7.1 Flashcards
(19 cards)
Ecosystem
The study of how the biotic/living aspects of the environment interact with each other and the abiotic features of the non-living environment they are found in
Biome
Large-scale ecosystems over a country/continent with distinct plants/animals/climate
Tundra climate
Cold dry climate(5-10C) and low precipitation(less than 250mm a year)
Tundra vegetation
Mosses, grasses and low shrubs, lack of vegetation due to cold and lack of light
Boreal forest climate
Cold, dry climate, less than 500mm precipitation a year, short summers and long winters
Boreal forest vegetation
Lack of trees due to lack of light
Lack of animal species due to less food available and poor climate
Soils are thin and nutrient-poor since trees decompose slowly
Coniferous trees like pine and fir
Temperate forest climate
High rainfall(up to 1500mm per year)
Warm summers with longer days
Cool winters with shorter days
Temperate forest vegetation
Mild, wet climate supports less plant species than tropical forests, but more than boreal forests.
Rich soils due to plants decomposing quickly.
Wider range of plants provides habitats for animals
Temperate grasslands climate
Hot summer(up to 40C)
Cold winters(down to -40C)
Precipitation in late spring and early summer
Temperate grasslands vegetation
Few trees
Fewer animal species than tropical grasslands
High temperatures increase decomposition - soils are rich in nutrients
Desert climate
Low rainfall- less than 250mm a year
Hot temperatures a day
Desert vegetation
Lack of rainfall means plant growth
High temperatures mean few animal species
Soils nutrient-poor due to lack of vegetation decomposing
Tropical grassland climate
Low rainfall(800-900mm per year)
Distinct wet + dry seasons
Temperatures highest before wet season and lowest after it
Tropical grasslands vegetation
Many grass, scrub and small plants
Home to lots of insects
Grass dies back during dry season forming nutrient-rich soil
Tropical forest climate
High temperatures(20-28C)
High rainfall - 2000mm a year
Tropical forest vegetation
Quick plant growth - plants adapted to absorb light
Dense vegetation provides food and habitats for lots of species
Plants grow and decompose quickly, meaning rich soil
How do biomes change with altitude on mountain sides?
The higher the altitude, the lower the temperatures of the biome and mountains are more exposed to the wind,so slopes are steeper and soils are thinner. Biomes decrease in size and are replaced by species like grasses.
How do alkaline rocks change the vegetation type in the UK?
Alkaline rocks like limestone rocks are dry,
meaning more beech trees than oak trees
in certain areas and limestone pavements reduce tree growth.
How does rock type affect drainage of soil and vegetation?
Permeable rocks(which let water soak through them) increase soil drainage but could cause drought due to being dry and prevent vegetation, however impermeable rocks don’t let water soak through them and water drainage reduces, but these rocks hold nutrients and maintain vegetation.
