Year 9 Geography Flashcards
(46 cards)
Work with a partner to rank the world’s eight major biomes from a habitat of ‘most species’ to ‘least species’.
Tropical Rainforest
Coral Reef (marine)
Temperate Forest
Grassland
Freshwater
Boreal Forest
Desert
Tundra
What is a biome?
A biome is a large geographic biotic unit, a major community of plants and animals with similar life forms and environmental conditions.
Biomes are characterized by factors such as climate, soil type, and vegetation.
Why is there such an abundance of life in a rainforest?
Rainforests have a warm climate, high humidity, and a diverse range of plant species that provide habitats and food for various organisms.
The high levels of precipitation and sunlight also contribute to the rich biodiversity.
Where are the world’s tropical forests located?
Tropical forests are primarily located near the equator in regions such as South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
These areas are characterized by warm temperatures and high rainfall.
Describe the distribution of biomes in Australia.
Australia has a variety of biomes including deserts, grasslands, temperate forests, and tropical forests, distributed according to climate and geographic features.
The arid interior has deserts, while coastal areas may have more temperate or tropical forests.
What are some of the differences between boreal and temperate forests?
Differences include:
* Boreal forests are primarily coniferous, while temperate forests have a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees.
* Boreal forests experience colder temperatures and longer winters than temperate forests.
Similarities include both being forested biomes with distinct seasonal changes.
What has changed the grasslands of North America?
The grasslands of North America have been significantly altered by agricultural practices, urban development, and land conversion for farming.
This has led to habitat loss and changes in the ecosystem.
Why is the grasslands biome important for human populations?
Grasslands provide grazing land for livestock, support agriculture, and play a vital role in carbon storage and soil health.
They are crucial for food production and biodiversity.
What are some links between the world’s climate and rainforests?
Rainforests are linked to climate through high precipitation levels, warm temperatures, and humidity, which sustain their ecosystems.
These factors also influence global weather patterns.
What are some of the differences between tropical and temperate rainforests?
Differences include:
* Tropical rainforests are located near the equator and have higher biodiversity, while temperate rainforests are found in cooler coastal areas.
* Tropical rainforests experience consistent rainfall year-round, whereas temperate rainforests have distinct seasons.
Both types have dense vegetation but differ in species composition and climate.
How might the clearing of a rainforest impact people who live nearby?
Clearing rainforests can lead to loss of resources, displacement of communities, and decreased biodiversity, affecting livelihoods.
It can also disrupt local climate and water cycles.
Why are rainforest soils poor in nutrients?
Rainforest soils are often poor in nutrients due to rapid decomposition and leaching from heavy rainfall, which washes away minerals.
This results in a thin layer of fertile soil.
How have rainforest trees adapted to the poor soils in the rainforest?
Rainforest trees have adapted by developing shallow root systems to quickly absorb nutrients and moisture from the surface soil.
Some species also engage in symbiotic relationships with fungi to enhance nutrient uptake.
What changes of movement in energy and matter would result if rainforest vegetation were cleared for farming?
Clearing vegetation would disrupt energy flow, reduce biodiversity, and alter nutrient cycling, leading to ecological imbalances.
This can result in soil erosion and loss of habitat.
What is the dominant natural biome where you live?
How much of the world’s habitable land area has been converted into farms?
Approximately 40% of the world’s habitable land area has been converted into agricultural land.
This conversion has significant environmental impacts.
Name three potentially negative impacts that farming can have on the environment.
- Soil degradation
- Water pollution
- Loss of biodiversity
These impacts can arise from practices such as over-farming and pesticide use.
What is the relationship between forest and terrain in the Kokoda Trail area?
The relationship is characterized by dense forests growing on rugged terrain, influencing both biodiversity and human activities.
The terrain affects accessibility and resource management.
What is the aspect in geography?
Aspect refers to the compass direction that a slope faces.
It can influence microclimates and vegetation types.
Estimate the gradient of the slope between The Gap and Kokoda.
The estimated gradient is calculated by dividing the rise by the run and multiplying by 100.
For example, if the rise is 1590 meters and the run is 40,000 meters, the gradient would be 5.5%.
What is a flow diagram used for in geography?
A flow diagram is used to represent the movement, sequence, or stages in a process, showing relationships between elements.
This can help visualize complex systems or processes.
What is the link between poverty and deforestation?
Poverty often leads to deforestation as individuals rely on forest resources for survival.
Deforestation can be driven by the need for land for agriculture, fuelwood, and other forest products.
How can fertilizers used on a farm eventually reach and kill fish?
Fertilizers can runoff into waterways, leading to nutrient pollution and algal blooms that deplete oxygen in the water, harming fish.
Why has the farmer made changes to the landscape? Compare motivations with another farmer.
The farmer likely aims to increase productivity and income, similar to the farmer in Source 1.30 who may also seek economic benefits.
