Unit 7.1 Grasslands*

Question 0

Describe the extent of the global grassland resource and list the reasons why grasslands are important.

Answer 0

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Question 1

Explain what grasslands are.

Answer 1

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Question 2

Explain the similarities and differences between natural, semi-natural and intensive/agricultural grassland types.

Answer 2

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Question 3

Last and describe the principle environmental factors determining the occurrence of grassland types.

Answer 3

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Question 4

Describe how the functional characteristics of dominant vegetation types make them particularly well adapted to the grassland environment.

Question 5

Name the grassland types from around the world that are quoted in the text, and give some examples of the key primary producers, herbivores and carnivores that characterise each type.

Answer 5

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Question 6

Describe briefly the historical influences that have affected the evolution of British grasslands.

Answer 6

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Question 7

When supplied with appropriate information, classify grasslands, using appropriate terms, according to the following criteria: climate, soil pH, soil moisture, human management and botanical composition.

Answer 7

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Question 8

Explain, using examples, the dynamic nature of community composition in space and time, and why community composition may change.

Answer 8

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Question 9

Explain, using examples, how the factors that determine the type of grassland (and other types of vegetation) vary as the spatial scale alters.

Answer 9

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Question 10

Describe, using appropriate examples, the kinds of influence herbivores and detrivores can have on grassland ecosystems.

Answer 10

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Question 11

List the main types of pressure acting on grassland ecosystems today, and explain, using examples, how they can influence grassland composition, diversity and sustainability.

Answer 11

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Question 12

Describe how the focus of wildlife conservation has changed since the middle of the 20th century.

Answer 12

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Question 13

List the proportions of scarce plants, insects and birds associated with lowland grassland in Britain, and the types of grassland prioritised by the UKBAP.

Answer 13

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Question 14

List the key components of the model for a comprehensive and strategic approach to the effective and sustainable management of grasslands, and describe how it has been applied in specific case studies.

Answer 14

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Question 15

Name some of the characteristic flora and fauna of calcareous and wet grassland habitats, describe the historical background to their development, and explain, using appropriate examples, how the management techniques described can be used to restore them.

Answer 15

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