Tropical Rainforests and Deciduous Woodlands (Case Studies Aswell) Flashcards
Tropical Rainforest Adaptations
Buttress Roots - supports the tree and keeps it stable. They are above the ground so they can get the nutrients before it is washed away.
Tall Trees - helps them get sunlight as they compete with each other.
Shrub Layer - they have broad leaves to absorb as much light as they can get.
Drip-Tips - drips the water off so that the weight of the water doesn’t damage the leaves
What is the Nutrient Cycle
The way nutrients move through an ecosystem
What are the different parts of the Gersmehl Model
Biomass - all living organisms
Litter - all the dead and organic material
Soil
What is the biggest nutrient store in the Tropical Rainforest
Biomass
What happens due to the warm, moist climate
Fungi and Bacteria decompose the dead organic matter quickly. These nutrients are taken up quickly due to the dense vegetation
What Goods and Services are provided in the Tropical Rainforest
Food - such as meat and coffee
Medicines - found in plants such as willow tree
Timber - used to make furniture
Economy - more tourists visit the Rainforests increasing incomes
How is Climate Change Affecting Tropical Rainforests
Structure - plants are adapted to moist conditions so climate change could make them extinct
Functioning - in drier conditions there is less decomposition of litter which could affect the food chain
Biodiversity - extinction of one plant or animal will have a knock on affect due to interdependence
Why are TRF’s and Deciduous Woodlands cut down
Agriculture - forest are cut down to make space for cattle and too make palm oil plantations
Trees are also felled for timber to make furniture
Population - trees are cleared to make land for new settlements
How is the Tropical Rainforest in Madagascar maintained
Ecotourism - people come as tourists who pay for tours. Then this money is spent to keep the forest maintained.
The Government also prevent illegal logging
The Government provides initiatives for farmer to plant trees in return for improving their crop yield.
Teachers also teach kids about deforestation and the impacts of it.
What are Deciduous Woodlands made of
Made of Broad-Leaved Trees that lose their leaves in Autumn.
What are the Abiotic and Biotic features like in Deciduous Woodlands
Abiotic:
Climate - no extreme temperatures or rainfall. There are 4 seasons and the rainfall is quite high.
Soil - very fertile soil as leaves decompose quickly due to the mild and wet climate.
Biotic:
Plants - Most trees are Deciduous meaning they lose their leaves in Autumn.
Deciduous Woodland Adaptations
Broad Leaves - to absorb as much sunlight as possible
Bluebells - grow when some leaves fall (spring) so that they can capture sunlight.
Some plants like Ivy also grow up trees to get sunlight.
Why do trees in Deciduous Woodlands lose their leaves
This is so that less water is lost through the openings on the leaf. But also to conserve the tree’s energy as it doesn’t need to prevent the leaves from freezing.
What is the biggest nutrient store in Deciduous Woodlands
Biomass as there’s many trees around
What is the Nutrient Cycle like in a Deciduous Woodland
Biomass - large due to the amount of trees
Litter - quite large due to the leaves that fall and decompose to form a layer of Humus.
Soil - fairly large due to the nutrients stored inside.
Transfers - smaller than TRF’s due to the mild temperature and lower rainfall.
What is the Biodiversity like in Deciduous Woodlands
Moderate Biodiversity - because there’s good temperatures and a lot of rainfall meaning plants can grow here quite easily. These plants create food and habitats for animals to survive off.
What Goods and Services are provided from a Deciduous Woodland
Timber - trees are cut to use for materials and furniture
Fuel - wood is also cut for fuel and to make charcoal.
Economy - zip lines and camps allow tourists to pay and make jobs.
How is Climate Change Affecting Deciduous Woodlands
Structure - many trees might not be able to survive due to the low rainfall and heavy storms.
Functioning - some animals may come out of hibernation to early and there will not be enough food which causes extinction
Biodiversity - will decrease due to the lack of nutrients and trees won’t be able to grow.
What is the Nutrient Cycle like in a Tropical Rainforest
Biomass - largest due to the amount of nutrients provided by leaves
Litter - quite small as leaves are decomposed quickly
Soil - fairly large because trees uptake the nutrient rapidly.
What is the Biodiversity like in Tropical Rainforests
Very High Biodiversity - because there are many plants and animals. It has a stable environment due to no seasons meaning the forests are very productive.
