SECTION B Flashcards
what is an ecosystem
a complex natural system made up of plants, animals and the environment
what is the role of the producer
eg plants convert energy from the sun by photosynthesis for growth
what do consumers do
get their energy from eating producers
what do decomposers do
break down dead plant and animal material to add nutrients to soil eg bacteria
where is the tundra fount and what are conditions there
between the arctic circle 60-70° north
cold, windy and dry
low growing plants easily damaged
what percent of medicine comes from rainforest plants
25%
what resources does tropical rainforest offer
nuts, fruit and rubber
why should tropical rainforests be protected
water - important sources for clean water
biodiversity- contains 50% of all plants and animals in the world
what is climate, soils, plants and animals like in polar regions
climate; extreme can fall below -50°, strong winds, low snow
soils; permafrost cover by ice
plants; few mosses and lichens
animals; polar bear thick fur and foot pads (black to absorb heat)
what is the climate, soil, plants and animals like in Tundra
climate; less extreme in winter temps may drop -20° warm brief summers
soils; surface permafrost melting in summer causes water logging
plants; low growing, flowering plants
animals; several species due to more food options and less extreme climate eg arctic fox
which has the most extreme temperature: tundra or polar
polar
how can risks to cold environments be reduced
using technology
action by governments
conservation groups
