Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

AS1 : Physical Geography > Ecosystems > Flashcards

Ecosystems Flashcards

(111 cards)

Start Studying
1
Q

What biome is found in the extreme high latitudes, generally polewards of around 60°?

A

Tundra

Tundra includes northern Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and northern Russia. Due to the extremely cold temperatures and strong winds here, it is a treeless biome and only low-growing hardy plants can survive

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Where are temperate grasslands predominantly located?

A

Mid-latitudes between 30° and 40° N/S

More extensive in the northern hemisphere, such as North America’s Prairies.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

List three regions where temperate grasslands can be found.

A
  • North America (the Prairies)
  • Southern Russia
  • Southern Asia e.g Mongolia

In the southern hemisphere, they are found in the Pampas, Veld, and Murray-Darling Basin.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What latitude range typically characterizes hot deserts?

A

Between 15° and 30° N/S

Hot deserts are mainly found on the western sides of continents.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Name two specific hot deserts mentioned in the content.

A
  • Atacama Desert
  • Namib Desert

Also includes deserts in Mexico and southwestern USA.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What biome is generally found within 5° N/S of the Equator?

A

Tropical rainforest

Includes the Amazon Basin, Congo Basin, and SE Asia.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Fill in the blank: The Sahara desert extends from the western side of Africa right across to the _______.

A

East

The Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is the main factor influencing the distribution of biomes?

A

Climate

Climate determines the type of vegetation and animal life in an area.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What climate conditions are found in areas with a dry desert climate?

A

Arid conditions

Plants and animals in these areas are adapted to survive with limited water.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

How do the species of plants and animals in different deserts compare?

A

Different species but similar life patterns

Adaptations to arid conditions lead to similar survival strategies.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What types of woodlands are found in Western Europe and the Eastern Coast of the USA?

A

Mixed deciduous woodlands

Both regions support similar tree species due to comparable climates.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What are the main climate factors that determine the vegetation of an area?

A

Latitude and rainfall

These factors greatly influence temperature and humidity levels.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

How does latitude influence temperature variation?

A

It affects seasonal temperature changes

Areas near the Equator have high temperatures with little variation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What temperatures can be expected in Polar Regions?

A

Always cold

Polar Regions have low insolation and consistently low temperatures.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What climates are typically found in mid-latitudes?

A

Temperate climates

These regions experience significant seasonal temperature variation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What are the classifications of climate based on temperature?

A

Arctic, boreal, temperate, subtropical, tropical

These classifications reflect the temperature profiles of different regions.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is the rainfall range for wet or humid climates?

A

Over 1500 mm a year

This high level of rainfall supports diverse vegetation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What defines semi-arid and arid climates in terms of rainfall?

A

Less than 250 mm a year

These climates have limited water availability, affecting ecosystem diversity.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

How can rainfall be distributed throughout the year?

A

Evenly or in distinct wet and dry seasons

Distribution affects the types of vegetation and agriculture possible.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

When do most regions receive their rainfall?

A

During summer months

This seasonal pattern is common in many global climates.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

In regions with a Mediterranean climate, when is most rainfall received?

A

During winter months

This seasonal rainfall pattern supports specific plant communities.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

With reference to places, how does height influence temperatures?

A

Increasing height causes temperatures to fall hence alpine environments are found even in the equator on high mountains such as Mount Kilimanjaro.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Describe the annual variation in temperature in a temperate grassland?

A

Summer - maximum temperatures can exceed 35°C
Winter - cold temperatures can drop below -30°C

This gives a high average range of 65°C, the main reason is that temperate grasslands are on cool continental interiors therefore they are far from the prevailing winds thus experiencing continentality

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Describe the precipitation levels in a temperate grassland?

A

Precipitation of about 400-500mm per year

Additionally, even if the precipitation levels are high in the Spring and Summer months, the warm temperatures mean there is significant evapotranspiration. This further reduces the amount of rainfall available in the soil because much of it flows to rivers via surface runoff.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Describe the soil in a temperate grassland (mollisol/chernozem)
Mollisols in this ecosystem are about 1.5m deep. The A Horizon consists of a crumbly black topsoil rich in humus, during the summer the decomposes e.g worms help decompose litter forming this rich humus. Mollisols have a crumb structure and a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Mollisols are some of the most naturally fertile soils in the world.
26
Explain how the mollisol has been formed this way?
These soils experience little leaching, due to the balance of precipitation and evapotranspiration in the temperate grasslands. The leaching that does occur is associated with spring snowmelt and summer rainstorms. In fact, the high summer temperatures and lack of soil moisture draws water upwards from capillary action. This brings nodules of calcium carbonate into the upper C Horizon.
27
28
Describe the annual temperatures that the tundra biome experiences?
Winter temperatures are about -30°C in Barrow, Alaska. This is because the tundra receives very little insolation due to: 1. The long hours of darkness - 20 hours on 21st December 2. The low angle of the Sun During the summer, despite the extremely long hours of sunlight of 21 hours on 21st June. Temperatures struggle to reach 10°C due to limited cloud cover and the Suns low angle in the sky.
29
Describe the precipitation that the tundra biome experiences?
Precipitation levels are very low as high pressure dominates the tundra areas. For example, the annual precipitation in Barrow is only 110mm, most of this falls as snow
30
Describe the soils in the tundra biome?
The soils here are called gelisols. Given the very low temperatures, at a depth of 0.5m permafrost occurs. This permafrost acts as an impermeable layer, making the growth of deep-rooted plants like trees almost impossible. Above the permafrost the soils: 1. The soils are waterlogged, as percolation is limited from the permafrost 2. Very slow rates of decomposition, there are very little soil organisms that are able to survive in the tundra conditions 3. No distinct layers/horizons 4. Acidic soils, pH values can be below 4.5
31
Explain how the soils of the tundra biome have been formed this way?
During the summer, when temperatures rise above freezing there may be some leaching for a short amount of time. The soils experience an annual cycle in freezing and thawing, thawing can extend as deep as 30cm. As a result, this active freeze/thaw layer of the soil experiences erosion and soil movement. Due to the lack of plants being able to fix nitrogen, the soils have both limited level of nutrients and fertility.
32
What are biotic components?
The living organisms (plants and animals) of the ecosystem. ## Footnote Biotic components are essential for the functioning of ecosystems.
33
What is biomass?
The total amount of living organic matter in an ecosystem. ## Footnote Biomass is a key indicator of the health of an ecosystem.
34
What are abiotic components?
The non-living components of the ecosystem, including soils and climate. ## Footnote Abiotic factors influence the types of organisms that can live in an ecosystem.
35
Fill in the blank: The total amount of living organic matter in an ecosystem is known as _______.
biomass
36
True or False: Biotic components include non-living elements like soil and climate.
False
37
Name the three inputs in an ecosystem?
1. Precipitation 2. Solar energy 3. Gases from the atmosphere
38
Name the three stores in an ecosystem?
1. Flora 2. Biomass 3. Soil
39
Name four transfers in an ecosystem?
1. Organic matter being consumed by herterotrophs 2. Fallout 3. Decay 4. Nutrient uptake
40
What is the key concept regarding energy in an ecosystem?
Energy flows through the ecosystem, entering, moving through trophic levels, and leaving via heat.
41
What are the two main types of trophic levels?
Producers (autotrophs) and consumers (heterotrophs).
42
What is an example of a producer in the ecosystem?
Oak, holly.
43
What are the two categories of consumers?
Herbivores and carnivores.
44
What type of consumer is found at trophic level 2?
Herbivores.
45
Name an example of a herbivore.
Squirrel, insects.
46
What type of consumer is found at trophic level 3?
Carnivores.
47
Name an example of a carnivore at trophic level 3.
Blue tit.
48
What type of consumers are found at trophic level 4?
Carnivores and omnivores.
49
Name an example of a consumer at trophic level 4.
Sparrow-hawk, fox.
50
What are detritivores and decomposers?
Organisms that break down dead organic material.
51
Give examples of detritivores and decomposers.
Bacteria, fungi.
52
Fill in the blank: Trophic level 1 consists of _______.
[producers (autotrophs)].
53
What are the inputs and outputs in the energy flow process?
Inputs: energy from the sun; Outputs: heat.
54
True or False: All consumers are autotrophs.
False.
55
How does energy enter the ecosystem?
Energy enters via photosynthesis, as green plants fix solar energy and convert it into chemical food energy ## Footnote This process is crucial for supporting all life forms within the ecosystem.
56
What is a food chain?
A food chain is a sequence where energy fixed by photosynthesis becomes available to subsequent levels of the ecosystem. ## Footnote Food chains illustrate the flow of energy through different trophic levels.
57
What are trophic levels?
Trophic levels are the different levels in a food chain, each representing a stage in energy transfer. ## Footnote These levels include producers and various types of consumers.
58
What is the first trophic level made up of?
The first trophic level consists of producers (autotrophs), which are plants that produce their own food. ## Footnote Producers are essential for converting solar energy into chemical energy.
59
What are consumers in the context of trophic levels?
Consumers (heterotrophs) are organisms that consume plants and other organisms in the previous trophic levels. ## Footnote They rely on autotrophs for energy.
60
What do herbivores consume?
Herbivores consume plants from the first trophic level. ## Footnote They represent the second trophic level in the food chain.
61
What types of organisms make up the third trophic level?
The third trophic level is made up of smaller carnivores (meat eaters). ## Footnote These organisms rely on herbivores for food.
62
What is present in the fourth trophic level?
The fourth trophic level consists of larger carnivores and omnivores (plant and meat eaters). ## Footnote This level often represents the top predators in the ecosystem.
63
What percentage of energy is typically transferred to the next trophic level?
On average, only around 10% of the energy is transferred to the next trophic level. ## Footnote This low efficiency impacts the number of trophic levels in an ecosystem.
64
What are some reasons for energy loss in trophic levels?
* Energy is lost via life processes like respiration * The transfer of food energy is incomplete * The transfer of food energy is inefficient ## Footnote These factors contribute to the limited energy available at higher trophic levels.
65
What role do detritivores play in an ecosystem?
Detritivores decompose dead organic matter and recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem. ## Footnote Examples include bacteria, maggots, and fungi.
66
What does a trophic pyramid illustrate?
A trophic pyramid shows the energy available at different trophic levels. ## Footnote It visually represents the biomass and energy distribution in an ecosystem.
67
Fill in the blank: The first trophic level consists of _______.
producers (plants) ## Footnote Producers are essential for initiating energy flow in ecosystems.
68
True or False: All energy consumed at one trophic level is transferred to the next level.
False ## Footnote Energy transfer is inefficient, with significant losses at each level.
69
What is the main concept of nutrient cycles?
Nutrients mainly cycle around between stores within the ecosystem.
70
What happens to nutrients when they leave the biomass store?
They are transferred by fallout into the litter store.
71
What role do decomposers play in nutrient cycling?
They break down dead organic matter in the litter store and transfer nutrients into the soil store.
72
How are nutrients made available to plants?
Nutrients in the soil store are available to plants via their roots and are transferred by uptake into the biomass store.
73
What are the two inputs of nutrients in nutrient cycling?
* Carbon dissolved in precipitation * Minerals weathered from the bedrock
74
What are the two outputs of nutrients in nutrient cycling?
* Losses via runoff from the litter store * Leaching from the soil store
75
How can the diagram of nutrient cycling be proportionally represented?
The larger the circles, the greater the amount in the stores; the thicker the lines, the greater the volume being transferred.
76
What factors can affect the rate of nutrient transfer?
1. Climate - in hot tropical rainforests the rate of decomposition is very high and so is leaching 2. Soils - acidic soils have fewer soil organisms thus decomposition is slower 3. Vegetation type - the leaves from coniferous trees take longer to decompose than from deciduous trees
77
Explain this model of a nutrient cycle
78
What is the term for the sequence of changes in plant succession?
Sere ## Footnote A sere describes the entire series of stages that occur during ecological succession.
79
What are the initial stages of plant succession called?
Early seral stages ## Footnote These stages feature pioneer communities that are the first to colonize an area.
80
What type of community is characterized as the first to colonize bare rock?
Pioneer community ## Footnote Pioneer communities typically include organisms like lichens and mosses.
81
What are the main types of vegetation found in mid-seral stages?
Ferns, bracken, small shrubs, brambles ## Footnote These species begin to establish themselves as conditions improve.
82
What type of vegetation is predominant in late seral stages?
Larger trees (birch and pine) ## Footnote These trees dominate as the ecosystem matures towards the climatic climax.
83
Fill in the blank: The final stage of plant succession is known as the _______.
Climatic climax ## Footnote At this stage, the vegetation has reached a stable balance with its environment.
84
What environmental changes occur during plant succession?
Changes in vegetation, soil, and microclimate ## Footnote These changes enable different plant species to thrive at various stages.
85
How do pioneer plants modify their environment?
* Improve soil conditions by adding organic matter * Increase soil depth * Aid soil moisture retention * Change soil pH * Improve microclimate ## Footnote These modifications create more favorable conditions for subsequent plant types.
86
True or False: Once the climatic climax vegetation is established, the number of plant species tends to increase.
False ## Footnote The number of plant species can drop slightly as the dominant climatic climax species exclude rivals.
87
What is a key characteristic of each seral stage?
Each stage tends to have one dominant plant type ## Footnote This dominance is a result of competitive advantages in the evolving environment.
88
What happens as the soil and microclimate become less harsh during succession?
A wider variety of plants can grow ## Footnote This increase in diversity occurs as conditions improve for more plant species.
89
What has to happen to achieve climatic climax?
Plants have to invade, dominate and change the environment and are replaced until a climatic climax is achieved and the plants reach a balance with the environment.
90
What happens to soil depth during succession?
Depth increases due to the addition of more organic matter from the biomass ## Footnote This organic matter comes from nutrient cycling and weathering of bedrock.
91
How does humus change during succession?
Humus increases due to more organic matter being added to the soil via nutrient cycling ## Footnote Humus plays a crucial role in soil fertility and moisture retention.
92
What effect does succession have on soil moisture?
Moisture increases due to humus aiding moisture retention and shade from plants reducing evaporation ## Footnote This is important for sustaining plant life.
93
What happens to soil stability during succession?
Stability increases as the increasing root system binds the soil together ## Footnote This binding helps prevent erosion.
94
What is the effect of succession on soil pH?
pH decreases as the soil becomes less alkaline due to the addition of humic acids ## Footnote Humic acids are formed from the decomposition of organic matter.
95
How does the color of soil change during succession?
Colour darkens due to more organic matter being added to the soil via nutrient cycling ## Footnote Darker soil typically indicates higher organic content.
96
What changes occur in plant biomass and longevity during succession?
Biomass and plant longevity increase as deeper and richer soil can support larger and more long-lived plants such as trees ## Footnote This also leads to increased plant abundance.
97
What happens to species diversity during succession?
Species diversity increases as improving soil and microclimatic conditions support a wider variety of plant types ## Footnote This includes plants not just adapted to harsh colonisation conditions.
98
What is stratification in the context of plant succession?
Stratification refers to different layers of vegetation that develop due to a wider variety of plant types ## Footnote This can enhance habitat complexity and biodiversity.
99
How does wind speed change during succession?
Wind speed drops as increased plant cover provides shelter and acts as a wind break ## Footnote This can create a more stable microclimate for other organisms.
100
What is colonisation in ecological succession?
The process whereby the initial plants invade and begin to grow on bare rock or soil; these initial colonising plants are called pioneer species ## Footnote Pioneer species are crucial for initiating ecological succession.
101
What is Plagioclimax?
Plagioclimax refers to the vegetation community that is found when human activities interfere with the natural sequence of succession and prevent it from reaching its climatic climax. ## Footnote Plagioclimax can result from activities such as deforestation, burning, draining, or grazing.
102
What is an example of a plagioclimax?
An example of a plagioclimax is the heather moorlands found in many upland areas in the British Isles. ## Footnote The climatic climax in these areas should be deciduous forest.
103
What human activity has prevented the climatic climax of deciduous forest in heather moorlands?
Human activities such as clearing forests for sheep grazing have prevented the climatic climax. ## Footnote This allows the heather plant to dominate the ecosystem.
104
How do sheep grazing contribute to maintaining plagioclimax?
Sheep grazing cuts back young tree saplings, helping to maintain the plagioclimax. ## Footnote The grazing prevents succession towards the climatic climax.
105
What is muirburn?
Muirburn is a management strategy that involves burning heather on a 15-year cycle to return nutrients to the soil and encourage new heather growth. ## Footnote This practice also prevents succession towards climatic climax.
106
Fill in the blank: Plagioclimax results from activities that _______ the natural sequence of succession.
[interfere with]
107
True or False: Plagioclimax can only occur in forested areas.
False ## Footnote Plagioclimax can occur in various ecosystems, not just forests.
108
What role does burning play in the heather moorlands ecosystem?
Burning on a 15-year cycle helps to return nutrients to the soil and encourages new heather growth. ## Footnote This practice is part of the muirburn strategy.
109
What is the climatic climax that the heather moorlands should reach?
The climatic climax should be deciduous forest. ## Footnote This is prevented by human activities such as grazing.
110
List two human activities that can lead to plagioclimax.
* Deforestation * Grazing ## Footnote Other activities include burning and draining.
111
What is the impact of heather dominance in the moorlands?
Heather dominance prevents succession carrying on towards climatic climax. ## Footnote This is maintained by both sheep grazing and muirburn.

AS1 : Physical Geography (8 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions