8a - taiga Flashcards
(15 cards)
how is the taiga forest an interdependent ecosystem?
- carnivores (eg wolves) follow herbivores (eg reindeer) that rely on plants (eg mosses)
- permafrost melting -> flooding land + releases trapped ghg -> global warming -> threatening plants and animals)
- in summer, trees absorb heat and shade the ground, preventing the permafrost from thawing, which provides water for plants
how are plants adapted to the climate?
- evergreen trees that don’t drop leaves to make best use of the available light
- needles instead of flat leaves to reduce water loss from strong winds
- cone-shaped so that heavy winter snowfall can slide off branches without breaking them
how are animals adapted to the climate?
- larger mammals are migratory
- many animals are well-insulated with thick fur (wolves) or downy feathers (ptarmigan)
- white coats in the winter (snowshoe hare) to camouflage against the snow to hide from predators
describe the taiga’s nutrient cycle
- plants grow and decompose slowly due to low temperatures, so small (infertile) soil, medium biomass and large litter (dead organic matter)
- few nutrients are added through precipitation and weathering, but a lot of nutrients are lost through runoff and leaching
describe the taiga’s biodiversity
- land was covered in ice until recently so species have had little time to adapt to the climate
- simple specific structure, so not many varied habitats
- less productive cycles so everything is slowed
how are the taiga forests being exploited for resources?
- extracting tar sands and other fossil fuels with mining
- logging for softwood to be made into housing, furniture and matches
- HEP dams flood large areas of land
- exploitation of minerals (eg ores, gold, copper)
what impacts does acid rain have on ecosystems?
- burning fossil fuels releases pollutants which dissolve in water in the atmosphere to form acids that are deposited when it rains/snows
- acid rain damages plants’ leaves and their capacity to cope with the cold
- it can also make the soils too acidic to support growth and kills organisms in lakes and streams
what impacts do pests and diseases have on ecosystems?
- pests and diseases cause damage to organisms
- it is thought that global warming is making it easier for pests and pathogens to survive
what impacts do forest fires have on ecosystems?
- typically, wildfires are a natural part of the ecosystem, allowing for new growth and regeneration
- a frequency too high of fires can destroy huge numbers of trees and animals and change the distribution of species
- they may also break up forests into smaller sections, making it hard for migratory animals
what are the conservation methods of the taiga?
- creating a wilderness area undisturbed by human activity
- creating a national park to protect biodiversity and promote recreation
- sustainable forestry (harvesting timber without damaging the forest long-term)
strengths and challenges of creating a wilderness area
- S : highest level of protection / usually a very large area so large-scale processes can still take place (eg migration)
- C : large so hard to police / economic pressure to use resources + transport routes + tourism
strengths and challenges of creating a national park
- S : protects particular species / does not permit unsustainable human activity / good access for tourists and recreation
- C : must take into account the indigenous communities / roads, infrastructure and pollution may harm the ecosystem
strengths and challenges of sustainable forestry
- S : limits can be placed on the number of trees felled / companies may be required to regenerate the area after logging
- C : some countries struggle to enforce restrictions / lack of clear management / conflict between group
why might people think the taiga should be protected?
- global warming
- some species are only found in the taiga and shouldn’t go extinct
- indigenous peop;e may depend on the forest for their traditional way of life
why might people think the taiga should be exploited?
- demand for resources is increasing
- forest industries provide a lot of jobs
- exploitation generates a lot of wealth