HASS - Term 1 - Exam

How much Rain do Polar Lands get?

150-200mm

Define biomes

Large regions of the earth characterized by specific climates, vegetation and animal life

Define landscapes

Smaller, localized areas within biomes that include the visible features of the land

What is the temperature range of Polar Lands?

-50 to 0 degrees

What is the soil like in the Polar Lands?

There is Permafrost in the soil

What plants do the Polar Lands have?

No trees but small shrubs and plants

Where are the Polar Lands located?

On the north and south poles

What animals live in Polar Lands?

Few animals like arctic foxes, polar bears, penguins, etc

What is the temperature range of Tundra?

-34 to 12 degrees

What is the average rainfall range of Tundra?

150-250mm

What is the soil in Tundra like?

Permafrost in the soil, in the summer some of it softens allowing for small plant growth

What plants live in Tundra?

Small shrubs, moss, etc

Where is tundra located?

In high lattitudes

What animals live in Tundra

Lemmings, caribou, migratory birds, mosquitos, flies and fish survive there

What is biodiversity?

The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat

What is Sustainability

The ongoing capacity of the earth to maintain all life

What is Desertification?

The transformation of fertile land into desert areas

What is regenerative agriculture?

Evolution of conventional agriculture, reducing the use of water and other inputs and preventing land degradation and deforestation.

What is food sovereignty?

Having the right to produce your own food in a way that is sustainable and culturally appropiate. Communities having the power to decide what they eat and how it is produced

What is land degration?

When an area has been over-farmed by growing too many crops or grazing too many animals, the soil becomes infertile

Less land to feed more people.

Food Security

The state where all people at all times have access to safe, nutritious food to sustain a healthy life

What impact does deforestation have on biodiversity?

Destroying habitat and animal life

What impacts does deforestation have on soil quality?

Increases erosion, loss of soil biodiversity and structure

What impacts does deforestation have on local communities?

Disrupting water cycles, leading to drier climates and soil erosion, causing food insecurity, and disrupting traditional livelihoods and cultural practices

How does agriculture contribute to land degradation

Deforestation, unsustainable farming, overgrazing, and the overuse of fertilizers and pesticides, leading to soil erosion, nutrient depletion, and water contamination

Define Biomass

The weight of all the parts of the biome that are, or were once, living

Desert rainfall

250mm per year

Desert tempreture

-3.9°C to 38°C

Desert soil

Really dry soil that can be stony or sandy depending on the type

Plants in Desert

Grasses, shrubs, trees, cacti, and other succulents.

Where are deserts located

Where rainfall is less than 50cm a year.

Low latitudes

What is the temperature range of tropical rainforests?

20 to 25 degrees

Rainfall range of Tropical Rainforests

2,000 to 10,000mm

What is the soil like in tropical rainforests?

Despite the diverse plant life, the soil is not very fertile and tend to be acidic and nutrient-poor due to erosion (from rainfall).

What are the plants that live in tropical rainforests?

Many types of plants grow including giant trees that grow to heights 75m+, thick, woody vines, regular vines, smaller trees, ferns, palms, wet leaves and leaf litter. Often some of these plants are used as houseplants due to the limited sunlight and climate of the rainforest can be adapted to a home.

What animals live in tropical rainforests

There are bengal tigers, capybaras, lemurs, okapi, monkeys, birds, anaconda, frogs, boa constrictors, and many more.

Where are tropical rainforests located?

Found more towards the equator where it is warmer

How to reverse desertification

Requires a multifaceted approach focusing on sustainable land management, water conservation, and community involvement

What causes desertification

A combination of natural and human-induced factors, including drought, deforestation, overgrazing, unsustainable agricultural practices, and climate change. 

Social Factors impacting Food Security

Poverty, income inequality, lack of education, and social isolation influencing access to food and nutrition. 

Economic Factors impacting Food Security

Poverty, income inequality, rising food prices, and dependence on food imports

Environmental Factors impacting Food Security

Climate change, water scarcity, soil degradation, and land use changes