Threats to fragile enviroments Flashcards
1
Q
What makes up an enviroment
A
All enviroments are a balance between the biotic and abiotic components
- The ballance in any enviroment can be easily damaged
- Any change can affect lots of others
2
Q
What is a fragile enviroment?
A
- A fragile environment is vulnerable to change and may struggle to recover from the changes
- All fragile enviroments will be impacted by the changes caused by climate change
3
Q
What are the problems with arid and semi-arid environments?
A
The lack of precipitation and moisture reduces the environment’s ability to recover if damaged
4
Q
What are the problems with tropical rainforests?
A
- Deforestation and wildfires lead to large areas being cleared
- Infertile soils make it difficult for plants to re-establish
5
Q
What are problems with cold environments?
A
Low temperatures reduce the ability of the environment to recover as plants cannot regrow
6
Q
What are problems with coral reef enviroments?
A
Pollution and damage by tourists kill the coral and it struggles to re-establish
7
Q
What causes of desertification?
A
- Desertification is caused by both natural factors and human activities
- Many of the natural causes may be made worse by climate change
8
Q
What are the natural causes of desertification?
A
- Soil erosion
- Rainfall patterns
- Reduced vegitation
- Surface run off
9
Q
What are the human causes of desertification?
A
- Overgrazing
- Over-cultivation
- Deforestation
- Population growth
10
Q
6
A
