Define the term ecosystem.
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Define the term ecosystem.
An ecosystem is a natural environment that includes flora (plants) and fauna (animals) that live and interact in a particular environment.
Define the term biodiversity.
Biodiversity is the variety of plant and animal species within a region.
State the meaning of a biotic component.
The biotic component refers to the living or biotic components of the ecosystem, which include flora, fauna, and bacteria.
State the meaning of an abiotic component.
The abiotic component refers to the non-living components of the ecosystem, such as climate, soil, and water.
True or false?
The main factor affecting ecosystem distribution is climate.
True.
Climate is the main factor affecting ecosystem distribution.
State the annual rainfall and temperature range of tropical rainforests
Tropical rainforests have an annual rainfall between 2000mm and 2200mm and a small temperature range of between 26 °C and 30 °C.
State the annual rainfall and daytime temperature of deserts.
Deserts have unpredictable and low rainfall and an average daytime temperature of between 30° and 35° C.
How does temperature affect large-scale ecosystems?
Temperatures are lower at higher latitudes, so boreal forests are much colder than tropical rainforests. Growing seasons are longer in warmer conditions.
How do sunshine hours affect large-scale ecosystems?
Lower sunshine hours in tundra ecosystems mean much less sunlight for plants to carry out photosynthesis than in tropical rainforests.
How do soil types affect the distribution of large-scale ecosystems?
Different soil types can lead to different vegetation in the same ecosystem.
Define the term biosphere.
The biosphere is the living layer between the atmosphere and the earth where all plants and animals are found.
Define the term biome.
A biome, also known as a global-scale ecosystem, is a large, distinct area of the Earth with similar climate, soil, plants and animals.
What resources does the biosphere provide?
The biosphere can provide food, medicines, building materials and fuels as resources.
How is the biosphere exploited?
The biosphere is exploited for commercial gain, including:
Mineral resources
Water
Energy
True or false?
As technology and demand increases the scale of biosphere exploitation decreases.
False.
Biosphere exploitation increases as technology improves extraction rates, and as countries develop, the demand for resources also increases.
What impact does mineral extraction have on the biosphere?
The impact of mineral extraction on the biosphere is the destruction of habitats, large areas of cleared land and pollution through the use of chemicals.
What impact does water exploitation have on the biosphere?
The exploitation of water resources by agriculture, industry and urban areas means there is less water in the biosphere for other areas, such as wetlands
Plants and animals do not have enough water to survive in the biosphere
What impact does energy resource exploitation have on the biosphere?
The production of biofuels reduces the amount of land available for growing food. HEP schemes flood large areas of land. Oil extraction in the tundra damages the permafrost. Pollution and groundwater contamination from fracking for shale gas.
What is a wetland ecosystem?
A wetland ecosystem contains waterlogged soils that are very fertile and support a variety of vegetation.
Name two common wetland plants.
Common wetland plants include reeds and bulrushes.
What animal is commonly found in UK wetlands?
Otters are commonly found in UK wetland ecosystems.
True or false?
Moorlands are found in upland areas with high rainfall.
True.
Moorlands are found in upland areas with high rainfall.
Define moorland.
Moorlands are areas of rough grassland and peat bogs that develop in upland areas with high altitude, strong winds, heavy rainfall, and cloud cover restricting plant growth
What is a heath?
A heath, or heathland, is an ecosystem dominated by heather and gorse plants, found in lowland areas with porous, sandy, acidic soils.
Name a UK location known for its heathlands.
The New Forest and Surrey Heaths are known for their heathland ecosystems.
What percentage of UK land is woodland?
Woodland covers 12% of UK land.
Define the term marine ecosystem.
A marine ecosystem refers to ecosystems in ocean and coastal environments.
What is one benefit of UK marine ecosystems?
One main benefit of UK marine ecosystems is that they provide energy from sources like offshore wind farms, tidal currents, and waves.
What is the importance of UK marine ecosystems for food?
UK fisheries and aquaculture provide thousands of jobs, and sea angling contributes over £1.5 billion per year to the UK economy. Wild foraging of shoreline plants is also done for high-end restaurants.
How do UK marine ecosystems provide protection?
Saltmarshes and seagrass provide coastal defence against flooding and coastal erosion. Coastal waters also help regulate the climate by absorbing greenhouse gases and releasing oxygen.
What is one way energy production degrades marine ecosystems?
One main way that energy production degrades marine ecosystems is the The construction of offshore wind farms and oil/gas rigs disturbs and destroys ecosystems on the seabed.
What is eutrophication?
Eutrophication occurs when fertiliser runoff from farms leads to excessive growth of algae in the sea, reducing oxygen and light supply to the seabed and destroying marine ecosystems.
How does plastic waste impact marine life?
Marine life can get entangled in plastic waste or ingest it, causing suffocation, starvation and drowning.