ecosystems

Cards (32)

  • What is meant by an ecosystem?
    A complex natural system of living and non-living things
  • What are the characteristics of a small-scale ecosystem?
    They include complex interrelationships among organisms
  • What are the biotic features of an ecosystem?
    Plants, animals, and fish
  • What are the abiotic features of an ecosystem?
    Climate, soil, and light
  • What do producers do in an ecosystem?
    Convert energy from the sun into carbohydrates
  • How do consumers obtain energy?
    By eating other living organisms
  • What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?
    They break down dead plant and animal materials
  • What is nutrient cycling?
    The process of nutrients being reused by plants
  • What type of habitat do freshwater ponds provide?
    A variety of habitats for plants, insects, and animals
  • What is found at the pond surface?
    Plenty of oxygen, light, and shelter for plants
  • What do animals in the mid-water of a pond use to breathe?
    Gills or skin
  • Who are the main predators in the mid-water of a pond?
    Fish
  • What is found at the pond bottom?
    Little oxygen or light, plenty of shelter
  • What are the impacts of small natural changes on ecosystems?
    They can have harmful effects but ecosystems can recover
  • What can large-scale natural changes cause?
    Lasting damage to ecosystems
  • How can human activities impact ecosystems?
    They can cause harm or help protect ecosystems
  • What happened to the ancient Breckland ponds?
    Limited diversity due to excessive willow growth
  • What has been done to improve the Breckland ponds?
    Removal of willow and reed to encourage diversity
  • What are biomes?
    Large-scale global ecosystems defined by vegetation
  • How are biomes distributed across the world?
    In broad belts parallel to lines of latitude
  • What factors determine the characteristics of biomes?
    Climate, soils, water, and sunlight
  • What is the climate like in tropical rainforests?
    High temperatures and heavy rainfall
  • What type of trees are found in temperate forests?
    Deciduous trees that lose leaves in winter
  • What is the climate in boreal forests?
    Cold, wet climate with high rainfall
  • What type of vegetation dominates the tundra?
    Lichens and mosses
  • What is the temperature in polar areas?
    Below -50°C
  • What adaptations do animals in polar areas have?
    Adaptations to survive harsh conditions
  • What is the climate like in hot deserts?
    Hot, sunny with very little rainfall
  • What type of vegetation is found in tropical grasslands?
    Grass adapted to hot, dry climates
  • What is the climate in temperate grasslands?
    Hot summers and cold winters
  • Why do biomes form broad latitudinal belts?
    Due to global atmospheric circulation patterns
  • What can cause minor variations within biomes?
    Local climate and soil conditions