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A biome's environment limits the distribution of vegetation.
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True or False?
A biome's environment limits the distribution of vegetation.
True.
The environment limits the distribution of vegetation. A biome's dominant vegetation is based on the climate, soil, latitude, and altitude.
Define the term limiting factor in the context of plant growth.
A limiting factor is anything biotic or abiotic that restricts, slows or stops organisms from growing.
True or False?
Limiting factors have no influence on the geography of plant distribution.
False.
Limiting factors also influence the geography of plant distribution, such as cacti in arid regions due to limited water supplies.
Where are savanna grasslands found?
Savanna grasslands are found between 15 and 30° north and south of the equator.
True or False?
Coniferous forests lose their leaves in winter.
False?
Deciduous forests lose their leaves in winter. Coniferous forests contain mainly evergreen species such as spruce and pine.
What happens to biodiversity the further from the equator a biome is?
As the distance from the equator increases, biome biodiversity decreases in height, density and diversity.
True or False?
Temperature decreases with altitude.
As altitude increases, the temperature falls (approximately . 10 °C per km).
How does continentality affect the distribution of major global biomes?
Continentality affects the distribution of major global biomes because locations further inland include:
Heat up in the summer quicker and cool quicker in the winter than those areas near the coast.
Precipitation is less inland than in coastal regions.
High temperatures and low rainfalls are linked to semi-arid and arid (desert) regions.
Where is the tropical rainforest biome located?
The tropical rainforest biome is located within the equatorial climate belt, between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, 23° north to 23° south of the Equator.
True or False?
Tropical rainforests cover more than 20% of the Earth's surface.
False.
Tropical rainforests now cover less than 5% of the Earth's surface.
What percentage of global biotic organisms do tropical rainforests support?
Tropical rainforests support 50% of global biotic organisms.
Define convectional rainfall.
Convectional rainfall is precipitation resulting from warm air rising, cooling, and condensing to form rain.
What is the annual mean temperature and precipitation in tropical rainforests?
In tropical rainforests, the mean annual temperature is 27° C, and the mean annual precipitation is over 2000 mm.
True or False?
Tropical rainforests have distinct seasons.
False.
Tropical rainforests have no distinct seasons - they are hot and wet all year round.
Define latosol.
A latosol is a soil type found in tropical rainforests, characterised by high concentrations of iron and aluminium due to high levels of leaching.
What is the structure of a tropical rainforest?
The structure of a tropical rainforest consists of five distinct layers: emergent, canopy, under canopy/storey, shrub, and ground.
What is the height range of the emergent layer in tropical rainforests?
The height range of the emergent layer in tropical rainforests is 35–55 metres.
Define Net Primary Productivity (NPP) in relation to tropical rainforests.
Net primary Productivity (NPP) is higher in tropical rainforests, meaning they produce more biomass than other biomes due to the ideal growing conditions.
What is the main threat to tropical rainforests?
The main threat to tropical rainforests is deforestation.
True or False?
Deforestation has no impact on global carbon levels.
False.
Deforestation releases CO2 into the atmosphere, contributing to increased global warming.
Define ecosystem services.
Ecosystem services are the benefits people obtain from ecosystems, such as clean air, water, food, and climate regulation.
What is habitat fragmentation?
Habitat fragmentation is the process of dividing larger areas of habitat into smaller, isolated patches, often due to human activities like road construction or agriculture.
True or False?
Hydroelectric power projects have no impact on rainforests.
False.
Construction of large dams for hydroelectric power floods large areas of cleared forest, displacing people and animals and destroying habitats.
Define selective logging.
Selective logging is the practice of cutting down valuable hardwoods in rainforests, which damages surrounding trees and habitats as they fall.
What are the impacts of road construction in rainforests?
Road construction in rainforests destroys habitats, allows easier access for further development, and fragments the forest ecosystem.
How does deforestation affect culture?
Deforestation dilutes culture due to increased contact with transnational corporations (TNCs).
How does deforestation contribute to global warming?
Deforestation contributes to global warming by releasing CO2 into the atmosphere when trees are burned or decompose.
What is the Trans Amazonian Highway?
The Trans Amazonian Highway is a road that extends over 6 000 km into the Amazon forest, allowing easier access for people and the extraction of raw materials.
What is a savanna?
A savanna is a tropical or subtropical grassland containing scattered trees and drought-resistant undergrowth.
True or False?
Savannas are found only in Africa.
False.
Savannas are found in Africa, Australia, South America, India, and Southeast Asia.
What is the typical annual rainfall range in savannas?
The typical annual rainfall range in savannas is 500- 1 200mm.
Define the term ecocline.
An ecocline is a gradual change in ecosystems across a broad environmental gradient.
What are the two main seasons in a savanna?
The two main seasons in a savanna are distinct:
Wet season.
A dry season.
True or False?
Savanna soils are highly fertile.
False.
Savanna soils are generally not very fertile, with most nutrients concentrated near the surface.
What is the dominant vegetation in savannas?
The dominant vegetation in savannas are grasses, with scattered trees such as acacias and baobabs.
Define laterite.
Laterite is a soil layer rich in iron and aluminium that hardens when exposed to air, forming an impermeable layer in savanna soils.
What is the climatic savanna?
A climatic savanna is a natural savanna ecosystem maintained by annual fires and long, dry seasons that prevent forest growth.
Define pyrophytic.
Pyrophytic refers to plants that are adapted to survive fires, a common trait in savanna grasses.
What is the main threat to savanna ecosystems?
The main threat to savanna ecosystems is land use change.
Define landscape fragmentation.
Landscape fragmentation is the breaking up of continuous habitats into smaller, isolated patches, which disrupts herbivore communities in savannas.
True or False?
Human activities have no impact on fire regimes in savannas.
False.
Human activities cause changes to fire regimes in savannas, which can significantly impact the ecosystem.
What is desertification?
Desertification is the process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture.
How does overgrazing impact savanna grasslands?
Overgrazing in savanna grasslands exposes the soil to erosion, reduces plant density, and can lead to soil degradation.
True or False?
Tourism always benefits savanna ecosystems.
False.
While tourism can provide economic benefits, it can also damage vegetation, disturb wildlife, and affect breeding grounds.
Define cash crop.
A cash crop is an agricultural crop grown for sale to return a profit, often planted in large areas in savannas.
What is the impact of irrigation on savanna soils?
Irrigation in savannas can lead to soil salinisation, where salts rise to the surface and form a crust that kills many plants.
True or False?
Savanna ecosystems are always sustainable.
False.
Poor management practices in savannas can lead to unsustainable use and degradation of the ecosystem.
How do game reserves impact savanna sustainability?
Game reserves can increase sustainability by allowing the ecosystem to operate without human interference, but they can also cause conflicts with local communities that previously used the land.