Epping Forest, UK

Question 1

Describe the location of Epping Forest:

Answer 1

Located North-East of London, on the boundary of the M25.

Question 2

Bogs and ponds have unique species that are attracted to the climate.
How many dragonfly species are in the forest?

Answer 2

20

Question 3

What is biodiversity like in the forest?

Answer 3

There is naturally high biodiversity due to careful management, so there is a complex food web composed of thousands of species.

Question 4

One reason for the great biodiversity is the large number of decomposing fungi and bacteria.
How many species of fungi are known in the forest?

Answer 4

Over 700

Question 5

How many bird species are present?

Answer 5

38

Question 6

Moss and lichen are great producers in the Epping Forest food chain.
How many species of moss and lichen grow in the forest?

Answer 6

177

Question 7

How man amphibian / reptile species call the forest their home?

Answer 7

9

Question 8

What type of tree are most prevalent in the forest?

Answer 8

Deciduous

Question 9

Why are many tree’s in the forest deciduous?

Answer 9

Deciduous trees are seasonal, this means they lose leaves in the winter. This is an adaptation to the seasonal UK climate. Winters are darker and cooler than summers. This allows for maximum photosynthesis during summer and shed their leaves to conserve energy in the winter.

Question 10

In the nutrient cycle for Epping Forest, biomass is the greatest store.
Explain why this is:

Answer 10

The great height of the trees and the dense undergrowth beneath them.

Question 11

In the nutrient cycle for Epping Forest, the soil store is also rather large.
Explain why this is:

Answer 11

There is also plenty of humus in the soil due to the deciduous trees shedding leaves.