Fynbos

Question 1

what is fynbos

Answer 1

fynbos refers to the small leaves that characterise the biggest part of this biome.

Question 2

Fnybos climate

Answer 2

Summer- dry+schorching
- south easterly winds
winter- cold+ penetrating rains
-north easterly winds

Question 3

4 main types of vegetation?

Answer 3

Proteoid- Broad leathery leaves, woody stems and colourful floral heads
Ericas- heath like plants with tiny evergreen leaves and small colourful bell-tubular shape flowers
Restiods- reed like plants with hollow cylindrical stems and nearly leafless
Geophytes- plants with bulbs

Question 4

soil?

Answer 4

Poor table mountain sandstone

fertile shale soil in valleys

Question 5

Animals?

Answer 5

Not many
linked to pollination
cape sugarbird
Geometric tortoise

Question 6

Fynbos adaptation to fire (4)

Answer 6

• Dormant underground bulbs, corms, rhizomes
• new shoots stimulated by fire
• Thick corky bark acting as fire jacket
• seeds germinate after fire by smoke

Question 7

Explain Fire linked to fynbos plant cycle

Answer 7

Plant reproduce seeds and dry surface material accumulates.
Fire occurs 10-15 years and fuel pile burns
seeds are germinated by smoke and spring rains
burnt remains provide nutrient layer in poor soil

Question 8

Endemic and indigenous

Answer 8

Endemic- plant found there and nowhere else

indigenous- plant naturally found in that area

Question 9

Importance of fynbos (4)

Answer 9

• endemic to SA
• contains 60% of threatened species in southern africa
• Richest plant species diversity in the world
• Biodiversity is invaluble

Question 10

Threat of alien Invasive plants? (3)

Answer 10

1. no natural enemies- better adapted to compete
2. thirsty water thieves, dry out water needy area
3. fire hazard