Geography Stud Task 1

Question 1

What is a biome?

Answer 1

A biome is a community of plants and animals that extend over large areas due to similarities of climate within the specific environment

Question 2

What are the 5 main biomes?

Answer 2

tundra, grasslands, deserts, polar and forests (deciduous - lose leaves to reflect 4 seasons, coniferous - pine trees - and rainforests)

Question 3

What is the distribution of biomes based on?

Answer 3

Distribution is based on climate (precipitation and temperature), Latitude dimension and topography (shape of the land)

Question 4

How does climate affect distribution of biomes?

Answer 4

Temperature and precipitation determine the types of plants and animals that can survive in a biome.

Question 5

How does Latitude dimension affect distribution of biomes?

Answer 5

Biomes vary with distance from the equator; tropical biomes are near the equator, while polar biomes are found at high latitudes.

Question 6

How does topography affect distribution of biomes?

Answer 6

Elevation, mountains, and landforms affect biome distribution by influencing temperature, rainfall, and wind patterns.

Question 7

What are the characteristics of biomes determined by?

Answer 7

Ocean currents
Landforms
Altitude
Latitude
Soils

Question 8

How are biomes characterised by latitude?

Answer 8

➡ A place’s latitude determines how much heat and sunlight it will receive depending on which season a place is in and how close it is to the equator.
Biomes closer to the equator receive direct energy from the sun, the oceans and air temperatures are warmer, increased rainfall and long hours of sunlight, which encourages tropical rainforests and coral reefs to form
Biomes in the mid latitudes (between 23.5 and 66.5 degrees) are in the temperate zone. These areas still receive direct sunlight, however, this is spread over a larger surface area. Experiences moderate temperatures and rainfall. experiences all 4 seasons. Encourages different biomes to form including Mediterranean, grasslands and forests.
Biomes in between 66.5 and 90 are known as the polar zone. The sun is spread over an even greater surface area and at only 6 months a year due to the Earth’s tilt. Freezing temps all year round. Supports biomes such as tundra, coniferous forests and polar environments.

Question 9

How are biomes characterised by Ocean currents?

Answer 9

Tropical areas near warm ocean currents have wetter climates, while regions near cold ocean currents are usually drier.

Question 10

How are biomes characterised by altitude and landform

Answer 10

Altitude refers to how high a biome is. Mountain tops will have cooler climates than at ground level. Mountains may also block areas from receiving rainfall.
Temperature falls by 0.65 degrees for every 100m increase in elevation. Mountains prevent wind from blowing and subsequently rain.

Question 11

How are biomes characterised by soils?

Answer 11

Soil will determine the amount of vegetation that can be grown in an area and the animals that can use it for food. Soils are made up of rock material, decayed matter and nutrients/minerals.

Question 11

Choose 2 biomes and examine the physical distribution and the characteristics of the biome

Answer 11

➡ Deserts
Low rainfall
Either hot or cold
Extreme temperatures
Large diurnal temperature range - Large difference between the highest and lowest temperatures of the day
Nocturnal animals
Animals including fennec fox and bilby
Vegetation is sparse
Examples: Hot deserts and cold deserts

➡ Tundra
Cold climates
Absence of trees
Grasses, shrubs, dwarf mosses and lichens
Located in high altitudes around the polar zones
Animals: Arctic hare, arctic fox and snowy owl
Examples: Arctic, Antarctic, Alpine

Question 12

What are Lines or Parallels of Latitude?

Answer 12

Horizontal lines

Question 13

What is the main line of latitude?

Answer 13

The equator

Question 14

What does the equator separate?

Answer 14

The northern and southern hemispheres

Question 15

What do lines of latitude determine?

Answer 15

The climate of a place

Question 16

What are the two main factors of climate?

Answer 16

• Temperature
• Precipitation

Question 17

How is latitude measured?

Answer 17

In degrees, minutes and seconds

Question 18

Outline how climate is in the top and bottoms of earth and the middle

Answer 18

Top/bottom: Reflect main seasons
Middle: High rainfall and high temperatures

Question 19

What are lines or meridians of latitude? ie horizontal or vertical

Answer 19

Vertical lines

Question 20

What are the main lines of longitude?

Answer 20

Prime Meridian and International Date Line

Question 21

What do lines of longitude form?

Answer 21

Time zones

Question 22

How many degrees of longitude correspond to one hour?

Answer 22

15 degrees

Question 23

What does the Prime Meridian split?

Answer 23

Eastern and western hemispheres

Question 24

What is the highest degree of longitude?

Answer 24

180 degrees

Question 25

Name in order from top to bottom the 7 main lines of latitude and their degrees

Answer 25

The North Pole - 90 N Arctic Circle - 66.5 N Tropic of Cancer - 23.5 N Equator - 0 N Tropic of Capricorn - 23.5 S Antarctic Circle - 66.5 S South Pole - 90 S

Question 26

When plotting latitude and longitude, what comes first

Answer 26

Latitude

Question 27

What are 3 main factors that influence crop production?

Answer 27

Technological Economic Environmental factors

Question 28

Explain the technological influence on crop production

Answer 28

Automation of agricultural production: This involves using machines, drones, and AI to improve efficiency in farming. It increases the amount of crops produced by reducing labor costs and optimizing planting, irrigation, and harvesting. However, it may favor large-scale farms over small ones. Use of synthetic fertilizers: These are chemically manufactured nutrients that enhance soil fertility. They boost crop yields by providing essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, allowing crops to grow faster and in larger quantities. Overuse can degrade soil quality and harm the environment over time. Gene revolution/Development of GMOs: Genetically modified Organisms Taking DNA from one plant and putting it into another to create a new plant E.g. pest resistant crop varieties Manipulation of crops: Alter how crops look, grow and taste and allows the one crop to form many foods Hybrids: Take a plant with desirable characteristics and combine it with a related plant. Makes farmland more productive and feeds more people with the same amount of land. Example: seedless mandarins

Question 29

Explain the economic influence on crop production

Answer 29

Market Demand: Farmers grow more crops that are in high demand, as they can sell them for better prices. Low demand can lead to reduced production. Cost of Production: High costs for seeds, fertilizers, and equipment can limit how much farmers can afford to grow. Lower costs allow for increased production. Government Policies: Subsidies and financial support can encourage farmers to grow certain crops, while taxes or regulations may reduce production. Export and Trade: Access to international markets can increase crop production, while trade restrictions or tariffs may limit how much is grown. Climate Change Costs: Extreme weather events and rising costs for adaptation (e.g., irrigation systems) can reduce crop yields and profitability. Monoculture Becoming common - reliance on 3 main crops (corn, rice, wheat) Can lead to loss of biodiversity. Economic factor because these crops are grown to maximise short term profits by maximising high demand commodities Example: Another example of a commodity due to high demand is cacao. 6 million farmers depend on cacao for their livelihoods. It is mainly produced in Africa, America and Asia and as the demand grows for chocolate more farmers are producing cacao.

Question 30

Explain the environmental influence on crop production

Answer 30

Landforms/topography/ influence temperature, soil quality, and water availability. Food plains are ideal for crops Steep slopes have thinner soils, reducing crop yields. Fertile soils rich in nutrients and rainfall produce crops with higher yields, increasing food productivity. Altitude leads to a temperature decreasing by 6.5 degrees for every 100m gained in height, impacting on the type of crop grown. For example, potatoes can be grown at high altitudes but tomatoes do not. Depending on the environmental conditions, these factors can have positive or negative impacts on the amount of crops produced. Temperature - Some crops such as lettuce prefer cooler climates, while others such as watermelons rely on hotter conditions. On the other hand, too hot or too cold temperatures can lead to reduced crop yield. Precipitation - Some crops like rice need water while others such as barley grow in dry conditions. Floods can be detrimental to crops and droughts can lead to famine and extreme hunger. Note: farmers use irrigation to artificially control the amount of water and ensure a year-long water supply.

Question 31

What are northings

Answer 31

Numbers on the vertical axis, they increase in a northerly direction

Question 32

What are eastings

Answer 32

Numbers on the horizontal axis, they increase in an easterly direction

Question 33

What are contour lines

Answer 33

Lines that join together equal areas of height above sea level They are always measured in metres

Question 34

What are contour intervals

Answer 34

Shows the height difference between each contour line This stays constant over the map e.g. 50 - 100 - 150 Lines close together mans the land is steep Lines further apart mean the land is flatter

Question 35

What is area reference

Answer 35

4-digit number that shows the approximate location of a place Record your easting value then your northing value Written in the form AR ####

Question 36

What is grid reference

Answer 36

6-digit number that shows the exact location of a place/feature The 3rd and 6th numbers shows where the place sits between the 2 eastings and northings numbers respectively Written in the form GR ######

Question 37

What are the 3 ways scale can be shown

Answer 37

Ratio Linear Verbal

Question 38

What is meant by local relief

Answer 38

The local relief between two places is how the land changes in height. This is done by subtracting the contour line of the lower point from the higher point to determine by how many m the land changed.

Question 39

What is meant by aspects and how is this found?

Answer 39

➡ Aspects are the compass direction that a slope faces ➡ This is usually found by following the contour lines from highest point to the lowest and determining this direction

Question 40

Define land cover and land use

Answer 40

Landcover refers to natural features on the land e.g. swamps, lakes, trees Land use refers to man made features on the land e.g. railway stations, road and houses

Question 41

Outline the green revolutions

Answer 41

➡ A significant increase in agricultural productivity resulting from the introduction of high yield varieties of grains, the use of pesticides and improved management. ➡ Since the 1950s agriculture has intensified due to advances in: Technology - automation, development of GMOs and ultra processed foods Population increases Rise of conglomerates Cause of the First Green Revolution: Began in Mexico in 1943 when us scientists tried to solve Mexico's reliance on imported wheat Additionally there was a famine in mexico where strong winds destroyed crops and led to many people without food Needed a solution to feed population Cause of the Second Green Revolution: Occurred in India during the mid 1960’s Drought led to extreme hunger where many people died of starvation Needed solution to feed population

Question 42

HOW have humans changed the natural environment

Answer 42

Humans have changed the environment through the Green and Gene Revolution as there was vulnerability in our food system during the 1950s The Green Revolution led to the development of monoculture of corn, wheat and rice. These were produced at a very large scale Governments give subsidies to farmers to increase the production of these crops to allow for exports Habitable land was being converted into more arable land. Resulting in environmental impacts including; Soils + water pollution from fertiliser use, fossil fuel increase especially as there were less trees to absorb CO2 and loss of biodiversity.

Question 43

What was the EFFECT of how humans changed the environments

Answer 43

Biodiversity loss Loss and degradation of habitat from grassland and forest cleaning Fish death from pesticide run-off Loss of genetic diversity - monoculture strains Soil erosion, loss of fertility, salinisation (salt in soil), water logging, desertification Air pollution Water waste + pollution Nitrates in drinking water Bacterial contamination in meat Impact of fertilisers in waterways and soil, making soil unproductive soil in the long run

Question 45

Why are bees and other pollinators essential for food supplies?

Answer 45

They are essential for stable, healthy food supplies and crucial for diverse, colorful, and nutritious diets.

Question 46

What role do bees play in plant reproduction?

Answer 46

Bees help plants grow, breed, and produce food by transferring pollen between flowering plants.

Question 47

What percentage of wildflowers in Europe do bees pollinate?

Answer 47

Bees pollinate around 80% of wildflowers in Europe.

Question 48

List three food items that require bee pollination.

Answer 48

* Almonds * Vanilla * Apples

Question 49

What are the main threats to bee populations?

Answer 49

* Loss of habitat * Loss of food sources * Exposure to pesticides * Climate breakdown

Question 50

What is the hand pollination process?

Answer 50

People transfer pollen from flower to flower using a paintbrush to replace the pollination process of bees.

Question 51

How do bumble bees assist in tomato greenhouses?

Answer 51

Bumble bees shake flowers to release pollen from tomato plants, allowing efficient growth.

Question 52

What is the decline rate of honey bee populations?

Answer 52

Honey bee populations have declined by 225%.

Question 53

By how much did U.S. honey bee numbers drop?

Answer 53

U.S. honey bee numbers dropped from 6 million to 2 million (1.8 million decrease).

Question 54

What impact have farming practices had on bee populations?

Answer 54

Farmers have stopped using natural fertilizers and shifted to synthetic fertilizers, which negatively affect bee health.

Question 55

What is agricultural monoculture?

Answer 55

A farming practice where only one crop is grown, such as almond orchards, which require all bees to be transported.

Question 56

How do monocultures affect the availability of food for bees?

Answer 56

They reduce the variety and amount of food available, impacting bee health and survival.

Question 57

Fill in the blank: Bees pollinate around _____ of wildflowers in Europe.

Answer 57

80%

Question 58

True or False: Bumble bees can efficiently pollinate tomato plants by shaking the flowers.

Answer 58

True

Question 59

What harmful practices are associated with farming that affect bee populations?

Answer 59

* Loose cover plants removal * Pesticide use