Taiga Forest Flashcards
Interdependence
Changing components to an ecosystem such as the Taiga will cause catastrophe as all of the plants and animals that live their rely on that specific climate to survive.
Permafrost is permanently frozen ground and is found in the Taiga. Due to Global warming that permafrost is now melting causing floods . The permafrost also contains trapped green house gases . When it melts they are released.
Adaptions to the Taiga
-Trees are evergreen so that they can make the best use of the available light.
They have needles instead of flat leaves which reduces water loss from strong wind
They are cone shaped meaning that heavy snowfall can just slide off without damaging branches
Animals-
Animals are well insulated so that the can withstand the cold temperatures .
Many animals hibernate so that they can conserve energy during the colder months.
Many animals have white fur so that they can camouflage
Slow nutrients cycle
Most of the nutrients added through precipitation are lost through leaching or runoff.
Whilst the trees are evergreen so they drop and replace the leaves all year around , the cold temperatures slow the rate of decomposition meaning that the soil lacks nutrients .
Low biodiversity
Land was much colder around 15000 years ago meaning that the animals and plants have had very little time to adapt .
The simple structure of the biome means there are a few habitats so only a few species of habitats can be supported.
The taiga forest is much less productive due to the colder temperatures , the nutrient cycle is a lot slower and the soil quality is poor meaning the availability for food is low.
Exploiting the Taiga
Logging for soft wood . Trees are harvested and made into furniture and housing.
Fossil fuels are extracted in the Taiga . The mining causes habitats ti be destroyed
Taiga forest contains lots of minerals . Trees are destroyed so that there is space for mines
HEP damns cause floods killing plants and animals
Tar sands
Earth containing thick black oil which can be processed into fossil fuels . They are found underneath Taiga forests .
Extraction of these Tar sands involves open pit mining . This causes large scale deforestation
Loss of biodiversity
Acid rain-burning fossil fuels releases gases . They dissolve in water in the atmosphere to form acids. When it rains and snows the acid is deposited onto plants .
The acid damages leaves making it harder for them to deal with the cold.
The soil also is unable to support life as it becomes too acidic
Disease- many pests and diseases are specific to one species. For example spruce bark beetles attack spruce trees. Because there is often a huge area of Taiga with only one type of tree in it they can do lots of damage . The warming climate makes it easier for the pests to survive.
Forest fires-whilst forest fires are a natural part of the ecosystem as they allow for new growth and regenerate the forest , global warming increases the frequency of these fires. These fires destroy huge numbers of trees and effect the distribution of a number of species
Conservation methods
Creating a wilderness area- an area that is undisturbed by human activity . It has the highest level of protection as all activity is banned . Because it covers a large area migration can also take place.
However the large remote areas are hard to police. There is pressure on governments from logging companies who want the resources. There is pressure from companies to build roads that would disturb these areas.
Creating a national park-an area that is mostly natural which is managed to protect biodiversity . It often covers a large area meaning lots of species are protected . Unsustainable methods of farming is banned however these parks must take into account the needs of the local communities .
Sustainable forestry-so that wood can be harvested without damaging ecosystem long term. Limits the number of trees that can be cut . It also forces companies to replant once the have finished . However some of these countries struggle to enforce these rules like Russia . Many groups will disagree especially the communities who need to get supplies short term
Conflicting views
Protection-Taiga contains lots of carbon , deforestation causes this to be released contributing to global warming.
Some species are only found in the Taiga so harvesting in the Taiga could cause many species to go extinct.
Exploitation-Wood is required to meet increasing energy demands.
Forest industries provide lots of jobs
The exploitation of the Taiga provides lots of wealth for the country .
