Breenwood case study

• What type of woodland is Breen Wood?

  Oak woodland
• What percentage of Northern Ireland is covered by natural oak woodland?

  Less than 0.2%
• How large is the Breen Wood site?

  36 hectares
• Why is Breen Wood largely untouched by humans?

  Due to its acidic soils and harsh environment
• What is the average annual rainfall in Breen Wood?

  1600 mm
• What are the four layers of a deciduous woodland ecosystem?

  Canopy, understory, shrub, ground
• What are the physical characteristics of a deciduous woodland ecosystem?

  • Climate (seasonality)
  • Geology
  • Soil
  • Relief
  • Influence on flora and fauna
• What is found in the ground layer of Breen Wood?

  Mosses and small flowering plants
• What is the role of the canopy layer in a deciduous woodland?

  It receives the most sunlight and warmth
• How do deciduous trees adapt to winter conditions?

  They lose their leaves to reduce transpiration
• What type of soil is found in Breen Wood?

  Acidic podsol soil
• What is the impact of high rainfall on Breen Wood's soil?

  It causes leaching and low nutrient content
• What are the main biotic components of Breen Wood?

  Sessile oak, downy birch, and various animals
• What are the primary consumers in Breen Wood?

  Herbivores like mice and insects
• How does the trophic structure in Breen Wood affect energy transfer?

  Energy decreases at each trophic level
• What percentage of energy is available to the next trophic level?

  10%
• What are the seasonal variations in plant life in Breen Wood?

  • Spring: Bluebells and wood anemone
  • Summer: Woodland grasses, ferns, and wood rush
  • Autumn: Leaf fall increases litter store
• What is the role of decomposers in Breen Wood?

  They break down organic matter into nutrients
• How does climate influence vegetation in Breen Wood?

  Mild winters and cool summers support growth
• What is the primary input of energy for Breen Wood's ecosystem?

  Solar energy from the sun
• What happens to the litter store in autumn?

  It increases due to leaf fall
• How does leaching affect nutrient availability in Breen Wood?

  It washes nutrients away from plant roots
• What are the main factors affecting nutrient cycling in Breen Wood?

  • Seasonal changes (autumn and spring)
  • Rainfall levels
  • Temperature variations
  • Decomposition rates
• What is the average temperature range in Breen Wood?

  4°C to 15°C
• How does the parent rock influence the soil in Breen Wood?

  It contributes to low nutrient content
• What is the relationship between biomass and nutrient stores in Breen Wood?

  Biomass is the largest nutrient store
• What type of climate does Breen Wood experience?

  Mild winters and cool summers
• What is the significance of the acidic soil in Breen Wood?

  It slows down decomposition and nutrient cycling
• How does the structure of Breen Wood affect its biodiversity?

  Limited nutrient availability restricts biodiversity
• What are the main types of trees in Breen Wood?

  Sessile oak and downy birch
• How do the climatic conditions in Breen Wood affect the growing season?

  They reduce the growing season to 7 months
• What is the impact of the canopy layer on smaller plants in Breen Wood?

  It limits sunlight reaching smaller plants
• What is the role of the understory layer in Breen Wood?

  It contains smaller trees and shrubs
• How does the presence of fungi affect Breen Wood's ecosystem?

  They help decompose organic matter
• What is the significance of the food web in Breen Wood?

  It illustrates the interdependence of species
• What are the primary consumers in the food web of Breen Wood?

  Herbivores like insects and small mammals
• What is the role of the tertiary consumers in Breen Wood?

  They are top predators in the ecosystem
• How does energy transfer occur between trophic levels in Breen Wood?

  Energy decreases as it moves up levels
• What is the primary source of nutrients for the soil in Breen Wood?

  Rainfall
• How does the litter store change from autumn to spring?

  It decreases as nutrients transfer to soil