Selected habitat: Temperate broadleaf Woodland Flashcards
Where are most temperate broadleaf Woodlands found?
In the northern hemisphere, in Europe, eastern North America and east Asia
What are most of the trees in broadleaf woodland
Deciduous trees that lose all their leaves each year
What does the dominant tree species in a temperate broadleaf woodland depend on
Soil conditions
What are the dominant tree species in British broadleaf woodlands
Beech
Ash
Oak
What type of soil does Beech grow on
Moist soil is for example clay
What type of soil does ash typically grow in
Alkaline soils for example limestone
What soil does oak typically grow in
No specific soil it has a wide range of tolerance
Do you temperate broadleaf Woodlands have major temperature extremes
No
Do you temperate broadleaf Woodlands have a dry season
No pronounce dry season – water is available all year
What are the soils like in temperate broadleaf forests
Deep and fertile
How did the trees play important part in soil formation
Dead organic matter and its retention by vegetation cover and root binding
How does the tree canopy layer affect growth
growth of plants under the canopy is more difficult because they are shaded during a time when the temperatures are best for growth
How do many wood floor plants overcome the shading of the canopy layer
By growing early in Spring before the trees have produced leaves
What plants grow in early spring before the trees produce leaves
British Bluebells
Snowdrops
Lesser celandine
What does the lack of food in winter causes animals to do?
Become less active
Store food
Hibernate
Migrate
What does having a high biodiversity create?
Higher ecological stability
Why is having a high biodiversity important?
No one species is dominant so a change in the population of one species will have a relatively small impact on the overall community of species
What was wood historically important for?
Building construction- timber frames Fencing Tools Carts Wood fuel Charcoal for metal smelting
What food resources are provided for animals and plants?
Deer Wild boar Fruit Nuts Herbs
Where are forests still exploited in the uk?
Commercial timber plantations
What recreation takes place in woodlands?
Walking
Camping
Cycling
Picnics
How do woodlands play a role in the hydrological cycle?
Interception, evapotranspiration, and control of water in the soil
How do broadleaf woodlands sequester carbon?
Plants with woody tissues can build up a store of carbon in their cellulose and lignin that forms wood
Why might woodlands be cleared?
Farmland
Plantations of single species/ non indigenous species
Urban development
Transportation infrastructure (new roads)
Mineral extraction
