The living world Flashcards
Define an ecosystem
A community of plants and animals living in a habitat. The lives of plants and animals are closly linked to each other and the climate they live in.
Gives some examples of A-Biotic factors
Soil and sunlight
Give some example of Biotic factors
Animals
State the sturcture of tropical rainforests
- Shrub layer (Less than 5m)
- Lower tree canopy (5-15m)
- Middle canopy (15-30m)
- Top canopy (30-60m)
State some advanced facts about tropical rainforests
- Many trees have Butress roots to increase surface area to absorb more O2 and CO2
- Drip Tip leaves allow excess water to spill off without damaging leaf
- Shallow roots to get to the nutrients first
- Soil has a high iron content (its red)
What is a tree called in a rainforest that goes above the canopy.
- An emergent
What are some negative affects of deforestation?
- Reduces animal habitats
- There is conflict between local people on how the land is used
- Without trees there is no leaf fall reducing nutrients in soil
- Biodiversity is reduced
- Less rain intercepted by trees so more water gets into rivers and causes floods
What are some positive affects of deforestation
- More jobs for local people
- Provides valuble products for export
State some facts about the Amozon Rainforest
- One third of the worlds trees grow in the amozon
- A typical patch of rainforest hold 1500 species of plants and 700 species of animals
- 1/4 of the worlds fresh water is stored in the Amazon Basin and will be reduced if rainforest is cut down
Define Ecotourism
Tourism directed towards exotic natural enviroments, intend to support concervation efforts and observe wildlife
State some countrys where deforestation is speeding up and by what rate has it changed from 2005 and 2010
- Indonesia +107%
- Peru +94%
State some countrys where deforestation is decreasing and by what rate has it changed from 2005 and 2010
- Mexico -37%
- Brazil -21%
How much of the amazon rainforest has been destroyed?
- Since 1978 over 750,000 km2 has been destroyed
State some causes of deforestation (who has been deforesting the amazon)?
- 65-70% was caused by commercial cattle ranching (need land for there cattle)
- 2-3% was caused by illegal logging companys
Why does road building affect deforestation?
It gives access to more people to the rainforest
