Weather And Climate Past Paper Flashcards
Give one reason why the climate of Iquitos supports the growth of tropical rainforest [2]
It has a warm average temperature therefore longer growing seasons.
Describe two distinctive features of vegetation in a tropical rainforest [4]
One distinctive feature of vegetation in a tropical forest is it has the worlds largest biodiversities as it contains half of the Earth’s plant species.
Another feature that tropical rainforest has is the distinctive layers. The ecosystem consist of 4 layers: the emergent layer, the canopy, the understory and the forest floor. Each layer contains different species.
Explain why decomposition is an important part of the nutrient cycle [4]
Decomposition refers to the breakdown of dead organisms by decomposers such as bacteria and fungi.
Decomposition is an important part of nutrient cycle as it enables a transfer of mixed minerals such as carbon, nitrogen and oxygen from the dead matter to the soil. Therefore the soil can use up those nutrients again for the growth of new generations.
Without decomposition, the nutrients would be locked inside the dead matter therefore hinders the growth of nature.
Suggest reasons for the differences between the two nutrient cycles. [6]
Firstly, hot semi-arid grassland tend to have a hot and dry ecosystem which contains long grasses and a few scattered trees and often with hot summers and winters with an average temperature of 25 degrees. There are some precipitation throughout the year with the highest of 325mm in April. It is normally located in countries such as South Africa, Southern China and Northern Australia.
On the other hand, the tundra biome is completely different to the hot semi-arid grassland. It has a characteristic of treeless polar desert that is located in countries such as Russia and Canada and is considered the coldest of all biomes with an average of -15 degrees throughout the year with little to no precipitation in most months. It also has long winters with freezing winds at night.
Overall, when compare both biomes, the difference are clear. In hot semi-arid grassland, nutrient cycles happen quicker as it has a larger stores and flows of nutrients due to some extent of precipitation with a warm temperature extending the growing seasons and rapid natural weathering hence leads to faster cycle of decomposition. Whereas in Tundra, nutrient cycles happen slower as there isn’t sufficient amount of precipitation. And due to extreme coldness, there are little to no growth of organisms due to the ground being permafrost as the soil is completely frozen.
Describe the differences shown between mammal and coral species in the graph opposite [2]
There are more mammals vulnerable than corals in general. However the percentage of coral species threatened is far more than the percentage of mammals threatened in their own population. As only 14%(750/5250)of mammals are vulnerable whereas 53%(400/750) of coral species are under threatens.
Suggests why biodiversity is suffering in ecosystems such as coral reefs. [3]
One of the main reasons is climate change. It has caused the water to become warmer and as a consequence, corals turn completely white which is so called coral bleaching.
Another reason is that tourists may throw litter in the ocean which can cause a great damage to coral reefs. They may also touch corals which can kill them.
A final reason is that litters from boats may be swallowed by wildlife as the pollutants may travel far away due to the ocean currents which is a continuous movement of sea water generated by a number of forces such as wind.
Low tariff questions
27
325-165=160
Biomass to litter
400/750 x 100 = 53%
