Forest Types, Ecosystem Services, and Land Management Strategies

What are the main differences between old growth forests, second growth forests, and tree plantations?

Old growth forests are ancient, biodiverse ecosystems; second growth forests regenerate after disturbance; tree plantations are managed for timber production with less biodiversity.

What ecological and economic services do forests provide?

Forests provide habitat for wildlife, carbon storage, water filtration, soil protection, and resources like timber and non-timber products.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of clear-cutting, strip-cutting, and selective cutting?

Clear-cutting is efficient but leads to habitat loss; strip-cutting allows for regeneration but can still disrupt ecosystems; selective cutting maintains biodiversity but is more labor-intensive.

What are the disadvantages of building logging roads?

Logging roads can lead to habitat fragmentation, soil erosion, and increased access for poachers and invasive species.

How is fire helpful in a forest ecosystem?

Fire can clear underbrush, promote new growth, and maintain the health of certain ecosystems; controlled burns can prevent larger, uncontrolled wildfires.

What are mycorrhizal fungi and their importance to forests?

Mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, enhancing nutrient uptake and supporting forest health.

What is rangeland?

Rangeland is land used for grazing livestock and wildlife, characterized by natural vegetation rather than cultivated crops.

How does overgrazing affect the soils of grasslands?

Overgrazing can lead to soil compaction, erosion, loss of nutrients, and decreased soil fertility.

How are fire and grazers important in grassland ecosystems?

Fire helps maintain grassland health by controlling woody plant encroachment, while grazers help manage plant growth and promote biodiversity.

What are some strategies for using rangeland more sustainably?

Strategies include rotational grazing, maintaining vegetation cover, and monitoring land health to prevent overgrazing.

What are the general climate, location, and soil characteristics of tropical rainforests?

Tropical rainforests are located near the equator, have high rainfall, warm temperatures, and nutrient-poor soils.

What are the general climate, location, and soil characteristics of temperate deciduous forests?

Temperate deciduous forests experience four distinct seasons, moderate rainfall, and fertile soils.

What are the general climate, location, and soil characteristics of savannas?

Savannas are characterized by warm temperatures, seasonal rainfall, and deep, well-drained soils.

What are the general climate, location, and soil characteristics of temperate grasslands?

Temperate grasslands have hot summers, cold winters, moderate rainfall, and fertile soils ideal for agriculture.

What are the general climate, location, and soil characteristics of taiga?

Taiga, or boreal forest, has cold temperatures, moderate precipitation, and acidic, nutrient-poor soils.

What are the general climate, location, and soil characteristics of chaparral?

Chaparral has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, featuring rocky, nutrient-poor soils.

What is a climatograph?

A climatograph is a graphical representation of the average temperature and precipitation in a specific location over a period of time.