Biosphere to ecosystems

• What will you learn about in this topic?

  The biosphere and its ecosystems
• Why is it important to study the biosphere?

  It maintains a fine balance in nature
• What is the definition of the biosphere?

  The whole of living things and their interactions with the environment around them biotic and abiotic
• How do marula trees affect their ecosystem?

  They provide food and shelter for animals
• What happens if marula trees are affected?

  It impacts all organisms depending on them
• What are the three main components of the biosphere?

  The atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere
• What is the atmosphere?

  A thin layer of gases around the Earth
• What does the hydrosphere include?

  The water part of the biosphere
• What role does the atmosphere play in photosynthesis?

  It provides essential gases like carbon dioxide
• How does the lithosphere support life?

  It provides rock and soil for organisms
• How do ecologists study the biosphere?

  By dividing it into smaller pieces
• How are the three parts of the biosphere linked?

  Through the water cycle and interactions
• What is acid rain and how is it formed?

  It forms from pollutants combining with water vapour
• What are the effects of acid rain on the lithosphere?

  It damages plants and buildings
• What is a biome?

  A large area with a specific climate
• How are aquatic biomes categorized?

  Into marine and freshwater types
• What influences the water temperature on the east coast of South Africa?

  The warm Agulhas Current
• What is the main plant of the west coast marine biome?

  Giant kelp and sea bamboo
• What are the five examples of marine biomes?

  Sandy beaches, rocky shores, coral reefs, benthic beds, pelagic zone
• What is the impact of pollution on estuaries?

  It can close estuary mouths and harm ecosystems
• What are freshwater biomes?

  Streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, and wetlands
• Why are wetlands important?

  They control floods and improve water quality
• What percentage of South African wetlands have been destroyed?

  More than 90%
• What role do wetlands play in wildlife habitats?

  They provide food and shelter for animals
• What are the main threats to wetlands?

  Conversion to croplands and urban areas
• How many terrestrial biomes are in South Africa?

  Seven
• What characterizes the Savanna biome?

  Mixed grasslands and trees
• What is the main agricultural activity in the Nama Karoo biome?

  Grazing of livestock
• What adaptations do plants in the Succulent Karoo have?

  Thick fleshy leaves to store water
• What is the significance of Namaqualand's blooming flowers?

  They attract many tourists
• What is a common plant found in the Nama Karoo?

  Karoo daisy
• Which animals are found in the Nama Karoo?

  Rodents, fox, jackal, ostrich
• What is a near-endemic bird species in the Nama Karoo?

  Schlater's lark
• What are the features of the Succulent Karoo biome?

  • Low rainfall with hot, dry summers
  • Poor soil with little nutritional value
  • Succulent plants with thick leaves for water storage
  • Annual plants that germinate in moist seasons
• What type of animals are found in the Succulent Karoo?

  Dassie rat, Namaqua dune mole-rat
• What causes damage to the Nama Karoo and Succulent Karoo biomes?

  Overgrazing and overcollection of plants
• What are the main features of the Fynbos biome?

  • Cold, wet winters and hot, dry summers
  • Sandy and alkaline coastal soil
  • Low shrubs with fine leaves and few trees
  • High diversity with 8,000 flowering plant species
• What is the Afrikaans word for the small shrubs in the Fynbos biome?


  Fynbos
• How do Fynbos plants reproduce?

  Through seeds with pollination by animals
• What percentage of Fynbos plants are endemic?

  60%