Ecosystems Flashcards
(106 cards)
1
Q
What is an ecosystem?
A
A complex natural system made up of plants, animals, and the environment in which they live.
2
Q
Define abiotic.
A
Things that are dead, such as climate, water, and soils.
3
Q
Define biotic.
A
Things that are living, such as plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi.
4
Q
What is a producer?
A
An organism or plant that is able to absorb energy from the sun through photosynthesis.
5
Q
What is a consumer?
A
An animal that eats a plant or another animal.
6
Q
What is a decomposer?
A
Organisms such as bacteria or fungi that break down (decompose) plant and animal matter.
7
Q
What does a food chain show?
A
The direct links between different organisms that rely on each other as a source of food.
8
Q
What is a food web?
A
A complex hierarchy of plants and animals that rely on each other as a source of food within an ecosystem.
9
Q
What is the nutrient cycle?
A
The ongoing recycling of nutrients between living organisms and their environment.
10
Q
Define biome.
A
A very large ecosystem, with similar climatic conditions and vegetation.
11
Q
What does interdependence in an ecosystem mean?
A
All organisms in an ecosystem depend upon each other.
12
Q
What is a habitat?
A
The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism.
13
Q
How can flooding affect oxygen levels?
A
During flooding, oxygen levels can decrease due to increased sedimentation and decreased sunlight.
14
Q
What can happen to water quality during flooding?
A
Flooding can introduce pollutants and nutrients into the pond, leading to algal blooms.
15
Q
Name two human changes that can upset the balance of a pond ecosystem.
A
- Temperature changes
- Changes in precipitation
16
Q
What is the impact of droughts on pond ecosystems?
A
Droughts can lead to decreased water levels, increased temperature, and nutrient availability.
17
Q
What are the positive effects of fertilizers in pond ecosystems?
A
Fertilizers can enhance the growth of aquatic plants and stimulate the growth of phytoplankton.
18
Q
What are the negative effects of excessive fertilizers in pond ecosystems?
A
Overgrowth of algae, leading to reduced oxygen levels in the water.
19
Q
What can invasive species do to native species?
A
Outcompete native species for resources, causing declines in native populations.
20
Q
What is a trophic pyramid?
A
A representation of the energy flow in an ecosystem, showing different trophic levels.
21
Q
What is the role of decomposers in the nutrient cycle?
A
Decomposers break down dead material, returning nutrients to the soil.
22
Q
What factors influence the distribution of biomes?
A
- Climate
- Ocean currents
- Wind currents
23
Q
What is biodiversity?
A
The variety of life (plants and animals) in the world or a particular ecosystem.
24
Q
What is deforestation?
A
The chopping down and removal of trees to clear an area of forest.
25
What is ecotourism?
Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and sustains local communities.
26
Define sustainability.
Actions and forms of progress that meet the needs of the present without reducing the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
27
What is leaching?
The process of nutrients being washed away from the soil.
28
What is topsoil?
The top layer of soil and is the most fertile because it contains the most organic, nutrient-rich materials.
29
Define subsistence farming.
A type of agriculture producing food and materials for the benefit only of the farmer and his family.
30
What does sustainability refer to?
Actions and forms of progress that meet the needs of the present without reducing the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
31
What is interdependence in an ecosystem?
All organisms in an ecosystem depend upon each other.
32
What is leaching?
The removal of nutrients from the topsoil, leading to lower layers of soil lacking necessary nutrients and minerals.
33
Where are Tropical Rainforests primarily located?
Along the equator, between the tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn.
34
What is the typical climate of a Tropical Rainforest?
Warm and wet with high rainfall and year-round high temperatures.
35
What is the average annual temperature in a Tropical Rainforest?
Usually around 28°C with little variation.
36
What is the average annual rainfall in a Tropical Rainforest?
Typically over 2000mm per year.
37
What are emergents in the Tropical Rainforest?
The tallest trees, usually over 50 metres tall.
38
What is the canopy in a Tropical Rainforest?
The layer of leaves blocking out sunlight from the lower layers, containing over 50% of the rainforest wildlife.
39
What does the under canopy mainly consist of?
Bare tree trunks and lianas.
40
What is the shrub layer in a Tropical Rainforest?
The layer with the densest plant growth, containing shrubs and ferns.
41
What is the forest floor in a Tropical Rainforest like?
Usually dark and damp, containing a layer of rotting leaves and dead animals called litter.
42
Why are soils in the Tropical Rainforest often poor?
Nutrients are rapidly absorbed by vegetation and leached away by high precipitation.
43
What is the nutrient cycle in the Tropical Rainforest?
Nutrients are rapidly recycled due to decomposers breaking down organic material in the litter layer.
44
Define biodiversity.
The variety of life (plants and animals) in the world or a particular ecosystem.
45
What are the threats to biodiversity in the Tropical Rainforest?
Human activity, including deforestation and climate change.
46
What problems are associated with the decline of biodiversity in the Tropical Rainforest?
Extinction of species, limitation of future medical research, and negative impacts on indigenous people.
47
What is traditional living like for people in the Tropical Rainforest?
Tribes live in harmony with the environment, hunting and gathering sustainably.
48
What are buttress roots?
Large, wide roots that extend out from the base of a tree to provide support and stability.
49
What is the purpose of drip tip leaves?
To allow rainwater to run off quickly, preventing accumulation that could harm the plant.
50
What adaptation do toucans have?
A long, large bill to reach fruit on branches that are too small to support their weight.
51
What is the sloth's adaptation for survival?
A slow metabolism and slow movement to avoid overheating.
52
Where is Malaysia located?
In South-East Asia, just north of the equator.
53
What is the rate of deforestation in Malaysia?
Malaysia lost 17% of its rainforest cover between 2001 and 2021.
54
What is one cause of deforestation in Malaysia?
Logging, including clear felling and selective logging.
55
What are two economic impacts of deforestation?
* Short-term job creation * Long-term environmental degradation
56
What is one environmental impact of deforestation?
Soil erosion due to the loss of tree roots binding the soil.
57
How does deforestation contribute to climate change?
By reducing the number of trees that absorb CO2 and emit oxygen.
58
What percentage of the world's deforestation occurs in Brazil and Indonesia?
40%.
59
True or False: Deforestation rates in Brazil are increasing.
False.
60
What is one reason why deforestation is decreasing in Brazil?
Over half of the remaining forest is protected from deforestation.
61
What is the reason for the decrease in deforestation in Brazil?
Over half of the remaining forest is protected, government crackdown on illegal deforestation, commitment to reducing carbon emissions, and conservation leadership.
## Footnote
These factors contribute significantly to the preservation of Brazil's forests.
62
Define sustainability.
Actions and forms of progress that meet the needs of the present without reducing the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
## Footnote
Sustainability is crucial for ensuring the longevity of natural resources.
63
Why do tropical rainforests need to be managed sustainably?
To protect goods and services for future generations and prevent resource exhaustion.
## Footnote
Unsustainable practices lead to irreversible loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services.
64
What is clear felling?
The process of chopping down all trees in an area being cleared.
## Footnote
This method leads to total destruction of the ecosystem.
65
What is selective logging?
Felling only fully grown trees while leaving most of the forest untouched.
## Footnote
This method allows younger trees to mature and protects the ground from erosion.
66
List advantages of selective logging.
* Reduces ecosystem destruction
* Allows for continued forest growth
* Protects soil from erosion
* Maintains biodiversity
## Footnote
Selective logging is considered a more sustainable approach compared to clear felling.
67
List disadvantages of selective logging.
* Reduces the amount of wood harvested
* Decreases immediate income from timber
## Footnote
These disadvantages can make selective logging less appealing from a short-term economic perspective.
68
What role does conservation play in rainforest management?
Protects large areas of land, allowing for tourism and alternative income sources instead of deforestation.
## Footnote
Conservation efforts can provide sustainable financial benefits without harming the ecosystem.
69
What is ecotourism?
Tourism aimed at introducing people to the natural world without causing environmental damage.
## Footnote
Ecotourism can provide income for local communities while preserving ecosystems.
70
What is the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)?
An internationally recognized brand indicating that wood comes from a sustainable source.
## Footnote
FSC certification helps consumers make environmentally responsible choices.
71
What does 'debt-for-nature swapping' mean?
Countries agree to cancel debt in exchange for commitments not to deforest.
## Footnote
This strategy provides financial relief while promoting environmental conservation.
72
What is a carbon sink?
A natural environment that absorbs more carbon dioxide than it releases.
## Footnote
Rainforests serve as significant carbon sinks, helping to mitigate climate change.
73
Fill in the blank: Appropriate technology is technology that is suited to the needs, skills, knowledge, and _______ of local people.
[wealth]
## Footnote
Appropriate technology is essential for sustainable development in poorer regions.
74
Define desertification.
The process by which land becomes drier and degraded due to climate change or human activities.
## Footnote
Desertification threatens agricultural productivity and biodiversity.
75
What are the main characteristics of hot desert soils?
Dry, sandy, rocky, typically about 1m deep, often little organic material.
## Footnote
Soil fertility can be low due to the harsh conditions.
76
What adaptations do desert plants have to survive?
* Small or no leaves to reduce water loss
* Long root systems to absorb water
* Short life cycles to avoid drought
* Spines to deter herbivores
## Footnote
These adaptations are crucial for survival in arid environments.
77
What is an oasis?
A small patch of vegetation surrounded by desert.
## Footnote
Oases provide essential resources for wildlife and human habitation.
78
What are the main threats to biodiversity in hot deserts?
* Climate change
* Wildfires
* Overgrazing
* Desert tourism
## Footnote
These threats can lead to habitat degradation and loss of species.
79
Define biodiversity.
The variety of life in the world or a particular habitat.
## Footnote
Biodiversity is essential for ecosystem resilience and functionality.
80
What is interdependence in hot desert environments?
The mutual reliance between biotic and abiotic factors in maintaining ecosystem health.
## Footnote
Interdependence illustrates the interconnectedness of life in desert ecosystems.
81
Where is the Thar desert located?
Mostly in the Indian state of Rajasthan, extending into Pakistan.
## Footnote
The Thar desert is the most densely populated desert in the world.
82
What economic opportunities exist in the Thar desert?
* Mineral extraction
* Energy production
* Tourism
## Footnote
These opportunities can help improve local economies while managing environmental impacts.
83
What is the average annual rainfall in the Thar Desert?
100-240mm
84
What type of soils are found in the Thar Desert?
Sandy soils, lacking fertility and with little organic matter
85
Name a key economic opportunity in the Thar Desert.
Mineral extraction
86
What minerals are extracted in the Thar Desert? List at least three.
* Limestone
* Marble
* Phosphorite
* Feldspar
* Gypsum
87
What is the significance of renewable energy in the Thar Desert?
Wind and solar energy are significant; Jaisalmer has India’s largest wind farm.
88
What is the output of the wind turbines at Jaisalmer?
60MW of electricity
89
What type of farming is most common in the Thar Desert?
Subsistence farming
90
What does subsistence farming entail?
Producing enough food for families, rearing animals, and foraging.
91
What is the Indira Gandhi Canal used for?
Irrigation and drinking water
92
How much land has the Indira Gandhi Canal enabled irrigation for?
3500km²
93
How does tourism contribute to the Thar Desert's economy?
Increased income through desert safaris and ecotourism.
94
What is the multiplier effect in economic terms?
When one economic advantage leads to another.
95
What are the three main challenges in the Thar Desert?
* Water supply
* Inaccessibility
* Extreme temperatures
96
What is the average precipitation level in the Thar Desert?
120-240mm
97
What is a significant issue caused by low water supply in the Thar Desert?
Drought and water scarcity affecting family structure.
98
What is the main source of fresh water for irrigation in the Thar Desert?
Indira Gandhi Canal
99
What temperatures can exceed in the Thar Desert?
50°C
100
What is desertification?
The process by which land becomes drier and degraded.
101
Where is the Sahel located?
South of the Sahara Desert in Africa.
102
Name one cause of desertification.
* Climate change
* Removal of trees for fuel
* Overgrazing
* Over-cultivation
* Population growth
103
What is the Great Green Wall?
A large-scale tree planting scheme in The Sahel.
104
How does tree planting help reduce desertification?
It provides nutrients, holds soil together, and reduces evaporation.
105
What is appropriate technology?
Using cheap, sustainable materials that local people can use.
106
What is an example of appropriate technology to combat desertification?
Stone lines (or bunds)
