Terrestrial Habitats - SS2 Biology Past Questions and Answers - page 3
Discuss the economic importance of marsh habitats and their impact on local economies.
Marsh habitats play a crucial role in supporting local economies through their numerous economic benefits. These wetland ecosystems provide a wide range of valuable services that contribute to both the local and regional economy. Firstly, marsh habitats serve as natural water filtration systems, purifying water and improving its quality. This is especially important for nearby communities that rely on marshes for their drinking water supply, reducing the need for costly water treatment processes. Additionally, marshes act as natural buffers, protecting coastal areas from erosion and storm surges, thereby safeguarding valuable coastal properties and infrastructure. This helps to mitigate the economic losses associated with coastal damage and provides a sense of security for coastal communities. Moreover, marsh habitats are highly productive ecosystems, supporting diverse fish and wildlife populations. These marshes serve as important breeding grounds, nurseries, and feeding areas for numerous commercially valuable fish and shellfish species. The fishing industry, including commercial and recreational fishing, benefits greatly from the abundance of marine life that marsh habitats sustain. Furthermore, marshes attract tourists and nature enthusiasts, contributing to local economies through ecotourism and recreational activities such as birdwatching, kayaking, and hiking. The revenue generated from these activities supports local businesses, hotels, restaurants, and tour operators. In conclusion, marsh habitats have significant economic importance, providing crucial services such as water purification, coastal protection, support for fishing industries, and opportunities for tourism and recreational activities. The conservation and sustainable management of these habitats are essential for ensuring their long-term economic benefits and the well-being of local communities.
Differentiate between temperature and tropical forests
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TEMPERATURE FORESTS |
TROPICAL FORESTS |
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LOCATION AND CLIMATE |
Temperate forests are found in regions with moderate climate, typically between 30° and 50° latitude in both the northern and southern hemispheres. They experience distinct seasons, including cold winters and warm summers |
Tropical forests are located near the equator, between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. They have a consistently warm climate throughout the year, with high humidity and abundant rainfall |
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VEGETATION |
Temperate forests are characterized by a diverse mix of deciduous and coniferous trees. Deciduous trees shed their leaves during the winter, while coniferous trees have needle-like leaves and retain their foliage year-round |
Tropical forests are known for their dense and lush vegetation, with a high diversity of plant species. They feature tall, evergreen trees with broad leaves that form a continuous canopy, providing shade and reducing sunlight penetration to the forest floor |
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BIODIVERSITY |
Temperate forests have relatively lower biodiversity compared to tropical forests. They typically support a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, but the species richness and diversity are generally lower compared to tropical regions |
Tropical forests are renowned for their exceptional biodiversity. They are home to a vast array of plant and animal species, including a high number of endemic species that are found nowhere else on Earth. The incredible diversity of life in tropical forests is often referred to as the "biodiversity hotspots” |
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SOIL |
Temperate forests have a well-developed, fertile soil. The decomposition of leaf litter and organic matter contributes to the formation of nutrient-rich soil |
Tropical forests have nutrient-poor soils due to the rapid cycling of nutrients caused by the high levels of rainfall and microbial activity. The nutrients are quickly absorbed by the vegetation, leaving the soil relatively depleted |
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THREATS AND CONSERVATION |
Temperate forests have faced significant deforestation and habitat fragmentation due to human activities such as logging, agriculture, and urbanization. Efforts are being made to conserve and restore temperate forests through sustainable forest management and protected areas |
Tropical forests are under severe threat from deforestation, primarily driven by activities like commercial logging, agriculture (such as palm oil and cattle ranching), and mining. Conservation initiatives aim to protect tropical forests, promote sustainable land use practices, and support local communities |
Distinguish briefly between grassland and arid habitats in one paragraph
Grassland and arid habitats are two distinct types of ecosystems with notable differences. Grasslands are characterized by vast stretches of open, flat, or rolling landscapes dominated by grasses and other herbaceous plants. They receive moderate to high levels of rainfall, supporting the growth of vegetation that is well adapted to frequent grazing and periodic fires. In contrast, arid habitats, such as deserts, have extremely low precipitation levels, resulting in a scarcity of water resources. Arid habitats often exhibit sparse vegetation, with plants adapted to conserve water and survive in harsh conditions. While both grasslands and arid habitats can be found in various regions across the world, their distinctiveness lies in the differing levels of rainfall, vegetation composition, and adaptations to water scarcity.