ecosystems

Question 1

what is an ecosystem?

Answer 1

the interaction between biotic factors (living) and its abiotic environment.

Question 2

what are some human factors which effect and environment?

Answer 2

• deforestation
• fertilisers
• urbanisation
• introduction to new species or diseases

Question 3

what are some physical factors which effect and environment?

Answer 3

• drought
• flood
• wild fires
• extreme temperatures

Question 4

Explain the links between the different levels in the food chain: (3)

Answer 4

a food chain is how energy is transferred from a producer to a consumer. it starts with a producers, which drives its energy from the sun and nutrients, via photosynthesis. then a primary consumer eats this plant and gains its energy, this consumer may be eaten by a secondary then a tertiary consumer, through each level, energy is lost to the surroundings.

Question 5

why may biomass change progressing through a food chain?

Answer 5

• not all of the consumer is eaten (bones)
• energy is lost through excretion
• some energy is lost through respiration

Question 6

tropical rainforests

Answer 6

• equatorial region with heavy rainfall, humid conditions receiving concentrated insolation.
• low pressure belt
• conditions for optimal growth, diversity flourishes

Question 7

desert

Answer 7

• around the tropics, under a high pressure belt bringing dry weather.
• the high pressure prevents clouds from forming so it receives lots of the sun’s insolation therefore has hot temperatures, however these temperature drop significantly by night.
• animals are well adapted to coping with extremities

Question 8

polar

Answer 8

-located 0º north and south
- belt of high pressure so dry conditions
- high latitudes means little insolation, therefore cold temperatures.

Question 9

deciduous forest

Answer 9

-50-60º of the equator, where trees shed their leaves to retain water, distinct seasons (UK)

Question 10

coniferous (taiga) forest

Answer 10

• 50-60º of the equator, yet the trees maintain their leaves throughout the year to maximise photosynthesis in the short summers.

Question 11

temperate grassland

Answer 11

• 30-40º north and south inland areas
• warm and dry summers and cold winters
• for grazing

Question 12

mediterranean

Answer 12

40-45º north of equator.
hot and humid summers and mild winters due to the migrating low pressure belts.

Question 13

tropical grassland

Answer 13

• 15-30º N+S
• dry and wet seasons

Question 14

tundra

Answer 14

• 60-70º north
• fragile low lying ecosyste- oil