3.1.2.1 Ecosystems - Epping Forest Case Study

Question 1

What is the location of Epping forest?

Answer 1

East of London

Question 2

Describe the trees in Epping Forest and provide examples:

Answer 2

A large number of native tree species including oak, elm, ash and beech

Question 3

Describe the layers of plants in Epping Forest:

Answer 3

A lower shrub layer of holly and hazel at 5m, overlying a field layer of grasses, brambles, bracken, fern and flowering plants

Question 4

How many species of moss and lichen grow in Epping Forest?

Answer 4

177 species of moss and lichen grow here and there is great diversity of producer species

Question 5

Describe the variety of consumer species in Epping Forest:

Answer 5

Many insect, mammal and bird consumer species are supported

Question 6

How many amphibian and reptile species are found in Epping Forest?

Answer 6

9 amphibian and reptile species

Question 7

How many bird species are found in Epping Forest?

Answer 7

38 bird species

Question 8

How many species of fungi have studies found in Epping Forest and what are they important for?

Answer 8

Studies have found 700 species of fungi – important decomposers

Question 9

What do bogs and ponds in Epping Forest have?

Answer 9

Bogs and ponds in the forest have their own unique species

Question 10

How many species of dragonfly do bogs and ponds in Epping Forest have?

Answer 10

20 species of dragonfly

Question 11

What are the different ways that Epping Forest been managed for the past 1000 years?

Answer 11

For 1000yrs Epping Forest has been managed in a variety of ways; as hunting grounds for royalty, a timbre resource, recreation (recently)

Question 12

Using the example of the annual life cycle of the rees, how is the ecosystem in Epping Forest interdependent:

Answer 12

• Most of the trees are deciduous, meaning that they lose their leaves in the Winter. This is an adaptation to the UK’s seasonal climate.
• Winters are darker and cooler than Summers therefore the trees grow broad green leaves in the Spring. They shed their leaves in the Autumn and to conserve their E during Winter
• By mid-Autumn, the forest floor is covered with a thick layer of leaves.
• By Spring the leaf litter has all disappeared. The decomposers’ and detrivores’ work is complete.
• Nutrients stored in the leaves are converted to humus in the soil, ready to support the new season’s plant growth.
• This will ultimately include the fruits and berries that, in turn, support many primary consumers
• The nutrient cycle demonstrates interdependence

Question 13

Epping Forest’s Food Web:

Answer 13