ECOSYSTEMS - Epping Forest

Question 1

Where is Epping Forest?

Answer 1

Border of Greater London and Essex.

Question 2

What type of ecosystem is Epping Forest?

Answer 2

Temperate deciduous woodland ecosystem.

Question 3

What is the climate like in temperate deciduous woodlands such as Epping Forest?

Answer 3

Mild temperatures, rainfall all year, warm summers and cool winters.

Question 4

Name three producers found in Epping Forest.

Answer 4

Trees (oak, beech), shrubs (holly, hazel), ferns and grasses.

Question 5

Give examples of primary consumers in Epping Forest.

Answer 5

Insects, rabbits, deer, caterpillars.

Question 6

Name two secondary consumers in Epping Forest.

Answer 6

Foxes, birds (like sparrowhawks), small mammals (hedgehogs).

Question 7

What role do decomposers play in the forest?

Answer 7

Fungi, microorganisms and detritivores break down dead material, returning nutrients to the soil.

Question 8

Why is nutrient cycling important in Epping Forest?

Answer 8

Nutrients from leaf litter are decomposed and absorbed by plants, supporting growth and maintaining a balanced ecosystem.

Question 9

What does interdependence mean in Epping Forest?

Answer 9

All organisms rely on each other

Question 10

What’s an example of interdependence in Epping Forest

Answer 10

trees provide food/shelter; animals spread seeds; decomposers return nutrients

Question 11

Why is Epping Forest’s food web described as complex?

Answer 11

It contains many species, with multiple feeding relationships and high biodiversity.

Question 12

Give two ways Epping Forest changes with the seasons.

Answer 12

Trees lose leaves in autumn/winter.

New plant growth and breeding occur in spring/summer.

Question 13

What are three ways humans use Epping Forest?

Answer 13

Recreation, timber production, conservation and education.

Question 14

How is Epping Forest managed sustainably?

Answer 14

Pollarding trees, restricting public access in some areas, conserving ancient woodland, and managing habitats for wildlife.

Question 15

What are main threats to Epping Forest?

Answer 15

Urbanisation, pollution, footpath erosion, climate change, and habitat disturbance.

Question 16

Why is this forest an important ecosystem?

Answer 16

High biodiversity, ancient woodland, carbon storage, recreational value, and educational importance.

Question 17

What percentage of Epping Forest is woodland?

Answer 17

Around 70% is woodland, with the rest being grassland, heath, ponds and streams.

Question 18

Describe deciduous trees

Answer 18

lose their leaves on autumn to conserve energy during winter
nutrients from dead organic matter return to the soil

Question 19

describe broad leaves

Answer 19

maximise photosynthesis in summer

Question 20

describe decomposers

Answer 20

bacteria and detrivores break down dead organic matter (DOM) to humus and return nutrients to the soil (nutrient cycle)

Question 21

describe why there is a large biomass

Answer 21

due to the height of the trees and dense undergrowth

Question 22

describe the human interdependance

Answer 22

we pick berries and flowers which spread seeds
promotes new growth of trees

Question 23

Describe the impact of producers and consumers

Answer 23

Energy and nutrients are transferred in the food chain

Question 24

Using a named example, explain how change can have short-term and long-term effects on an ecosystem

Answer 24

Example of change: Great Storm of 1987
15 million trees felled - proved to be resilient, and it recovered
Consumer species numbers declined due to the destruction of habitat - consumer species have migrated back