Unit 2- The Living World

Question 1

What is a biome?

Answer 1

A global scale ecosystem.

Question 2

What is a food chain?

Answer 2

Lines of linkages between producers and consumers.

Question 3

What is a food web?

Answer 3

A diagram that shows all the linkages between producers and consumers in an ecosystem.

Question 4

What are consumers?

Answer 4

Consumers are organisms that get their energy from the consumption of other animals.

Question 5

What are producers?

Answer 5

Organisms that get their energy from a primary source, such as the sun.

Question 6

What are scavengers?

Answer 6

Scavengers are organisms that feed on dead animal or plants.

Question 7

What is nutrient cycling?

Answer 7

The recycling of nutrients between living and non living organisms.

Question 8

Where are tropical rainforests located?

Answer 8

Between the broad belts of the tropics.

Question 9

What are the characteristics of vegetation in tropical rainforests?

Answer 9

Rainforests have extremely lush and dense vegetation.

• Trees grow to be extremely tall as they want to reach towards the sunlight.
• Rainforest floors are usually too damp and dark to support many plants.

Question 10

What are the characteristics of the climate in tropical rainforests?

Answer 10

As tropical rainforest are found between the broad belt of the rainforest, they have a plentiful supply of rain and high temperatures throughout the year.
This provides ideal conditions for plant growth.

Question 11

What are the characteristics of the souls in tropical rainforests?

Answer 11

The soil in tropical rainforest is called Latosol, which is very infertile.

• Most of the nutrients are found at the surface f the soil where dead leaves decompose in hot and humid conditions.
• Trees have shallow roots to absorb the nutrients and fungi grown on the roots to get the nutrients from the air.
• As nutrients are close to the soil, heavy rainfall causes leeching and leaves behind red Latosol, high in iron and acid.

Question 12

How does the vegetation adapt to the climate and soil in tropical rainforests?

Answer 12

• Stratification: the majority of vegetation is in the canopy so that it can be closer to the sun=maximum light.
• Some trees have leaves that are able to twist and turn towards sunlight and have a drip tip.
• As trees have very shallow roots and don’t absorb nutrients very well, fungi grows on roots to absorb nutrients from the air to give maximum nutrients.
• Trees have smooth bark to allow water to flow down easily.

Question 13

What are the characteristics of the vegetation in temperate deciduous forests?

Answer 13

There is a rich diversity of vegetation, plants and animals. There are oak trees, beech, birch, ash.

Question 14

What is the climate like in a Temperate Deciduous forest?

Answer 14

There is a moderate climate where rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year, summers are warm but not too dry and winters are cold but not too cool.

Question 15

Where are temperate deciduous forests found?

Answer 15

NW Europe, Eastern North America and parts of East Asia.

Question 16

How does the vegetation adapt to the climate and soils in Temperate Deciduous Forest?

Answer 16

Deciduous trees: shed leaves in winter as less heat and light is available and helps the trees conserve water. The leaves that fall decompose and give nutrients to the soil making it humus and rich.
Stratification: fully grown trees act like umbrellas in the canopy at the top and at the bottom, the conditions are damp and ideal for moss to grow.

Question 17

What are the characteristics of the soil in temperate deciduous forests?

Answer 17

The soil in a temperate deciduous forest is brown soil. It tends to be very humus and rich as weathering is active.

Question 18

What are the characteristics of vegetation in deserts?

Answer 18

There is a lack of vegetation as soils are very fertile.

Question 19

What is the climate like in hot deserts?

Answer 19

The climate is harsh.

• less than 250mm of rainfall.
• hot air blows and descends into the equator forming an anti cyclone.
• at night, temperate a fall below freezing as there are no clouds to prevent heat from escaping.

Question 20

What are the soils like in Hot deserts?

Answer 20

Little organic matter.

• the soils are sandy and stony and there is little organic matter due to lack of vegetation.
• Soils are dry but can soak up water rapidly after rainfall.
• Evaporation draws salt to surface, leaving behind a toxic and alkaline soil.

Question 21

How does vegetation in hot deserts adapt to the climate and soil?

Answer 21

Desert yells daisy: small linear leaves= don’t require a lot of water.
Great Basin Sagebrush: 1) tap roots up to 25m to reach for nutrients 2) small needle-like leaves to reduce water loss.
Giant Square Cactus: 1) roots are close to surface to soak up water before evaporation. 2) pleated skin to expand after water expansion.
Joshua tree: needle-like leaves coated in waxy lasin to reduce water loss.

Question 22

What are the early uses and man agents of Epping forest?

Answer 22

• Since Norman times, kings and queens used the forest for hunting deer.
• Local people were able to use the forest for grazing and the collection of wood.
• Royal used declined and so people made attempts to buy the forest. However in 1878, the “Epping forest act of Parliament” was passed which stated that the forest could not be built on and should be used for leisure.

Question 23

What recent managements have taken place in Epping Forest?

Answer 23

Over 1600 hectares have been marked as a sight of specific interest and a European special area of conservation. Acts have made sure that:

• the forest is providing an open space for the public whilst conserving the natural environment.
• trees die naturally unless they are a threat.
• grazing is encouraged to maintain grass land.
• preserving ancient earthworks + buildings.
• Maintaining ponds

Question 24

What is the natural environment like in Epping Forest?

Answer 24

It is a moderate climate with even,y distributed rainfall, not too hot summers or cold winters. There are not many flowers as it is dark most year round.

Question 25

What attractions and recreational activities take place in Epping forest?

Answer 25

• There are many facilities for guests such as car parks, toilets, refreshments and footpaths- which are accessible by wheelchair.
• Recreational activities such as riding, walking, running and mountain biking also take place in Epping forest.

Question 26

What is pollards and why is it used?

Answer 26

Pollarding is the act of cutting trees at shoulder height to encourage growth. It is practiced as it is a sustainable use of the forest. Instead of completely felling the tree for firewood and other uses, they’re still stands and the trimmings of the trees are used instead.

Question 27

What are possible conflicts between forest users?

Answer 27

There could be possible conflicts between forest users if they believe that the conservation of the forest’s land is not in balances with the recreational use.

Question 28

What are the types of natural environment in Malaysia’s Tropical rainforest?

Answer 28

• Malaysia’s natural vegetation is tropical rainforests. Nearly 60% of Malaysia is forested and 13% are commercial tree crops such as palm oil and rubber.
• Supports over 5,500 species of flowering plants, 2,600 species of trees and over 1,000 butterflies.
• Of the 203 species of mammals, 73% only live in the rainforest.

Question 29

What threats are threatening Malaysia’s tropical rainforest?

Answer 29

• Logging Companies.
• Energy (Dam projects)
• Mining
• Fires (slash and burn)
• Commercial plantations
• Resettlement.

Question 30

Why are logging companies exploiting the rainforest?

Answer 30

Logging companies exploit the rainforest as they use the wood from the trees to make furniture. It is happening in Malaysia, in Papua New Guinea.
It is a threat because whilst the trees are being cut down, plants and species are being killed (many of which are endemic) and it is running the homes of the indigenous.

Question 31

How have Dams exploited the rainforests in Malaysia?

Answer 31

• The $2bn Bakun Dam Project in Sarawak has cause 230km^2 to be cut down for space.
• 10,000 indigenous were moved away and even had to pay for their own resettlements (many of which now suffer from alcoholism and depression).
• The dam has caused flooding too.

Question 32

How has mining caused problems in the rainforest?

Answer 32

Parts of the rainforest are being cleared and drilled for the extraction of oil and gas. This has killed the homes of many endemic species and has also ruined the homes of the indigenous.

Question 33

How has fires and slash and burn exploited the rainforest?

Answer 33

Land is cleared to make space for growing crops. However, the cleared vegetation is set fire to dispose of, and the fires are not put out properly and therefore damages the land.
This also ruins the homes of the indigenous.

Question 34

How have commercial plantations exploited the rainforest?

Answer 34

• Tropical rainforest are cleared to make space for oil plantations as there is a lot of money from the production of it. (Over 50% of products contain them!)
• This destroys the rainforest and it is said that by 2020, 18million more hectares will be cleared for this.
• This ruins the homes of the indigenous.
• This causes climate change as there are less carbon sinks.

Question 35

How has resettlement exploited the rainforest?

Answer 35

-Between 1956 and 1980, 15,000 hectares of land has been cleared to build houses for transmigrators.
The transmigration was a government initiative to move people from densely populated areas to sparsely populated areas. This has caused trees to be cleared, causing climate change.

Question 36

What are the types of natural vegetation in the Thar Desert, Rajasthan, India?

Answer 36

As the soils are very sandy and not very fertile, there is little organic matter to enrich them. Therefore only simple drops such as small trees, shrubs and grass are grown in the desert.

Question 37

What are the economic opportunities in the Thar Desert?

Answer 37

• Subsistence Farming
• Irrigation and Commercial Farming.
• Mining and industry

Question 38

How do people in the Thar desert carry out subsistence farming?

Answer 38

As the climate presents huge challenges, with unreliable rainfall(120-240mm) and frequent droughts, the most successful way of farming for them is to keep a few animals on grassy areas and cultivate vegetables and trees.

Question 39

How has commercial farming been possible in the Thar desert?

Answer 39

Ever since the building of the Indira Ghandi Canal, farming has been possible as the the canal irrigates the land. This has enabled the people to grown cotton and wheat to sell (commercial farming) and has been a source of drinking water.

Question 40

How has mining been an economic opportunity in the desert?

Answer 40

The desert has valuable reserves of resources which they can sell to industries for a reasonable price. There is:

• Feldspar: for ceramics
• Phosphorite: to make plaster
• Kaolin: to whiten paper.

Question 41

What are the future challenges in the Thar Desert?

Answer 41

-Population Pressure
The increase in population has resulted in a higher demand for food and water. This puts pressure on the resources that are already limited. Overgrazing and over cultivation are the two main problems.
-Soil erosion
When the soil is unprotected, Hugh winds can blow away the unprotected soil.
-Salinisation
The water in soils evaporate during high temperatures, leaving behind a white residue of salt. This makes the soil in fertile and toxic for animals and plants.

Question 42

How has tourism helped the Thar Desert?

Answer 42

Tourists from other countries or wealthier parts of India come to the desert as a “holiday”. This gives the local an income as they can bet our guides and give their camels for a form of transport in return for money.

Question 43

What are the types of natural environment in the Sonoran desert in Arizona, USA?

Answer 43

• The desert is home to a great diversity of flora and fauna. (Especially the iconic saguaro cactus).
• The desert also has a clean, clear atmosphere with open spaces which is an attraction for retirement migration.

Question 44

How have the physical difficulties and opportunities been overcome in the desert?

Answer 44

-Physical extremes of climate.
This has been overcome by using air conditioning in vehicles, houses, workplaces and shopping centres because of their cheap and plentiful supply of electricity. (Perhaps from solar panels)
-Water
This is easily piped through to irrigate crops, drinking water, watering golf courses and for filling swimming pools.
-Threats to wildlife because of overdevelopment.
The 1998 conservation act was passed to prevent this.

Question 45

How has the Marana desert made money?

Answer 45

• In 1920, an irrigation system enabled Marana to become an agricultural centre specialising in cotton. This expanded in the 1940s to the production of wheat, barley and pecans. However this began to decline in the 1960s and by 2005, only 6 cotton farms remained.
• Now, durum wheat is being grown and exported to Italy for pasta.
• Migration has caused growth in the town which is causing it to thrive into a wealthy business.

Question 46

Why was sustainable rainforest management introduced to Malaysia?

Answer 46

After WW2, there was an advancement in technology (chainsaws etc) which led to an increase in trees being cut down. Therefore the government responded with the National Forestry act in 1977.

Question 47

What is the national forestry act?

Answer 47

This act aimed to:

• Increase timber processing to increase profitability of wood and decrease the demand for raw timber. (The export of raw timber is banned is most of Malaysia)
• Encourage alternate timber sources (e.g. Rubber trees)
• Increase public awareness of forests.
• Involve Lola communities in forest projects.

Question 48

How have permanent forest estates and national park statuses helped the rainforest?

Answer 48

• Surveys carried out in the 60’s and 70’s, the government identified permanent forestry estates where no development or conservation of land is allowed.
• 10% of the forest has been given a national park status which ensures that no rainforest species or habitats are destroyed.

Question 49

What is the Forest Stewardship Council?

Answer 49

The FSC is an international organisation that aides to promote sustainable forestry.
Products that have sourced from sustainably managed forests have the FSC label which helps educate buyers and reduce the demand of raw wood.

Question 50

How has ecotourism become a form of sustainable management?

Answer 50

Malaysia has developed ecotourism which aims to introduce people to the natural world without causing environmental damage.
The main advantage of this is that by not disturbing the natural environment, income is provided to the local as they act as tour guides.

Question 51

What is the selective management system?

Answer 51

This is a form of sustainable forestry management which is adopte din Malaysia.

Question 52

What are the stages of the selective management system?

Answer 52

2 years before felling: pre felling studies to identify what is there.
1 year before felling: commercially viable trees are painted with arrows to indicate the direction of felling to prevent damage to other trees.
Felling: felling is carried out by licence holders.
3-6 months after felling: survey is carried out to check what has been felled and illegal fellers are prosecuted.
2 years after: treatment plan in drawn up to restore the forest.
5-10 after felling: trees are replanted.
30-40 years after felling: the cycle begins again.

Question 53

What are the recent worldwide initiatives?

Answer 53

Carbon sinks: in recognition of the Gola Forest in Sierra Leone for reducing global warming by being a carbon sink: 75,000 hectares of the forest are supported by money from the European Commission.
Debt Relief: countries are relieved form some of their debt in return for retaining their rainforest as countries have recognised the international importance of rainforest.

Question 54

What forms of sustainable management have been carried out in the Thar Desert in the past?

Answer 54

In 1977, the government funded desert development programme was started to restore the ecological balance of the region.

Question 55

What forms of forestry have taken place in the Thar desert to achieve sustainable management?

Answer 55

• The most important tree in the Thar desert is the Prosopis Cineraria. It is extremely suited to the hostile climate and it has many uses such as providing foliage to feed animals, firewood, buildings and provides shade to other crops.
• Scientists have developed a breed of plum tree called the Bar Tree. It can survive with low rain and provides fruit to sell and eat.

Question 56

How is stabilising sand dunes a form of sustainable management?

Answer 56

The sand dunes in the Thar desert are very mobile. They sometimes pose threats to farm land, roads and waterways.
To prevent this, trees, shelter belts of trees and fences have been placed alongside roads and canals to stabilise the sand dunes.

Question 57

What status has helped the Thar Desert be sustainable?

Answer 57

The Thar desert national park has been created to protect around 3,000 km^2 of the arid land and the endangered animals and plants that have adapted to the that harsh conditions.

Question 58

What is an ecosystem?

Answer 58

The living and non-living parts of an environment and the interrelationships between them.