenous people
The earliest known settlers in an area.
industrialisation
The development of the industrial sector in a country or region.
malthusian theory
The theory that population growth increases exponentially but resource supply only increases linearly.
mediterranean biome
A biome located 40-45° north of the equator (and in isolated spots south of the equator), characterised by mild, moist winters and hot, dry summers.
nutrient cycling
The transfer of nutrients through an ecosystem, from the decay of organic material into the production and energy of living organisms.
producers
Organisms that convert energy from the environment (mainly sunlight) into sugars
(glucose).
savanna biome
A biome located around 15-30° north and south of the equator, characterised by high temperatures, very dry summers and very wet winters.
temperate deciduous forest biome
A biome located around 40-50° north and south of the equator, characterised by deciduous trees (trees that shed their leaves) and moderate precipitation.
temperate grassland biome
A biome located in non-coastal areas around 30-40° north and south of the equator, characterised by low precipitation and grasses as the major vegetation.
transpiration
The evaporation of water from plants.
tropical rainforest biome
A biome located near the equator, characterised by very high precipitation and sustained warm temperatures.
tundra biome
A biome located in the far northern hemisphere, characterised by very cold conditions and permanently frozen soils.
urbanisation
The increase in the proportion of the population living in urban areas.
how does precipitation effect biomes
low pressure - rainy climate
high pressure - low precipitation
how does temperature effect biomes
higher latitudes - low temperatures - less intense sunlight - less growth
around the equator - sun shines directly - warm - more growth
how can you compare different biomes
climate graphs
what 3 things effect biomes locally
altitude
rock and soil type
drainage
how does altitude effect biomes
temperature gets colder as you get higher - temperature is colder
precipitation increases with height - alters vegetation
how does rock and soil type effect biomes
rocks are broken down - chemicals and nutrients released - chemicals influence soil pH and fertility
bedrock - effects permeability, vulnerability to erosion and drainage
how does drainage effect biomes
well drained soils - do not retain water - different plants can grow
poorly drained soils - waterlogged and boggy - harder to grow
what 4 things effect drainage
topography and relief
soil type
amount of vegetation
precipitation and temperature
example of indigenous people
Efe people
why is the biosphere essential for human life
supports us with good and services
what does goods refer too
food and water
energy sources (fossil fuels)
materials (timber)
services
atmospheric regulation
soil formation and nutrient cycling
hydrological cycle
how have humans exploited the biosphere
for:
energy
water
mineral resources
how have humans exploited energy from the biosphere
energy supply - fossil fuels
extracted at unsustainable rate, takes millions of years to reproduce
extraction is causing environmental damage
fossil fuels - green house gases - global warming
how have humans exploited water from the biosphere
pop requires long lasting, clean water sources
water depleted by altering hydrological cycle
groundwater is depleting at a faster rate than replenishing
may face water shortages
how have humans exploited mineral resources from the biosphere
takes billions of years to form - depleting fast
used for:
consumer goods (phones)
construction (metal)
medicines
fertilises for crops - keep up with pop growth
what does the biosphere do
regulates globally important services
- maintains green house gases
- regulates photosynthesis
photosynthesis equ
carbon dioxide + water -> oxygen + glucose
how does the biosphere keep soils fertile
Through nutrient cycle - movement of nutrients around - biomass and litter
why is there a growing demand for resources (3)
population is growing
world is getting richer
urbanisation is increasing
why is the population growing causing a demand in resources
more homes to build
more people to feed - pop doubled 4 billion to 7.7 billion
more energy to supply
why is the world getting richer causing a demand in resources
people consume more food - requires land and resources - type of food changed (more dairy and meat) - more animals needed
more disposable income - holidays (fossil fuels for airplane) - more cars (energy and resources) and more consumer goods (phones - require mineral resources)
investments to sanitation - requires water resource s
why is urbanisation increasing causing a demand in resources
over half the world live in cities
requires more resources for construction - energy for transport and electricity
how is industrialisation increasing poorer regions
socioeconomic shift to industrialisation
large factories built - investments to industries - migrating to work from rural to urban
more urbanisation - greater energy consumption
