Topic 7: People And The Biosphere Flashcards
What is the difference between biosphere and ecosystem?
An ecosystem is the study of the biotic and abiotic aspects of an environment, such as a woodland. A biosphere is the region of the atmosphere occupied by living organisms.
Why are animals important to the soil?
They pass the nutrients they take in through their excrement to the soil, allowing for new growth.
In relation to the equator, where are tropical rainforests found?
Rainforests are found at or near the equator, where it is hottest.
What is biotic?
Biotic is relating to living aspects
What is the climate like in the biome of a tundra?
Low temperatures at 5-10°c in the summer and -30°c in the winter.
What is ‘carbon sequestration’?
The process of carbon being stored with biotic material.
How does rock type affect biome characteristics?
Some rocks are weathered easily to form soils, and different types contain different minerals. This affects how nutrient-rich the soil is.
What is abiotic?
Abiotic is relating to non-living aspects.
In relation to the equator, where is the tundra located?
The tundra is located at the top of the world, furthest from the equator, where it is coldest.
What is ‘carbon sink’?
The storage of carbon by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and locking it with other biotic material.
What is the order of the water cycle?
Water evaporates -> clouds form -> precipitation -> water returns to source (ocean)
What is a biome?
Large-scale, global ecosystems that have very distinctive vegetation.
What is the soil like in desserts?
The soil thin an nutrient-poor. This is because there is a lack of plants meaning a lack of leaf-litter. The dry climate means that organic matter is slow to decompose.
How does drainage affect biome characteristics?
If drainage is poor, soil gets waterlogged and only plants that are adapted to warm conditions will be able to grow there.
