Ecosystems- productivity

What is the annual net primary productivity (NPP) of temperate deciduous forests?

1.2 kg/m2/year

What factors contribute to the high productivity of temperate deciduous forests?

High summer temperatures and large amounts of daylight.

Which tree types are commonly found in acidic soils of temperate deciduous forests?

Birch and rowan trees.

What type of tree is often dominant in temperate deciduous forests due to its pH tolerance?

Oak.

What is the average annual rainfall in temperate deciduous forests?

Up to 1500mm per year.

What kind of soil is found in temperate deciduous forests?

Fertile brown earths with mildly acidic mull humus.

How does the nutrient cycle work in temperate deciduous forests?

Fast rates of leaching are balanced by fast rates of weathering.

What adaptations do animals in temperate deciduous forests have for winter?

Many animals either migrate or hibernate.

Why have natural areas of temperate deciduous forests been reduced?

Due to agriculture and recreation.

What is the annual net primary productivity (NPP) range of tropical rainforests?

100-3500 g/m2/year.

What characterizes the vegetation found in tropical rainforests?

Vertical layering of vegetation and distinct habitats for animals.

What is the average temperature range in tropical rainforests?

20-34 degrees Celsius.

What type of soil is commonly found in tropical rainforests?

Latosol, which can be several meters thick.

How does rainfall affect nutrient availability in tropical rainforest soils?

High rainfall leads to leaching of nutrients from the soil.

What percentage of global species is found in tropical rainforests?

40-75%.

What human activities significantly impact tropical rainforests?

Deforestation for agriculture, logging, and resource extraction.

What is the annual net primary productivity (NPP) of temperate coniferous (boreal) forests?

0.8 kg/m2/year.

What type of trees are predominantly found in temperate coniferous forests?

Pine, larch, and spruce.

What climate conditions are typical in temperate coniferous forests?

Cool temperate or cold continental with low rainfall.

What type of soil is typical of temperate coniferous forests?

Podsols.

What limits soil nutrient availability in temperate coniferous forests?

Low temperatures which limit rates of weathering and transfer.

Why are animal populations sparse in temperate coniferous forests?

Little available food due to low productivity.

What is one form of human interference in temperate coniferous forests?

Planting forests for timber production.

What is the range of annual productivity in deserts?

0-250 g/m2/year.

What challenges do perennial plants face in desert environments?

Low humidity, scarce precipitation, and high temperatures.

What is the annual rainfall for extremely arid deserts?

Less than 70mm/year.

What type of soil is found in deserts?

Aridisols, high pH, and low organic matter.

What contributes to the slow nutrient cycle in deserts?

Limited plant growth and very small biomass.

What types of animals are commonly found in deserts?

Small mammals like mice and rats, and larger mammals like bobcats and coyotes.

What can cause desertification in non-desert areas?

Urban sprawl, cattle grazing, mining, and off-road driving.

What is a major characteristic of temperate deciduous forest soils?

High fertility and presence of earthworms.

How does the nutrient availability in tropical rainforests compare to that of temperate deciduous forests?

Nutrients in tropical rainforests are often above ground due to leaching, while temperate deciduous forests have nutrients more evenly distributed in the soil.

Which adaptation helps temperate evergreen trees like spruce reduce evapotranspiration?

Needle leaves.

What role does winter snowfall play in temperate coniferous forests?

Contributes to overall precipitation and limits growing season.

What consequence does urban sprawl have on desert ecosystems?

Increased risk of species dying out.

What environmental feature allows for biodiversity in tropical rainforests?

Distinct habitats created by vertical layering of vegetation.

In what way do earthworms influence soil composition in temperate deciduous forests?

They encourage soil mixing and blur soil horizons.

What factors lead to the low net productivity in deserts?

Harsh growing conditions including extreme aridity and temperature.

How do animals in temperate deciduous forests prepare for seasonal changes?

Through migration or hibernation.

Which forest type is more biologically productive: temperate deciduous or coniferous?

Temperate deciduous forests.

What human activities threaten the unique ecosystems of tropical rainforests?

Deforestation for agriculture and logging.

How does the structure of tropical rainforest vegetation support animal diversity?

It provides various habitats and niches through vertical layering.

What happens to soil nutrients during heavy rainfall in tropical rainforests?

They are quickly leached away, reducing soil fertility.

What is one major consequence of soil erosion in desert landscapes?

Loss of fertile topsoil and vegetation cover.

How do climate conditions vary between tropical rainforest and desert ecosystems?

Tropical rainforests have high rainfall and consistent temperatures, while deserts have low rainfall and variable temperatures.

What adaptation allows coniferous trees to thrive in cold, snowy conditions?

Conical shape that helps shed snow.