Fragile Ecosystems Flashcards
What is a fragile ecosystem?
A fragile ecosystem is an ecosystem that must be handled with care otherwise it will be gone forever.
Two examples of fragile ecosystem
Rainforest and coral reefs
What is the climate of the rainforest like?
Hot and humid (30°C +) (3000mm+ of rainfall per year)
Name the layers of the rainforest from top to bottom
Shrub layer, under canopy, canopy and emergents
Why is the rainforest dying
When we cut down trees the nutrient cycle stops working. When trees are also removed it means that nothing is holding down the thin layer of of top soil so it all gets washed away in the rain.
What is the nutrient cycle?
It’s as cycle in rainforest that keep it alive. The leaves that fall form the trees rapidly decay on the ground due to the wet and hot conditions. Then the trees uptake this nutrients in the ground to grow and get bigger.
What is deforestation?
Deforestation is the large scale cutting down of trees, often for profit making activities.
Main causes for deforestation to occur?
Logging, farming (palm oil) and building.
