Fynbos, South Africa Ecosystem Flashcards
1
Q
What is the Fynbos ecosystem?
A
Is the major vegetation type of the small botanical region
2
Q
Where is Fynbos located?
A
South Africa. known as the floral kingdom
3
Q
What is the concentration of plant species?
A
1300 per 10000km2
4
Q
How many plant species are there?
A
7700 and 70% which are endemics
5
Q
What species of plant do they have?
A
- Cape reeds
- proteas
- ericas
-And these are found nowhere else in the world
6
Q
Why are Fynbos plants adapted to the country?
A
- Adapted to the Mediterranean climate of the Cape, particulalry summer heat and drought
- Unusual geology and soils, topography and a distinctive fire regime also play a part
7
Q
What threats are there to the area?
A
- The spread of alien plants such as Hakea and Australian Acacia
- Commercial forestry using non-native species such as European pines
- Frequent forest fires
- Construction of housing estates around Cape Town
- Intensification of agriculture
8
Q
How may reserves and wilderness areas are there?
A
- 12 nature reserves (51,000 ha)
- 4 wilderness areas (123,000 ha)
