Trees, Forest, and Biodiversity Flashcards
What is photosynthesis?
the process where sunlight (radiant or light energy) is captured by pigments (mainly chlorophyll) to produce sugars (chemical energy).
What are plants?
organisms with plastids (such as chloroplasts) and protected embryos (baby plants). Also, most (but not all) have the ability to photosynthesize.
Why are plants important?
Humans require plants to stay alive.
use plants for all sorts of our physical needs (food, fiber for clothing and paper,
Oxygen produced by plants is vital for all animals.
inspirational for art and have significance in many cultures and religions.
What is a tree?
a tall, woody, perennial plant, having a well-marked trunk with few or no branches persisting from the base
What is a shrub?
a woody plant in which the side shoots are well-developed so that there is no trunk. They are less than 9 m (30 ft) high
What is the definition of perennial?
Plants that live over two years
What is the definition of annual?
Plants that live for one year
What is the definition of biennial?
Plants that live for two years
How many trees are on the planet?
Around three TRILLION
What is a forest?
a complex ecosystem of interacting and often interdependent biological, physical, and chemical components
A forest community must have trees, and it must be largely composed of or dominated by trees
How much of the terrestrial biomass do forest account for?
66%
What does terrestrial mean?
“living in the soil” or “living on land”
How are forest regions largely affected?
Through water like
Precipitation
Evapotranspiration
What is the definition of precipitation?
the atmospheric water (snow, rain, drizzle, fog) that falls to earth via gravity
Why are forests important?
Provide necessities
Ecosystem services
play a major role in the global cycling of oxygen and carbon
