Cards (156)

    • What is an ecosystem?
      A unit including biotic and abiotic parts
    • What are the three types of organisms in ecosystems?
      Producers, consumers, and decomposers
    • What is the role of a producer in an ecosystem?
      It uses sunlight energy to produce food
    • How does a consumer obtain energy?
      By eating other organisms, including producers
    • What determines the type of ecosystem that forms in an area?
      The climate in that area
    • What are the major types of global ecosystems?
      • Tundra
      • Grassland
      • Temperate Deciduous Forest
      • Tropical Rainforest
      • Hot Desert
      • Polar
    • Where is tundra found?
      High latitudes above 60° N
    • What is the climate like in tundra regions?
      Very cold winters, brief summers, little rainfall
    • What type of vegetation is found in tundra?
      Mosses, grasses, and low shrubs
    • What are the two types of grassland?
      Savannah and temperate grasslands
    • What characterizes savannah grasslands?
      Distinct dry and wet seasons with low rainfall
    • What type of trees are found in temperate deciduous forests?
      Deciduous trees that lose leaves in winter
    • Where are tropical rainforests located?
      Around the equator between the tropics
    • What is the climate like in tropical rainforests?
      Hot and wet all year round
    • How much rainfall do tropical rainforests receive annually?
      Around 2000 mm per year
    • Why is the soil in tropical rainforests not very fertile?
      Heavy rain washes nutrients away
    • What type of trees dominate tropical rainforests?
      Evergreen trees that do not shed leaves
    • What is the significance of epiphytes in tropical rainforests?
      They grow on other plants and absorb moisture
    • What is the biodiversity level in tropical rainforests?
      Extremely high, containing 50% of species
    • How do changes in the rainforest ecosystem affect biodiversity?
      Changes can lead to extinction of species
    • What happens if the agouti becomes extinct in the rainforest?
      Brazil nut trees would decline, affecting others
    • What is deforestation?
      Removal of trees from forests
    • What are some causes of deforestation?
      Population pressure, mining, and commercial farming
    • What is one environmental impact of deforestation?
      Soil erosion due to lack of tree roots
    • How does deforestation contribute to climate change?
      It increases CO2 emissions in the atmosphere
    • What is the rate of rainforest deforestation?
      Roughly 130,000 km² per year
    • What is sustainable management of tropical rainforests?
      Managing resources without compromising future needs
    • What are some methods of sustainable management for rainforests?
      • Selective logging
      • Reforestation
      • Ecotourism development
      • Community-based conservation
    • What is selective logging?
      Felling only some trees, leaving others
    • Why is it important to protect tropical rainforests?
      To preserve biodiversity and resources
    • How does deforestation affect local people's livelihoods?
      It can destroy resources they depend on
    • What is one benefit of protecting rainforests?
      It helps reduce the greenhouse effect
    • How do rainforests help mitigate climate change?
      By absorbing CO2 emissions from burning
    • What is a global consequence of rainforest destruction?
      Climate change affects all countries
    • What role do rainforests play in regulating the climate?
      They help regulate the climate and water cycle
    • How can rainforests be sustainably managed?
      • Allows current needs without compromising future needs
      • Methods include selective logging, ecotourism, replanting, and education
    • Why is selective logging less damaging?
      It maintains forest structure and allows regeneration
    • What are the least damaging forms of logging?
      'Horse logging' and 'helicopter logging'
    • What is ecotourism?
      Tourism that minimizes environmental damage
    • How does ecotourism benefit local people?
      Provides income through guiding and services
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