Geography Paper 1

• What are ecosystems?


  Ecosystems are communities of living organisms interacting with their non-living environment.
• What are the key components of ecosystems?


  Biotic factors, abiotic factors, energy flow, and nutrient cycling.
• What are biotic factors in an ecosystem?


  Biotic factors are the living components, such as plants, animals, and fungi.
• What are abiotic factors in an ecosystem?


  Abiotic factors are the non-living components, such as temperature, rainfall, and soil type.
• How does energy flow in an ecosystem?


  Energy flow usually starts with the sun and moves through food chains.
• What is nutrient cycling in an ecosystem?


  Nutrient cycling is the movement of nutrients within an ecosystem.
• How can ecosystems vary in size?


  Ecosystems can vary from a small pond to the entire Amazon rainforest.
• Where are tropical rainforests typically located?


  Tropical rainforests are found near the equator, between 23.5°N and 23.5°S latitudes.
• What is the climate like in tropical rainforests?


  Tropical rainforests have high temperatures (average 25-28°C), high rainfall (over 2000mm annually), and high humidity (70-90%).
• What is the biodiversity like in tropical rainforests?

  Tropical rainforests have extremely high biodiversity, with millions of plant and animal species.
• What are the layers of vegetation in tropical rainforests?


  The layers include the emergent layer, canopy layer, understory layer, and forest floor.
• Why is the soil in tropical rainforests generally poor in nutrients?


  The soil is poor in nutrients due to rapid decomposition and nutrient cycling.
• What are examples of tropical rainforests?

  Examples include the Amazon Rainforest in South America and the Congo Rainforest in Africa.
• Where are hot deserts typically located?

  Hot deserts are found around the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn (23.5°N and 23.5°S).
• What is the climate like in hot deserts?


  Hot deserts have high daytime temperatures (over 40°C), a large diurnal temperature range, low rainfall (less than 250mm annually), and low humidity.
• What is the biodiversity like in hot deserts?


  Hot deserts generally have low biodiversity but with highly adapted species.
• What type of vegetation is found in hot deserts?


  Hot deserts have sparse vegetation, mainly xerophytic plants adapted to conserve water.
• What is the soil like in hot deserts?


  The soil is often sandy or rocky and low in organic matter.
• What landforms are typically found in hot deserts?


  Landforms include sand dunes, rock pavements, and salt flats.
• What are the climate differences between tropical rainforests and hot deserts?


  Tropical rainforests have high rainfall and humidity, while hot deserts have low rainfall and humidity with large temperature fluctuations.
• How does biodiversity differ between tropical rainforests and hot deserts?


  Tropical rainforests have extremely high biodiversity, while hot deserts have low biodiversity but highly specialized species.
• What is the vegetation structure like in tropical rainforests compared to hot deserts?


  Tropical rainforests have dense, multi-layered vegetation, while hot deserts have sparse vegetation mainly consisting of xerophytic plants.
• How do the soils of tropical rainforests and hot deserts differ?


  Rainforest soil is poor in nutrients due to rapid decomposition, while desert soil is poor in organic matter and often sandy or rocky.
• What is the water availability like in tropical rainforests compared to hot deserts?

  Tropical rainforests have abundant water, while hot deserts have scarce water resources.
• What are the human impacts on tropical rainforests?

  Human impacts include deforestation, biodiversity loss, climate change, and resource extraction.
• What are the human impacts on hot deserts?

  Human impacts include desertification, water scarcity, urbanization, and tourism.
• What are some conservation efforts for tropical rainforests?


  Conservation efforts include establishing protected areas, sustainable management, and reforestation.
• What are some conservation efforts for hot deserts?


  Conservation efforts include water management to prevent overuse of scarce resources.
• How does desertification impact hot deserts compared to tropical rainforests?


  Desertification expands desert areas, while tropical rainforests face deforestation and habitat destruction.
• How do human impacts differ between tropical rainforests and hot deserts?


  Human impacts on rainforests include deforestation and biodiversity loss, while deserts face desertification and water scarcity.
• What are the main characteristics of tropical rainforests?

  • Location: Near the equator (23.5°N to 23.5°S)
  • Climate: High temperature (25-28°C), high rainfall (over 2000mm), high humidity (70-90%)
  • Biodiversity: Extremely high
  • Vegetation structure: Emergent layer, canopy layer, understory layer, forest floor
  • Soil: Generally poor in nutrients
• What are the main characteristics of hot deserts?

  • Location: Around the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn (23.5°N and 23.5°S)
  • Climate: High daytime temperatures (over 40°C), low rainfall (less than 250mm), low humidity
  • Biodiversity: Generally low, with highly adapted species
  • Vegetation: Sparse, mainly xerophytic plants
  • Soil: Often sandy or rocky, low in organic matter
• What are the key differences between tropical rainforests and hot deserts?


  • Climate: Rainforest has high rainfall and humidity; desert has low rainfall and humidity.
  • Biodiversity: Rainforest has extremely high biodiversity; desert has low biodiversity.
  • Vegetation: Rainforest has dense, multi-layered vegetation; desert has sparse vegetation.
  • Soil: Rainforest soil is poor in nutrients; desert soil is poor in organic matter.
  • Water availability: Rainforest has abundant water; desert has scarce water resources.