The Living World Flashcards
example of UK ecosystem
Reigate Heath
an interrelationship within heath
Gorse- provides shelter for rabbits from birds of pray
How does nutrient cycling apply to Reigate heath
Soil: Nutrients are in the soil, supporting plant growth (e.g., heather, gorse).
Biomass: Plants and animals (e.g., cattle, rabbits) take up nutrients and grow.
Litter: Dead plant material (e.g., heather leaves, gorse) decays and returns nutrients to the soil.
Soil (Decomposition): Decomposers break down litter, recycling nutrients back into the soil.
How might humans affect the ecosystem
Urban Expansion: Development in nearby areas (e.g., Reigate town) can lead to habitat loss and fragmentation of the heathland, reducing biodiversity.
Recreation: Increased foot traffic or cycling on trails could damage vegetation, compact soil, and disturb wildlife.
Pollution: Air pollution from nearby roads or chemical runoff from urban areas could affect soil quality and harm plant species adapted to nutrient-poor conditions.
Physical characteristics of a tropical rainforest
limate: Hot (25-30°C), high humidity , and heavy rainfall
Vegetation: Layered structure (emergent, canopy, understorey, forest floor), rich biodiversity.
Soil: Infertile, acidic, quickly recycled nutrients.
Biodiversity: High species richness and many endemic species.
Biodiversity issues
Deforestation: Large-scale clearing for agriculture (e.g., palm oil, cattle ranching) and urban development reduces habitat, threatening species.
Climate Change: Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns can alter habitats, making it harder for species to survive.
Illegal Logging: Unsustainable logging for timber and resources leads to habitat destruction and disrupts ecosystems.
How plants and animals adapt?
amouflage: Animals like frogs and insects have developed bright colors or patterns to blend into their surroundings and avoid predators.
Nocturnal Behavior: Many animals (e.g., bats, sloths) are nocturnal to avoid the extreme heat and to hunt or forage during cooler, dark hours.
Specialized Diets: Animals like howler monkeys and leaf-cutter ants have evolved to feed on specific plants that are abundant in the rainforest.
Tropical Rainforest case study
The Amazon Rainforest (Brazil)-
Biggest cause of deforestation in Brazil and human impacts
Cattle ranching- 80% of deforestation
Impact on biodiversity: Loss of species, disruption of the water cycle, and destruction of habitat for indigenous tribes.
Physical characteristics of a hot desert
Climate: Extremely hot days, cold nights, and less than 250mm of rain annually.
Vegetation: Sparse, drought-resistant plants like cacti and succulents.
Soil: Sandy or rocky, often poor in nutrients and sometimes salty.
Adaptions?
plants- Cacti: Thick, waxy skin to store water and reduce evaporation.
Succulents: Store water in their tissues.
animals-Camels: Store fat in their humps for water, can go up to 2 weeks without drinking.
Fennec Fox- big ears for heat loss
Example of Hot desert and advantages/disadvantages
Thar dessert- South Asia, Benefits-
Mining-Coal, Mineral and salt- energy production, foreign investment and exports.
Tourism- Safari, may be citied
Nomadic pastoralism- Livestock farming e.g. camel, sheep, goat- boost local economy e.g. milk ad wool.
Disadvantages-
Water scarcity,
Causes and strategies of desertification
Causes- Climate Change: Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns reduce soil moisture.
Deforestation: Cutting down trees removes vegetation that protects soil from erosion.
Overgrazing: Livestock eating too much vegetation leaves soil exposed and vulnerable to erosion.
Strategies-
afforestation: Planting trees to prevent soil erosion and improve water retention.
Water Conservation: Using irrigation techniques like drip irrigation to reduce water wastage.
Grazing Control: Managing livestock numbers and rotating grazing areas to avoid overgraze
