The Living World Flashcards
What is an Ecosystem?
A system in which organisms interact with each other and with their environment.
Abiotic meaning and examples:
Non-Living – Air, water, heat and rock
Biotic meaning and examples:
Living – Plants, Insects and animals
UK Ecosystem Case Study:
Epping Forest in Essex.
What is the Epping Forest?
Deciduous woodland. Biological interest to the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSI).
How do they manage the Epping Forest?
Visitors pick fruits and berries to help disperse seeds. Trees are cut down to encourage new growth for timber.
What is a Biome?
A large geographical area of distinctive plant and animal groups, which are adapted to that particular environment.
How much of the Earth’s Surface do rainforests cover?
2% (Yet they home over half the world’s plants and animals).
What Case Study is to do with Tropical Rainforests.
Indonesia.
What adaptations to Orangutans, Drip Tips and Vines have been made in the Indonesian Rainforest?
- Orangutans have Large arms to swing and support in the tree canopy.
- Drip Tips allow heavy rain to run off easily.
- Vines climb the trees to reach sunlight at the top of the canopy.
Name 4 Causes of Deforestation:
- Logging (Timber is harvested to create commercial items such as furniture).
- Agriculture (Land for growing crops -> carbon emission from flames and soil infertile due to oil).
- Tourism (Hotels built in areas causing negative relationship between tribes and government).
- Mineral Extraction (Metals are found in the rainforest. Water contamination).
- Energy Development (High rainfall leads to hydro-electric power).
- Road Building (Roads are needed to provide access to new mining areas or settlements).
Why are there high rates of biodiversity?
Warm and wet climate encourages a wide range of vegetation to grow. There is rapid recycling of nutrients to speed up plant growth. Most of the rainforest is untouched.
Why is there climate change in Rainforests?
When rainforests are cut down, the climate becomes drier. This causes greenhouse emissions when trees are burnt as they release more carbon into the atmosphere.
What is the case study to do with Cold Environments?
Alaska!
Adaptations to the cold: Caribou, Snowshoe rabbits and Lichens + Mosses
- Caribou have 2 layers of fur to help them survive the cold. They also have large hooves to help them travel on the soggy ground.
- Snowshoe rabbits have white fur so they cannot been seen easily against the Snow.
- Lichens and Mosses have shallow roots which can tolerate both dry and wet conditions. this allows them to cope with seasonal changes as the active layer melts.
