Local ecosystem

• How can moorlands be defined?

  As upland heathlands
• At what altitude do moorlands typically occur in Britain?

  Above 250 metres
• What type of rocks are mainly found in British moorlands?

  Resistant impervious rocks
• What is the impact of acidic rocks on moorland soil?

  They supply few nutrients to the soil
• What climatic conditions restrict plant growth in moorlands?

  Strong winds and lower temperatures
• What is the environmental lapse rate in moorlands?

  1°c per 100 metres
• What is the average annual rainfall in moorlands?

  Over 12500 mm per annum
• What type of vegetation dominates moorland ecosystems?

  Heathers (Calluna and Erica)
• What types of areas are associated with heather moors?

  Grass moorland and blanket peat bogs
• What is the main plant found in blanket bogs?

  Sphagnum moss
• What role does sunlight play in plant growth?

  Provides energy for photosynthesis
• What are primary producers in moorland ecosystems?

  Green plants
• What do green plants build using the sun's energy?

  Leaves, wood, and other plant tissues
• What conditions do cold, wet environments favor in bogs?

  Accumulation of partially decomposed materials
• What is the main source of food for carnivores in moorlands?

  Herbivores and invertebrates
• What type of predators are found in moorlands?

  Golden eagle and peregrine
• What do herbivores in moorlands primarily feed on?

  Shrubby vegetation
• What is a major source of food from dead animals in moorlands?

  Carcasses of dead sheep and mammals
• What do detritus feeders consume in moorlands?

  Dead plant material
• Which small carnivores are common in moorlands?

  Meadow pipit and pigmy shrew
• What are the characteristics of heathland and moorland ecosystems?

  • Open landscapes dominated by dwarf shrubs
  • Actively managed through grazing, cutting, or burning
  • Found in less favorable conditions leading to low biodiversity
  • Areas of great beauty with aesthetic and recreational value
  • Under threat from human activities
• What is the climatic climax for heather?

  Above 750 metres
• What is a plagio climax in moorland ecosystems?

  A human-induced climax to succession
• What is the staple diet of the red grouse?

  Heather
• What is the purpose of burning heather in moorlands?

  To keep heather at its productive stage
• How often should heather be burnt to prevent degeneration?

  Every 15 years
• What is the major issue with grazing in moorlands?

  Getting the correct stocking rates
• What happens if overgrazing occurs in moorlands?

  It can kill off young heather
• What is the consequence of high sheep numbers in moorlands?

  Localized overgrazing
• What is the aim of optimum burning strategies?

  To maintain heather productivity
• What is the recommended stocking rate for sheep in moorlands?

  1 sheep per 2 hectares
• What are the indirect threats to upland moorlands?

  • Agricultural improvements (lime and phosphates)
  • Excessive burning devaluing habitat quality
  • Afforestation leading to creeping coniferisation
  • Recreational pressures causing erosion
  • Increased military use affecting ecosystems
• What has happened to moorland areas over the last 50 years?

  Significant loss to other uses
• What is the impact of government subsidies on moorlands?

  They have led to destruction of moorlands
• What is the consequence of withdrawing subsidies for farmers?

  Push farmers to sell moorlands