Temperate Broadleaf and Tropical Rainforests | AQA A-Level Environmental Science Revision | Primrose Kitten

Temperate broadleaf woodland

Deciduous woodland found in the Northern hemisphere.

Deciduous trees

Trees that lose their leaves every year, such as oak.

Soil type

The soil structure and texture found in an area e.g. clay

Ecological features of a temperate broadleaf woodland?

No major temperature extremes, no distinctive dry season, deep fertile soils, and four distinct seasons.

Biodiversity

The variety of living organisms in an ecosystem.

Stable habitat

A habitat that is resistant to change.

Resources

Materials or substances that can be used or consumed, such as timber and food.

Examples of recreational uses of woodlands

Activities such as hiking, picnics, and camping that take place in woodlands.

Hydrological cycle

The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.

Evapotranspiration

The combined process of evaporation and transpiration, where water is released into the atmosphere by plants, from their leaves to become water vapour in the atmosphere

Carbon sequestration

The process of plants capturing and storing carbon dioxide as sugars, from the atmosphere during photosynthesis

Deforestation

The clearing of forests for various purposes, such as mining, agriculture, or urbanization.

Population fragmentation

The splitting of a population into isolated groups, reducing genetic variation and increasing vulnerability to extinction.

Protected areas

Designated areas, such as local nature reserves (LNRs), where deforestation is prohibited to protect woodlands.

Ancient woodland

Woodland that is more than 400 years old and has a high biodiversity, requiring extra legal protection.

Management techniques

Strategies used to improve the sustainability of modern forestry, such as coppicing and planting trees with mixed age and species.

Tropical rainforests

Ecosystems found in equatorial regions with high light levels, warm temperatures, high rainfall, and humidity.

Primary productivity

The rate at which energy is converted by photosynthesis in an ecosystem.

Food webs

The interconnected feeding relationships in an ecosystem.

Biodiversity hotspots

Regions with a high concentration of species and a high level of threat to their habitats.

Defence mechanisms

Adaptations developed by plants and animals to protect themselves from predators/competitors, such as chemical defenses.

Crop wild relatives

Wild plant species related to domesticated crops, important for genetic diversity and crop improvement. Can be used for genetic modification of domestic crops.

Tropical timber

Wood obtained from tropical rainforests, including teak and mahogany.

Soil maintenance

The process of preserving soil quality and preventing erosion in rainforests.

Erosion

The process of wearing away or displacement of soil and rock by wind, water, or other natural agents.

Cash crops

Crops grown for commercial purposes, often resulting in deforestation.

Tourism

The activity of traveling for pleasure and visiting rainforests, which can cause disturbance and pollution.

Poaching

Illegal hunting or capturing of wildlife, often for fur or other materials.

Debt for nature swap

An agreement where a more affluent country forgives the debt of a less economically developed country in exchange for protecting their rainforests.

WWF

World Wide Fund for Nature, an organization involved in conservation efforts and debt for nature swaps.