sustaining ecosystems- ocr b gcse geo

What is an ecosystem?

An ecosystem is a natural environment and includes the flora (plants) and fauna (animals) that live and interact within that environment. Flora, fauna and bacteria are the biotic or living components of the ecosystem. Ecosystems are dependent on the following abiotic or non-living components: soil,water,climate

how does soil affect an ecosytem ?

the soil type is important as this provides nutrients that will support different plants

how does water affect an ecosystem ?

the amount of water available in an ecosystem will determine which plants and animals can be supported

how does climate affect an ecosytem ?

the temperature and amount of rainfall are very important in determining which species can survive in the ecosystem

Energy Flow through Food Webs

Energy flows through an ecosystem in a number of food chains. Plants act as producers at the start of all food chains, making food from the process of photosynthesis. Herbivores then eat the plants - these are the first consumers. Herbivores are then eaten by carnivores - the second consumers.

role of nutrient cycling in an ecosystem

Nutrient cycles move valuable minerals like nitrogen, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, and potassium through the ecosystem. Decomposers such as small bacteria and fungi break down dead vegetation and animals and return nutrients to the soil.

how are climate factors related to global ecosystems (biomes)

climate factors such as global warming and extreme weather can affect the ecosystem in the way that :i

it may reduce thir ability to improve water quality and regulate water flows

Rapid changes to ecosystems may cause the displacement or loss of many species.

the collapse of a food chain ( due to increasing temp some animals/ plants may not be able to survive which can alter the food chain)

overview of climate in polar regions

. they also tend to be dry and recieve as little rainfall as possible sometimes 250 mm er year

overview of plants ( flora) in polar regions

because 11.5 million km of the polar region consists of permafrost( permanently forzen ground) it is a treeless area. there are low shrubs which reach a height of 2 metres

overview of animals ( fauna) in polar regions

land mammals include polar bears, wolves, and sea mammals include walruses and whales

overview of climate in coral reefs

for coral reefs to be present there needs to be warm water all year around with a mean temp of 18 degrees. the water also needs to be clean and shallow all of the time -no deeper than 30 metres.

overview of fauna in coral reefs

coral i smade up of thousands of coral polyps which live together in reefs or colonies. a single polyp is abot 2-3 cm and it feeds on tiny organisms like plankton. there are up to two million species living on coral reefs and 4000 species of fish alone.

overview of flora in coral reefs

there is a relatibley small range of plant life in coral reefs. the algae on the coral produces energy through photosynthesis which gives teh coral its vibrant range of colours. sea grasses such as turtle grass and manatee grass are commonly found in the caribean sea

overview of climate in grasslands

the average temperatures are about -20°C to 30°C. Tropical grasslands have lomg dry seasons and short wet seasons the annual precipitation rates are 400mm to 900mm Temperate grasslands have cold winters and warm summers and the temparature can range from 38 degrees to negativie 40 degrees. average rainfall ranges from 250 to 750mm

overview of fauna in grasslands

in tropical grasslands different cats like hyenas and leopards. in temparate grasslands such as rabbit and the coyotes wolves and large birds

overview of flora in grasslands

in temparate grasslands the vegitation doesnt grow as rapidly or as tall as the tropical grasslands. trees and shrubs struggle to grow howeversome trees such as willow and grow grow along river valleys where more water is availible. grasses grow evenly up to 50cm in height . in tropical grasslands the summer rain can cause the grass to grow 3 metres in height . many trees are drought resistant and fire resistant as a means of survivinf the long dry season.

over view of climate in temparate forests

rainfall ranges from 750mm to 1500mm and the average annual temparature is 10 degrees. there are warm summers and mild winters

overview of fauna in temparature forests

black bears are found in the temparate forests of north america there is an abundance of other bird species

overview of flora in temparate forests

there are relativley few tree species and havea grwoing season on 6-8 months and may only grow 50cm per year.tree and shrubs vary in height greatly from fiv emetres to 20 metres.

overview of climate in tropical forests

the mean monthly temparatures only vary by 2 degrees from 26-28 degrees. the annual rainfall tolls are quite high being 2000mm

overview of fauna in tropical forests

most birds animals and insects live in the canopy layer and insects make up the largest single group of animals and there is a huge amount of amphibian species.

overview of flora in tropical forests

the vegitation cnsists mainly of trees and there may be as much as 300 specieas per cubic kilometre. the tallest trees are known as the emergents which can reach as highas 50 metres

the canpoy is the layer below and it recieves 70 percent of the sunlight and it is a continous blanket of leaves which is approxiametley 30 metres high

the undercanpoy consists of trees which can grow up to 20 metres

the shrub layer is the lowest layer where only small trees and shrubs which hasadapted to living can survive

overview of climate in deserts

temparatures can reach 36 degrees with extremes of 50 degrees . annual precipitation in around 40mm unreliable rainfall

over view of flora in deserts

most of the vegitation is resistant to the lack of moisture and intense heat meaning they have adapted to an enviroment with very little water and cacti and yucca plants are foudn in the driest and hottest places. the bushes grow far apart to avoid competing for water.

overview of fauna in deserts

the lack of food makes it difficult for the desserts to support many animal species. this dessert ecosystem is very fragile as animals dont have any other alternative food resources . many of the animlas are small and nocturnal which would mean they only come out at night . with the exeption if camels animals wouldnt be able to survive in the hot sun so they are likley to burroe in sand during day.

explain the reasons for the trf climate

the climate is very wet with 2000mm of rainfall annually because tropical rainforests tend to be near the equator which is the meeting point of the hadley cells. this would result in rising warm moist air which would end up condensing into clouds which would start to rain

additionally the climate is also wet because All plants undergo transpiration, where they take water in their roots, it goes through their system and then leaves through their leaves (or leaf equivalents) as water vapor. Since tropical rainforests have so many plants, there's a ton of transpiration. When you get that much water vapor hovering over rainforests, it's bound to rain a lot.

the climate is very hot because it is at the equator which would mean that the sunlights hits the earth more directly at the equatorThe curve of the Earth means that sunlight is spread over a wider area the further you move from the Equator. Sunlight hits a smaller surface area at the Equator so heats up quickly compared to the poles.

the role of trf in the hyrological cycle

Evapotranspiration: The rainforest has a high rate of evapotranspiration, which is the combined process of water evaporation from the leaves of plants and transpiration from their roots. This process results in the release of water vapor into the atmosphere, which then forms clouds and contributes to precipitation.

Precipitation: The rainforest receives a large amount of precipitation in the form of rain, which is important for replenishing the groundwater and surface water sources in the region.

Interception: The dense canopy of the rainforest intercepts rainfall, preventing it from reaching the forest floor immediately. This intercepted water is then gradually released back into the atmosphere through the process of evapotranspiration.

explain how the nutrient cycle and soils in the trf are linked to the enviroment

Nutrient cycling: The tropical rainforest has a complex nutrient cycle, which involves the constant cycling of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium between the soil, vegetation, and the atmosphere. The warm and moist conditions of the rainforest promote the rapid decomposition of organic matter, releasing nutrients into the soil for uptake by plants. The nutrients are then cycled back into the atmosphere through processes such as evapotranspiration.Soil fertility: The soils in the tropical rainforest are some of the most fertile in the world. This is due to the high levels of organic matter and nutrients in the soil, as well as the rapid cycling of nutrients through the ecosystem. However, the fertility of the soil is also dependent on the health of the surrounding environment. Deforestation, soil erosion, and other environmental degradation can reduce the fertility of the soil, making it difficult for plants to thrive.

describe the range of goods availible from the trf

Timber: The tropical rainforest is a major source of timber and other wood products. Many valuable hardwoods, such as mahogany and teak, are found in the rainforest and are harvested for use in furniture, construction, and other applications.

Medicines: The rainforest is home to a vast array of plant and animal species, many of which have been used for centuries by indigenous peoples to treat a variety of illnesses and ailments. Modern pharmaceutical companies also rely on rainforest plants as a source of new drugs and treatments.

Food: The rainforest is an important source of food for millions of people around the world. A wide variety of fruits, nuts, and other edible plants are found in the rainforest, as well as game animals and fish from rivers and streams.

describe the range of services availible from the trf

Carbon sequestration: The rainforest plays a critical role in regulating the Earth's climate by absorbing and storing large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Deforestation and other human activities that disrupt the rainforest ecosystem can release carbon into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and climate change.

Ecotourism: The rainforest is a popular destination for ecotourists, who come to experience the unique wildlife and natural beauty of the region. Ecotourism can provide an important source of income for local communities and help to promote conservation efforts.

evaluate the human impacts of exploiting a range of tropical rainforest goods, assesing their sustainibility

logging can produce wood which can be made into commercial items such as furniture and doors which can positivley affect the economy due to thedemand of theses products . however wood isnt the most durable material which can drive people away from buying it

cattle ranching is very low risk and low maintenance and good profits are made. however cattle outnumber people with the ratio 10: 1 so not much might get sold

oil palm plantations are used in high demand products such as shampooo and it also provides employment. however the recent protests due to palm oil being used may cause palm oil to not be needed anymore

evaluate the enviromental impacts of exploiting a range of tropical rainforest goods, assesing their sustainibility

logging trees using fire to burn the wood releases carbon into the atmosphere which is a greenhouse gas and traps heat into the atmospher causingand global warming. however is the trees arent burnt then harmful gases wont be released

additionally cattle ranching in the amazon not only releases 34o million tonnes of carbon into the atmosphere but it also emits large amounts of methane which results in greater amonut of global warming per gram however i provides meat for animals which helps the foood cycle

the increased amount of oilpalm plantations causes more c02 due to land clearing and this also disturbs animal habitats however oil palm is a very efficient crop, able to produce high quantities of oil over small areas of land,

describe the differences between the arctic and antarctic enviroment

Location and size: The Arctic is located in the northern hemisphere, while the Antarctic is located in the southern hemisphere. The Arctic is significantly smaller than the Antarctic, covering an area of about 14.05 million square kilometers, while the Antarctic covers about 14 million square kilometers.

Climate: The Arctic has a relatively mild climate compared to the Antarctic, with temperatures ranging from -50°C in winter to 10°C in summer. The Antarctic, on the other hand, has the coldest climate on Earth, with temperatures as low as -90°C in winter and only reaching around -20°C in summer.

Vegetation: The Arctic is characterized by tundra vegetation, with low-lying shrubs, grasses, and mosses. The Antarctic has no native vascular plants, although some mosses and lichens can be found.

Ocean: The Arctic Ocean is relatively shallow, with an average depth of around 1,000 meters. The Antarctic Ocean, on the other hand, is much deeper, with an average depth of around

explain the differences between the arctic and antarctic enviroment

The main reason that the antarctica is so much colder than the arctic is because of the strength of the winds blowing around the poles. Antarctic winds are very strong and stop warmer air from mixing with the polar air. This also happens in the Arctic, but winds surrounding the North Pole are not as strong.

Only plants with shallow root systems grow in the Arctic tundra because the permafrost prevents plants from sending their roots down past the active layer of soil. Less than 1% of Antarctica's area is ice free, so there is little terrain suitable for the development of soils and vegetation. Most of these ice free areas exist at low altitudes near the coast, especially along the Peninsula.

using food webs explain the interaction between the arctic ecosystem and indiigenous people

At the base of the Arctic food web are phytoplankton and algae, which are consumed by zooplankton and other small animals.These small animals are in turn eaten by larger fish,aswell as birds.Seals, walruses, and whales feed on these fish, while polar bears and arctic foxes feed on the seals and other marine mammals.

Indigenous people living in the Arctic have traditionally relied on these animals for food and other resources. They hunt and fish for their food, using traditional methods that have been passed down through generations. For example, they use harpoons to hunt whales,

how has the arctic ecosystem been impacted by climate change

climate change has caused the sea ice to melt due to the higher temparatures as a result of more GHG's trapping heat.This is impacting the habitats of many Arctic species, including polar bears, walruses, and seals, which rely on sea ice for hunting and breeding.

As sea ice melts, it can alter the salinity and temperature of the surrounding waters, which can impact ocean currents. This can have far-reaching effects on the ecosystem, including changes in the distribution and abundance of plankton, fish, and other marine species.

Permafrost, which is soil that remains frozen year-round, is beginning to thaw due to warming temperatures. As it thaws, it releases large amounts of carbon and methane, which can contribute to further warming and impact the ecosystem as some animals may not be suited to the warmer enviroment

Warmer temperatures can also impact vegetation in the Arctic, with some areas experiencing increased plant growth while others experience a decline in vegetation cover. This can impact the habitats and food sources of many Arctic animals.

how has the arctic ecosystem been impacted by oil and mineral exploration

One of the most significant impacts of oil and mineral exploration is habitat destruction. Exploration activities can involve clearing large areas of land and drilling deep into the ground, disrupting the habitats of many species. This can lead to the loss of critical nesting and breeding grounds for birds

Another major impact of oil and mineral exploration is pollution. Exploration and extraction activities can lead to oil spills, leaks, and other forms of pollution, which can contaminate the environment and harm wildlife. Oil spills can coat the feathers of birds and fur of marine mammals, making it difficult for them to regulate their body temperature and find food.

Additionally, exploration and extraction activities in the Arctic require the construction of infrastructure such as pipelines, roads, and ports. These can have significant impacts on the landscape, disrupting migration routes and fragmenting habitats.

the release of greenhouse gases and contributions to climate change. The extraction and burning of fossil fuels such as oil and gas are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to global warming and climate change.- some animals may not be suited to a hotter enviroment

how has the arctic ecosystem been impacted by overfishing

one of the main impacts of the decline of a certain species of fish is that these fish may be an important food source for other animals in the region. Additionally, overfishing can disrupt the balance of the ecosystem by removing certain species and altering the food chain.

Fishing practices such as trawling can damage seafloor habitats, which can have long-lasting effects on the ecosystem.

Additionally, overfishing can lead to the bycatch of non-target species, which can further disrupt the balance of the ecosystem.

how has the arctic ecosystem been impacted by shipping routes

One of the main negative impacts of shipping on the Arctic ecosystem is the potential for oil spills and other pollution. The increased shipping traffic in the region increases the risk of accidents,Oil spills and other pollution can harm marine life and damage important habitats, such as coral reefs and seagrass beds.

Another negative impact of shipping on the Arctic ecosystem is the potential for invasive species to be introduced into the region. Ships may carry non-native species, such as bacteria or marine organisms, which can compete with and displace native species.. this can distrupt the balance of teh ecosystem and permanently alter the biodiversity

how has the arctic people been impacted by climate change

climate change is also impacting the health and well-being of Arctic people. Warmer temperatures can increase the prevalence of diseases, such as Lyme disease, and the melting of permafrost can release pathogens and contaminants into the environment.

Additionally, changes in food availability and quality due to increased release of pathogens can impact the nutritional status of Arctic people.

The melting of sea ice and changes in ocean currents are also impacting Arctic people's ability to travel and transport goods.

how has the arctic people been impacted by oil and mineral exploration

Oil spills and other accidents can have long-lasting impacts on the environment, and the cleanup and remediation efforts can also disrupt the lives and livelihoods of local communities.

The construction of infrastructure, such as pipelines, roads, and mining operations, can alter the landscape and impact the movement of wildlife. This can have negative impacts on traditional hunting and fishing activities, which are an important source of food and income for many Arctic communities.

how has the arctic people been impacted by overfishing

One of the main impacts of overfishing on Arctic people is the depletion of fish populations,Many Arctic communities rely on fish and other marine resources as a source of food and income, and the depletion of these resources can lead to food and economic insecurity.

, overfishing can also impact Arctic people's cultural and spiritual connections to the environment. Fish and other marine resources are an important part of many Arctic cultures, and the depletion of these resources can impact traditional knowledge and practices.

how has the arctic people been impacted by shipping routes

the noise and disturbance caused bythe ships may be incredibly uncomfortable for the arctic people to hear

Many Arctic communities rely on hunting and fishing activities, which can be disrupted by the presence of shipping traffic. The noise and pollution from ships can impact the behavior and movement of fish and other marine resources, making it more difficult for Arctic people to carry out traditional subsistence activities.

exploitation of the trf in malaysia

the plantations such as oil palm can create jobs but Due to the clearance of trees and shrubs, topsoil run-off may increase significantly and increases sediment loads in rivers and streams.silt also may collect in rivers increasing the flodd risks

loggers only chop trees over 50cm and as the oter uses of land inccreases such as logging the room left for trad farmers decreases

hydrelectric power and dam building can cause floods but its a cheap alternative to generate electricity

how is ecotourism used to manage the malaysian rainforest locally

Locally, ecotourism in the Malaysian rainforest provides an alternative source of income for local communities, which reduces their dependence on forest exploitation and encourages the preservation of the forest ecosystem.

Ecotourism also provides opportunities for local communities to showcase their traditional knowledge, culture, and practices to visitors, which helps to preserve their heritage and strengthen community ties.

Furthermore, ecotourism in the Malaysian rainforest provides opportunities for visitors to learn about the unique flora and fauna of the rainforest, and to appreciate the importance of conservation efforts. This promotes awareness and education about environmental issues, and encourages visitors to become advocates for rainforest conservation.

how is ecotourism used to manage the malaysian rainforest regionally

By promoting sustainable tourism practices and raising awareness about conservation efforts, ecotourism can help to protect the rainforest from illegal logging, poaching, and other forms of exploitation.

Additionally, ecotourism can also promote cross-border cooperation and collaboration among countries in the region for conservation efforts.

how do community programs help manage the malaysian rainforest regionally

By educating and training local communities on sustainable forest management practices such as agroforestry,community programs can help to reduce deforestation rates and forest degradation. This, in turn, contributes to the conservation of the larger rainforest ecosystem, which is critical for biodiversity conservation, climate regulation, and the livelihoods of millions of people in the region.

By empowering local communities to participate in decision-making processes related to forest management, community programs can help to ensure that the interests of local communities are taken into account in regional forest management policies and programs. T

By promoting sustainable forest management practices and providing alternative livelihoods, community programs can demonstrate to policymakers and other stakeholders that sustainable forest management is possible and can contribute to both local development and regional conservation objectives.

how do community programs help manage the malaysian rainforest locally

Community programs are an essential part of managing the Malaysian rainforest locally. These programs engage local communities in conservation efforts, promote sustainable forest management practices, and provide alternative livelihoods to reduce the dependence on forest exploitation.

community programs is to empower local communities to take an active role in managing the forest resources. These programs provide training and education on sustainable forest management practices, such as agroforestry, which integrates food crops with tree planting. By promoting these practices, local communities can improve their livelihoods

Community programs also help to raise awareness about the importance of rainforest conservation among local communities. By educating local communities about the ecological value of the rainforest, these programs can help to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among community members towards protecting the forest ecosystem.

evaluate a small scale example of sustainible management in the arctic

One of the main sustainability concerns with ice hotels is their high energy consumption. The hotels require a significant amount of energy to maintain the ice structure, keep the rooms warm, and provide electricity and hot water to guests. This high energy consumption is often met through the use of diesel generators, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.

Another sustainability concern with ice hotels is their impact on the local environment. Constructing the hotels requires the use of heavy machinery to transport and shape the ice blocks, which can damage the surrounding ecosystem,

Additionally, the hotels can disrupt the natural habitat of Arctic animals, which are already facing significant challenges due to climate change and other human activities.

Environmentally, ice hotels take measures to reduce their carbon footprint and minimize their impact on the natural environment. They use renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power to generate electricity, and they also utilize geothermal heating systems.

ocially, ice hotels aim to benefit local communities by providing employment opportunities and supporting local businesses. They often hire staff from nearby communities and partner with local suppliers for food and other materials.

Economically, ice hotels strive to be profitable while also contributing to the local economy. They generate revenue through room rentals, dining, and other activities, and some ice hotels also offer guided tours and activities that showcase the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region. Additionally, ice hotels often partner with local tourism organizations to promote the region as a destination, which can bring in additional revenue for local businesses.

explain how biosphere reserve are used to manage the malaysian rainforest regionally

By demonstrating the benefits of sustainable forest management practices and the importance of rainforest conservation, biosphere reserves can influence regional policies related to forest management, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development.

they promote the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services, which are critical for the sustainable development of the region. By conserving the rainforest ecosystem, biosphere reserves can contribute to climate regulation, watershed protection, and the preservation of endangered species. This, in turn, helps to maintain the ecological integrity of the region and its resilience to climate change.

explain how biosphere reserve are used to manage the malaysian rainforest locally

Through biosphere reserves, local communities are provided with alternative livelihood opportunities, such as eco-tourism, handicraft production, and sustainable agriculture, which reduces the pressure on the forest resources.

Moreover, biosphere reserves also provide opportunities for capacity building and training on sustainable forest management practices, which helps to enhance the knowledge and skills of local communities.

evaluate the role ofthe antarctic treaty as a global action for sustainible future management

The Antarctic Treaty has also been effective in promoting peace and stability in the region. By prohibiting military activity and establishing a framework for peaceful cooperation, the treaty has helped to prevent conflict and maintain a stable geopolitical environment in Antarctica.

the treaty has promoted international cooperation and scientific research in Antarctica. It facilitates scientific collaboration among countries and provides a framework for sharing data and information. This has resulted in significant advances in our understanding of the Antarctic ecosystem, its vulnerability to environmental change, and the impacts of climate change on the region.

It established the Committee for Environmental Protection, which advises treaty members on environmental issues and coordinates environmental monitoring and research activities in the region. The treaty also prohibits mineral resource exploitation in Antarctica, thereby protecting the continent from potentially destructive extractive activities.

it does not address the impacts of climate change on the region, such as melting ice and rising sea levels.

there are no penalties or sanctions for non-compliance.

that the treaty has not done enough to protect the rights and interests of indigenous people in the region. While the treaty acknowledges the rights of indigenous people, it does not provide a framework for protecting their interests or giving them a voice in decision-making processes.