Unit 1B: The Living World Flashcards
What is an ecosystem?
An ecosystem includes all the biotic (living) parts and the abiotic (non-living) parts of an area.
What are the three main types of organisms in an ecosystem?
Producers, consumers, decomposers.
What is a producer?
A producer uses sunlight energy to produce food.
Give an example of a producer.
Grass.
What is a consumer?
A consumer gets its energy by eating other organisms.
What do consumers eat?
Producers or other consumers.
What is a decomposer?
An organism that gets its energy by breaking down dead material.
Give examples of decomposers.
Bacteria and fungi.
What happens when dead material decomposes?
Nutrients are released into the soil.
How do plants obtain nutrients?
Plants absorb nutrients from the soil.
What is nutrient cycling?
The transfer of nutrients through an ecosystem.
What do animals do to obtain nutrients?
Animals eat plants, taking in the nutrients they contain.
How do nutrients return to the soil?
When plants or consumers die and decompose.
What does a food chain show?
What eats what.
What does a food web show?
Lots of food chains and how they overlap.
Why is each part of an ecosystem important?
Each part depends on other parts for habitat and food.
What happens if one part of an ecosystem changes?
It affects all the other parts that depend on it.
Fill in the blank: If the blackberry bushes are cut back, there is less food for _______.
greenfly.
What is the relationship between greenfly and ladybirds?
Ladybirds depend on greenfly for food.
What can you draw to understand changes in an ecosystem?
A food web.
What type of ecosystem is the Slapton Ley in Devon?
Freshwater lagoon
It contains one of the largest freshwater reed beds in Devon.
What designations does Slapton Ley have for protection?
Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and National Nature Reserve (NNR)
These designations protect it from over-development.
What is one of the main producers in the Slapton Ley reed beds?
Common reed
Which birds are known to nest in the Slapton Ley reed beds?
Bitterns and herons
What types of fish use the reeds for shelter in the Slapton Ley?
Sticklebacks and eels
What role do bacteria play in the Slapton Ley ecosystem?
Decompose dead organic matter
What is a typical food chain in the Slapton Ley reed beds?
Common reed > Moth larva > Dragonfly larva > Bittern
Name two components of a typical food web in the Slapton Ley reed beds.
- Common reed
- Water beetle
- Dragonfly
- Frog
True or False: The Slapton Ley reed beds are an interdependent ecosystem.
True
Fill in the blank: A change to one part of the reed beds can have a _______ effect on other parts.
knock-on
What can drought lead to in the Slapton Ley ecosystem?
Insect larvae die, leading to decreased fish and frog populations
What type of global ecosystem is found at high latitudes with very cold winters and brief summers?
Tundra
What are the two types of grassland mentioned?
- Savannah grasslands
- Temperate grasslands
What type of trees are predominant in the boreal forest?
Coniferous trees
Where is the tropical rainforest primarily located?
Around the equator, between the tropics
What characterizes the climate of hot deserts?
Little rainfall, very hot during the day and very cold at night
What type of forest is characterized by four distinct seasons?
Temperate Deciduous Forest
True or False: The polar ecosystems are warm and have abundant vegetation.
False
What is the growing season like in polar ecosystems?
Very short, about two months
Fill in the blank: The climate in an area determines the type of _______ found there.
ecosystem
What is the climate of tropical rainforests?
The climate is hot and wet all year round, with temperatures generally between 20-28 °C and no definite seasons.
The sun’s energy is more intense near the equator, contributing to this consistent climate.
What is the average annual rainfall in tropical rainforests?
Around 2000 mm per year, with rainfall occurring every day.
This high level of rainfall is essential for the growth of diverse plant species.
Why are most trees in tropical rainforests evergreen?
To take advantage of the continual growing season.
This allows trees to retain their leaves year-round, maximizing photosynthesis.
What is a characteristic feature of the soil in tropical rainforests?
The soil isn’t very fertile as heavy rain washes nutrients away.
There is a thin layer of surface nutrients due to decayed leaf fall.
What types of animals are commonly found in tropical rainforests?
Gorillas, jaguars, anacondas, tree frogs, sloths, howler monkeys, and many species of insects and birds.
Rainforest ecosystems are believed to contain more animal species than any other ecosystem.
Define biodiversity.
The variety of organisms living in a particular area, including both plants and animals.
Rainforests contain around 50% of the world’s plant, animal, and insect species.
What is the relationship between biodiversity and the stability of rainforest ecosystems?
Rainforests are stable and productive environments due to their constant climate, allowing many organisms to thrive.
This stability means that plants and animals do not have to cope with changing conditions.
What role do fungi and bacteria play in the rainforest ecosystem?
They decompose dead plant material rapidly, enriching the surface soil with nutrients.
This rapid decomposition is facilitated by the warm and wet climate.
What is a symbiotic relationship in the context of tropical rainforests?
A relationship where two species depend on each other for survival.
For example, agouti and Brazil nut trees have a mutualistic relationship.
What impact does deforestation have on rainforest ecosystems?
It can lead to climate change, drought, and loss of soil stability, affecting plants and animals.
Reducing tree cover increases the risk of drought and soil erosion.
Fill in the blank: Rainforests contain around _____ of all life on Earth.
half
This high concentration of life contributes to their rich biodiversity.
True or False: Trees in rainforests help stabilize the soil.
True
Tree roots provide stability and nutrients, protecting the soil from erosion.
What is one consequence of cutting down trees in a rainforest?
It increases the risk of drought, affecting plants and animals that live there.
Trees are crucial for maintaining moisture in the atmosphere.
List the primary components of a rainforest ecosystem that are interdependent.
- Climate
- Water
- Soils
- Plants
- Animals
- People
Changes to any one component can affect the entire ecosystem.
What are the main adaptations of plants in tropical rainforests?
Plants have adapted to high rainfall, high temperatures, and competition for light.
Key adaptations include growing tall to compete for sunlight, having thick, waxy leaves, and dropping leaves gradually throughout the year.
How do emergent trees in tropical rainforests adapt to their environment?
Emergent trees only have branches at their crown, where the most light is available.
This adaptation helps them maximize sunlight exposure.
What is the role of climbing plants like lianas in the rainforest?
Climbing plants use tree trunks to reach sunlight.
This adaptation allows them to access light above the dense understory.
Why do many trees in tropical rainforests have smooth, thin bark?
There is no need to protect the trunk from cold temperatures, and the smooth surface helps water run off easily.
This adaptation prevents water accumulation that could harm the tree.
What adaptations do animals in the rainforest have to escape predators?
Animals have adaptations such as camouflage, strong limbs, and nocturnal behavior.
Examples include leaf-tailed geckos for camouflage and howler monkeys for mobility.
How do some animals in the rainforest adapt to low light levels?
Some animals, like anteaters, have a sharp sense of smell to detect predators without seeing them.
This adaptation is crucial for survival in dimly lit environments.
What is the estimated deforestation rate in the Amazon by 2030?
Almost 30% of the Amazon will have been deforested by 2030 if the current rate is not reduced.
This projection highlights the urgency of conservation efforts.
What are the primary causes of deforestation in the Amazon?
Primary causes include:
* Commercial farming
* Subsistence farming
* Commercial logging
* Mineral extraction
* Energy development
* Population growth
* Road building
Each of these activities contributes significantly to forest loss.
What percentage of deforestation in the Amazon is attributed to cattle ranching?
Cattle ranching accounts for approximately 65-70% of deforestation in the Amazon.
This highlights the impact of livestock farming on rainforest ecosystems.
What impact does road building have on deforestation in the Amazon?
New roads open up previously inaccessible areas, leading to increased deforestation.
The Trans-Amazonian Highway is a key example of this issue.
Fill in the blank: The Amazon rainforest covers an area of around ______ million km².
5.5
This makes it the largest rainforest on Earth.
True or False: Most deforestation in the Amazon occurs more than 50 km away from roads or rivers.
False
95% of deforestation occurs within 50 km of roads or rivers.
What is the role of trees in relation to CO2 in the atmosphere?
Trees remove CO2 from the atmosphere, and the Amazon stores around 140 billion tonnes of carbon.
Deforestation releases CO2, contributing to global warming.
What percentage of Brazil’s CO2 emissions come from deforestation?
Up to 75%.
Deforestation is responsible for up to 20% of global CO2 emissions annually.
How much topsoil is Brazil losing due to soil erosion each year?
Up to 100 tonnes per hectare.
This can lead to landslides and flooding.
What effect does reduced tree canopy have on soil?
More water reaches the soil, reducing soil fertility as nutrients are washed away.
Fewer tree roots absorb water.
What economic benefits has farming brought to Amazonian countries?
Wealth, e.g. Brazil exported almost $600 million of beef in March 2018.
Brazil is the world’s second-largest exporter of soybeans.
How many people does the Buenaventura mining company in Peru employ?
Over 8000 people.
What is a significant negative impact of logging in Brazil?
It can destroy resources like timber and reduce tourist attractiveness.
Local rubber tappers have lost their livelihoods due to tree cutting.
What was the global rate of deforestation from 2007 to 2017?
An average of 22 million hectares of forest were lost each year.
Which two countries accounted for almost half of global deforestation from 2001 to 2014?
Brazil and Indonesia.
What pledge did Brazil make as part of the Paris Agreement?
To reduce its carbon emissions by 37% by 2025.
What efforts have been made to decrease deforestation in Brazil?
Protecting over 44% of the Amazon and using satellite imagery to prevent illegal logging.
What is one way that sustainable development can benefit rainforests?
Through ecotourism, which provides long-term economic benefits.
What products are sourced from tropical rainforests?
Rubber, coffee, chocolate, and medicines.
What is selective logging?
Felling only some trees, usually old ones, while most trees remain.
This helps maintain forest structure.
What is the purpose of replanting in rainforest management?
To replace trees that are cut down with new ones.
How does ecotourism minimize environmental damage?
By limiting visitor numbers and imposing rules to reduce impacts.
What has been the impact of ecotourism in Costa Rica?
It is the largest source of income for the country and has led to 21% being protected from development.
True or False: The Amazon rainforest is being rapidly deforested.
True.
Fill in the blank: Deforestation can lead to ________ in the future.
landslides and flooding.
What can educating the international community about deforestation impacts encourage?
Encourage people to buy products from sustainable sources.
This can lead to reduced demand for products that contribute to deforestation.
How can local people’s understanding of deforestation impacts help rainforests?
It can help reduce damage to rainforests.
Educating locals may prevent illegal logging and other harmful activities.
What is one alternative way to help local people avoid unsustainable income sources?
Teaching them about alternative ways to make money that don’t damage the environment as much.
This reduces dependency on logging and farming that harm rainforests.
What is the purpose of national parks and nature reserves in rainforests?
To restrict damaging activities such as logging.
These areas aim to conserve biodiversity and ecosystem functions.
What challenge do national parks face in enforcing restrictions?
A lack of funds can make it difficult to police the restrictions.
Limited financial resources hinder effective conservation efforts.
How do some countries finance rainforest conservation?
By setting up funds that overseas governments and businesses can invest in.
These funds can be used to enforce restrictions and promote sustainable use.
What significant contribution did Norway make to Brazil’s Amazon Fund in 2018?
$70 million for conservation.
This funding was aimed at supporting enforcement of conservation efforts.
Why do poorer countries often log, farm, and mine in rainforests?
To pay back debts borrowed from wealthier countries or organizations.
The necessity to repay loans leads to environmentally harmful practices.
What is a conservation swap?
Part of a country’s debt is paid off in exchange for a guarantee that the money will be spent on conservation.
This approach aims to align financial relief with environmental protection.
What example of debt reduction for conservation occurred in 2011?
The USA reduced Indonesia’s debt by $29 million in exchange for conserving their rainforests.
This illustrates international cooperation for rainforest conservation.
What is hardwood?
Wood from certain tree species, e.g., mahogany or teak.
Hardwood is known for its density and durability, making it popular for furniture.
What impact does high demand for hardwood have on tropical hardwood trees?
Some tropical hardwood trees are becoming increasingly rare as more are cut down.
The demand from richer countries drives illegal logging and over-exploitation.
What is the purpose of international agreements regarding hardwood?
To prevent illegal logging and promote the use of hardwood from sustainably managed forests.
These agreements aim to ensure that timber sourcing is environmentally responsible.
What does the Forest Stewardship Council® (FS®) mark indicate?
It indicates sustainably-sourced timber.
This mark helps consumers choose products that do not contribute to unsustainable deforestation.
True or False: Sustainable management of rainforests protects their biodiversity.
True.
Effective management practices help maintain the ecological balance and species diversity.
What defines hot deserts?
Hot deserts are hot and very dry.
This affects the plants and animals that can live there.
What is the average annual rainfall in hot deserts?
Less than 250 mm per year.
Rainfall patterns vary, with rain possibly occurring once every few years.
What are the temperature extremes in hot deserts?
Can reach 45 °C during the day and drop below 0 °C at night.
What factors limit soil fertility in hot deserts?
1) Lack of leaf fall limits fertility.
2) Little rainfall causes soil to dry out often.
3) Soil is often shallow with a gravelly texture.
How does low rainfall affect plant growth in hot deserts?
Plant growth is sparse, with plants like cacti and thornbushes that don’t need much water.
What types of plants typically grow in hot deserts?
1) Low shrubs.
2) Short woody trees.
3) Cacti, which can grow fairly tall.
What is a characteristic of the life cycles of plants in hot deserts?
Many plants have short life cycles, growing quickly after rain.
What type of animals are found in hot deserts?
Animals adapted to the harsh environment, often small and nocturnal.
What is an example of a small, nocturnal mammal found in hot deserts?
Kangaroo rats.
How do birds typically behave in hot deserts?
Most birds leave during harshest conditions, but some, like roadrunners, can live there all year round.
How do people living in deserts typically cultivate crops?
They grow a few crops near natural water sources, usually in the desert fringes.
What is a common lifestyle of indigenous people in deserts?
They are often nomadic, traveling to find food and water for livestock.
Fill in the blank: Hot deserts have _______ soils and sparse vegetation.
shallow
True or False: Hot deserts are characterized by high populations of plants and animals.
False
What are some key features of hot deserts?
1) Hot
2) Dry
3) Sandy
4) Low populations of plants, animals, and people.
What are the two main components of hot desert ecosystems?
Biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components
Biotic components include plants, animals, and people; abiotic components include climate, water, and soils.
How do plants and animals interact in hot desert ecosystems?
Plants provide nutrients and water to animals, while animals spread seeds through their dung
This mutual relationship helps both plants to reproduce and animals to survive.
What effect does the hot and dry climate have on desert soils?
Soils are salty due to high evaporation rates and low in nutrients due to little decomposition
This makes it difficult for plants to grow.
What is a consequence of allowing cattle to overgraze in desert ecosystems?
Soil erosion occurs, leading to reduced plant roots and increased dust clouds
Dust clouds can reduce rainfall, exacerbating desert conditions.
What are some adaptations of desert plants to survive in hot, dry conditions?
- Extremely long roots (e.g. mesquite) to reach deep water
- Wide roots near the surface (e.g. prickly pear) to absorb water
- Succulent stems for water storage
- Small leaves or spines to reduce transpiration
- Dormant seeds that germinate after rain (e.g. brittlebush)
What areas in hot deserts have the highest levels of biodiversity?
Small areas around ephemeral ponds and rivers, and desert margins
These areas contain a high proportion of endemic species.
How does human activity threaten biodiversity in desert ecosystems?
- Increasing desertification
- Over-using or contaminating water supplies
- Habitat division by roads
These activities can disrupt migration patterns of animals like desert bighorn sheep.
What impact does global warming have on hot deserts?
It makes deserts hotter and drier, forcing some species to migrate
Species at environmental limits risk decline or extinction.
What adaptations do nocturnal desert animals have?
They sleep during the hottest times to stay cool
This behavior helps them conserve water and avoid heat.
How do some desert animals obtain water?
- Storing fat that converts to water (e.g. camels)
- Getting water from food (e.g. cactus mice)
- Minimizing water loss through sweat and urine (e.g. kangaroo rats)
These adaptations are crucial for survival in arid conditions.
What are some adaptations of camels to cope with sand in deserts?
- Triple eyelids
- Long eyelashes
- Ability to close nostrils
- Large, flat feet
These features help protect them from sandstorms.
Fill in the blank: Many desert plants have _______ stems, spiny leaves, and waxy skin.
fleshy
True or False: Biodiversity in hot deserts is high.
False
Biodiversity in hot deserts is low, and many species are threatened.
What is a key idea to remember about desert organisms for exams?
Plant adaptations focus on water acquisition; animal adaptations focus on cooling and water conservation.
What is the Sahara?
Earth’s largest desert, covering a USA-sized area across many North African countries.
Name a popular activity for tourists in the Sahara.
Sandboarding and cross-desert camel treks.
What is the third largest exporter of phosphate?
Morocco.
Which country is a leader in oil extraction in the Sahara?
Algeria.
What resource is essential for commercial agriculture in the Sahara?
Water.
Fill in the blank: The Aswan Dam provides Egypt with _______.
water all year round.
What are some mineral resources found in the Sahara?
- Iron
- Copper
- Lead
- Silver
What is a significant challenge to development in the Sahara?
Extreme Temperatures.
True or False: The Sahara’s population is about 25 million.
False.
What is the annual rainfall in the Sahara typically like?
Low and unpredictable (less than 70 mm in some places).
Name one consequence of the Sahara’s limited water supply.
Providing enough water for workers, industry, and irrigation is challenging.
What is the expected output of the solar energy development in Tunisia?
Enough electricity for more than 2.5 million homes.
Fill in the blank: The Sahara’s daily temperatures can range from over 40 °C during the day to _______ at night.
below freezing.
What is a challenge related to inaccessibility in the Sahara?
Providing services, e.g. medical care, is difficult in isolated communities.
What extreme condition can make physical work difficult in the Sahara?
High temperatures.
What is the impact of deep boreholes on the Sahara’s water supply?
They extract water without replenishing it, which isn’t sustainable.
Name a development opportunity in the Sahara.
- Mineral resources
- Solar energy
- Oil and gas
- Farming
What is the significance of Morocco’s groundwater depletion since 1969?
It has decreased by 1.5 m a year due to mining and agriculture.
What geographical feature makes transportation in the Sahara challenging?
Few roads.
Fill in the blank: It takes _______ by truck to transport salt from salt mines in Mali out of the desert.
5 days.
What is desertification?
Desertification is the degradation of land, making it drier and less productive.
What are the main causes of desertification?
- Human Activities
- Climate Change
How does the removal of fuel wood contribute to desertification?
It leaves the soil exposed, making it more susceptible to erosion.
What impact does overgrazing have on desertification?
It causes plants to be eaten faster than they can regrow, leading to soil erosion.
What is the effect of over-cultivation on soil nutrients?
It uses up all the nutrients in the soil, making it unproductive.
How does population growth relate to desertification?
It increases pressure on land, leading to more deforestation, overgrazing, and over-cultivation.
Fill in the blank: Desertification affects _______ of the world’s land.
a third
What climate change factor is expected to reduce rainfall?
Higher temperatures
True or False: Higher temperatures cause more water to evaporate from the land.
True
What are some strategies for reducing the risk of desertification?
- Water Management
- Tree Planting
- Soil Management
- Appropriate Technology
How can growing crops that need little water reduce desertification?
It reduces overall water use, preserving soil moisture.
What role do trees play in combating desertification?
They act as windbreaks, stabilize sand, provide shade, and reduce evaporation.
What is the purpose of leaving land to rest between grazing or planting?
It allows the land to recover its nutrients.
What is appropriate technology in the context of desertification management?
Using cheap, sustainable materials that are easy for local people to maintain.
Fill in the blank: Using _______ can help add extra nutrients to the soil.
compost
What is the impact of sand fences on desertification?
They trap windblown sand and stabilize the soil.
What is the relationship between the loss of plants and soil erosion?
Loss of plants means soil is more easily eroded, making it less fertile.
What is the significance of the economic opportunities at location A?
They include mining and commercial resources for export.
What is the typical temperature range in polar areas?
Normally below freezing, winters drop to -40 °C and can reach -90 °C
Polar areas are characterized by extreme cold temperatures.
What is the maximum temperature that tundra areas can reach during warm months?
10 °C
Tundra environments experience very limited warmth.
What is the annual precipitation in polar areas?
Less than 100 mm
This low precipitation contributes to the harsh living conditions.
What type of soil is found in tundra areas?
Thin, acidic, and not very fertile
Tundra soil supports limited plant life.
What is permafrost?
Frozen ground that holds trapped greenhouse gases
Permafrost is a significant feature of tundra ecosystems.
Name three animals found in polar areas.
- Polar bears
- Penguins
- Seals
These species are adapted to survive in extreme cold.
What types of plants are common in tundra areas?
- Hardy shrubs (e.g. bearberry)
- Grasses
- Mosses
- Lichens
These plants are adapted to the cold and nutrient-poor soil.
Who primarily inhabits polar areas?
Indigenous residents and scientists
Polar regions are largely uninhabited due to harsh conditions.
What are the main components of cold environments?
- Biotic components (plants, animals, people)
- Abiotic components (climate, soils, permafrost)
These components are interdependent and affect each other.
True or False: The cold climate causes plants to grow quickly in cold environments.
False
Cold climate leads to slow plant growth and decomposition.
What happens to the permafrost in summer?
Surface plants absorb heat, preventing thawing
This relationship helps maintain the ecosystem’s balance.
Fill in the blank: If humans trample lots of plants, the soil is exposed to sunlight and __________.
warms up
This can lead to thawing of permafrost and ecological consequences.
What is the effect of melting permafrost on greenhouse gases?
It releases greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming
This is a significant environmental concern.
Name two herbivores mentioned that rely on tundra plants.
- Reindeer
- Lemmings
These animals migrate to find food sources.
What is the consequence of fewer plants for carnivores in cold environments?
They will struggle to find enough food to survive
The food chain is directly affected by plant availability.
What adaptations do plants in tundra environments have to survive extreme cold?
Plants in tundra environments have adaptations such as:
* Dormancy during cold winters
* Low-growing and round-shaped forms for wind protection
* Small leaves to limit moisture loss
* Shallow roots due to permafrost
* A short growing season of 50-60 days
* Reproduction using underground runners or bulbs
These adaptations help plants cope with the harsh conditions of cold environments.
How do animals in cold environments conserve energy during winter?
Animals in cold environments conserve energy by:
* Having thick fur or blubber for insulation
* Hibernating, e.g., Arctic ground squirrels hibernate for 7-8 months
* Adapting to limited food sources, e.g., reindeer eating lichens
* Migrating to warmer areas, e.g., Arctic terns
* Growing white winter coats for camouflage
These adaptations are crucial for survival in extreme winter conditions.
True or False: Cold environments have high biodiversity.
False
Cold environments, particularly Antarctica, have very low biodiversity compared to other environments.
What are some development opportunities in Alaska?
Opportunities for economic development in Alaska include:
* Energy from oil and gas industry
* Mineral resources like gold and copper
* Fishing industry valued at $1.7 billion
* Tourism attracting around 2 million visitors annually
These opportunities are significant despite the challenges posed by the environment.
What challenges does Alaska face in terms of development?
Challenges to development in Alaska include:
* Small population despite being the largest state by area
* Extreme temperatures making outdoor work dangerous
* Inaccessibility due to remote locations and poor infrastructure
* Expensive air travel or dangerous ice roads in winter
* Difficulty in constructing buildings to withstand extreme weather
These challenges complicate resource access and workforce availability.
Fill in the blank: Most plants in tundra environments have _______ roots due to the layer of permafrost.
shallow
Shallow roots are a key adaptation that helps plants survive in cold environments.
Which animal is known to hibernate for 7-8 months in cold environments?
Arctic ground squirrel
Hibernation is a crucial adaptation for conserving energy during the long winter months.
What is the mean annual temperature of Prudhoe Bay in Alaska?
-9 °C
This temperature highlights the extreme cold conditions in Alaska’s northern region.
What is a significant impact of global warming on species in cold environments?
Species are moving towards the poles in response to temperature rises in their habitats.
Species already adapted to polar environments face risks of decline or extinction.
How does the construction of the Trans-Alaska oil pipeline address the challenges of permafrost?
Some parts of the pipeline are raised on stilts to prevent melting the permafrost.
This prevents ground instability and supports the infrastructure in extreme conditions.
What is the value of Alaska’s fishing industry?
$1.7 billion
The fishing industry is a vital part of Alaska’s economy, employing around 30,000 fishermen.
What are cold environments?
Fragile areas that need to be sustainably managed to protect them from damage.
Why is it important to conserve wilderness areas in cold environments?
They provide habitats for organisms and allow scientists to study natural ecosystems.
What can studying natural ecosystems help scientists achieve?
It may help replicate conditions in managed ecosystems, preserving rare species.
How long can it take for cold environments to recover from human interference?
Centuries.
Why is plant growth slow in cold environments?
If plants are damaged, regrowth takes time.
Why do species in cold environments find it difficult to adapt to change?
They are highly specialised.
What impact does melting sea ice have on polar bears?
Their numbers are decreasing as sea ice melts earlier each year.
What is the role of international agreements in protecting cold environments?
They can limit development and protect ecosystems, e.g. the Antarctic Treaty.
What does the 1959 Antarctic Treaty limit?
Visitors to 100 per site and prohibits nuclear activities.
What is one way that development can harm cold environments?
Mining can pollute water and disrupt animal migration.
What does the 1964 Wilderness Act do?
It protects designated wilderness areas from development.
How can modern construction methods minimize environmental impacts?
By building on gravel beds to prevent warming the ground.
What role do conservation groups like Greenpeace and WWF play?
They pressure governments to protect cold environments.
True or False: Economic development and conservation can be balanced.
True.
Fill in the blank: The cold climate causes plants to be low in _______.
nutrients.
What is a consequence of damaging plant cover in cold environments?
It can increase greenhouse gases.
What is a potential conflict in cold environments?
The need for economic development versus the need for conservation.
What is one strategy to reduce the impact of development in cold environments?
Using technology to minimize environmental impacts.
What are cold environments?
Fragile areas that need to be sustainably managed to protect them from damage.
Why is it important to conserve wilderness areas in cold environments?
They provide habitats for organisms and allow scientists to study natural ecosystems.
What can studying natural ecosystems help scientists achieve?
It may help replicate conditions in managed ecosystems, preserving rare species.
How long can it take for cold environments to recover from human interference?
Centuries.
Why is plant growth slow in cold environments?
If plants are damaged, regrowth takes time.
Why do species in cold environments find it difficult to adapt to change?
They are highly specialised.
What impact does melting sea ice have on polar bears?
Their numbers are decreasing as sea ice melts earlier each year.
What is the role of international agreements in protecting cold environments?
They can limit development and protect ecosystems, e.g. the Antarctic Treaty.
What does the 1959 Antarctic Treaty limit?
Visitors to 100 per site and prohibits nuclear activities.
What is one way that development can harm cold environments?
Mining can pollute water and disrupt animal migration.
What does the 1964 Wilderness Act do?
It protects designated wilderness areas from development.
How can modern construction methods minimize environmental impacts?
By building on gravel beds to prevent warming the ground.
What role do conservation groups like Greenpeace and WWF play?
They pressure governments to protect cold environments.
True or False: Economic development and conservation can be balanced.
True.
Fill in the blank: The cold climate causes plants to be low in _______.
nutrients.
What is a consequence of damaging plant cover in cold environments?
It can increase greenhouse gases.
What is a potential conflict in cold environments?
The need for economic development versus the need for conservation.
What is one strategy to reduce the impact of development in cold environments?
Using technology to minimize environmental impacts.
