British isle ecosystem

• What are temperate deciduous forests dominated by?

  Trees
• Where are temperate deciduous forests mainly found?

  North-west, central, eastern Europe
• What climate conditions do temperate deciduous forests require?

  4-6 months growth period, cool winter
• How is rainfall distributed in temperate deciduous forests?

  Well distributed throughout the year
• What layers are typically found in deciduous woodlands?

  Shrub, field, moss, lower tree layers
• Which tree species are dominant in temperate deciduous forests?

  Oak, ash, elm, beech, maple
• How does the number of tree species per hectare vary?

  Between 5-20 depending on conditions
• What happens to deciduous trees in winter?

  They lose their leaves to conserve moisture
• What percentage of woodland in Great Britain is oak?

  31%
• Why is woodland relevant today?

  Monetary value and conservation reasons
• How can natural woodlands act as a reference point?

  For measuring human impacts on the environment
• What role do woods and forests play on a global scale?

  Help stabilize climates through carbon cycle
• What is succession in natural woodlands?

  A gradual change in plant and animal species
• What initiates the process of succession?

  Clearance of the ground by natural or human means
• What happens to the site as succession occurs?

  Increase in stratification, species numbers, productivity
• What are ancient woodlands?

  Areas with tree cover for hundreds of years
• What type of trees are found in broadleaf woodlands?

  Trees without needles
• Where are Caledonian forests primarily found?

  Mainly in Scotland
• What species are included in the Caledonian forest?

  Scots pine, juniper, birch, willow
• What is a temperate rainforest?

  Very rare woodland with high rainfall
• Where can wet woodlands be found?

  On wet soils like floodplains
• What are the three types of planned and managed woodlands in the UK?

  1. Plantation woods
  2. Wood pasture and parkland
  3. Urban woodland
• What characterizes plantation woods?

  Young, fast-growing trees for commercial use
• What is wood pasture and parkland?

  Mixture of habitats with scrub and grass
• What is urban woodland used for?

  Creating greenspaces in urban areas
• Why are broadleaf woodlands well adapted to the UK's climate?

  They are classified as temperate deciduous woodlands
• What happens to deciduous trees during water shortages?

  Leaf fall occurs early in some years
• How does leaf shedding benefit the woodland ecosystem?

  It allows diverse flora and fauna to thrive
• What influences the species that can thrive in woodlands?

  Location, soil, altitude, and water availability
• What types of soils do oak and birch woods flourish in?

  Acidic and infertile soils
• Where are temperate oceanic rainforests found in the UK?

  Along parts of the western coast
• Where do native beech woods thrive?

  In chalky soils in southern England
• What type of soil does ash woodland grow in?

  Limestone and base-rich soils
• Where do willows and dwarf birch grow?

  In mountainous regions
• What are the three layers of a typical deciduous woodland?

  1. Canopy
  2. Understory
  3. Woodland floor
• What is the average height of the canopy layer?

  Around 20 meters
• Why is the rate of photosynthesis high in the canopy?

  High availability of light
• What protects the lower layers of the woodland?

  The canopy protects from harsh conditions
• What types of trees are usually found in the canopy?

  Large broad-leaved trees like oak
• How does humidity in the understory compare to the canopy?

  Humidity levels are higher in the understory