Biodiversity
How does climate impact biodiversity with examples
Every species has a preferred temperature range. For example, polar bears thrive in cold climates, while cactus plants need hot, dry environments. If the temperature changes too much, plants and animals may not be able to survive in their current locations.
The climate influences which plants grow in an area, which in turn affects the animals that can live there. If a plant species dies out due to climate changes, animals that depend on it may also struggle to survive
What is the hydrosphere?
Rain, Rivers, Oceans belong to this sphere
What is deforestation?
The destruction of rainforests for natural resources
What is an environment?
a specific place on Earth and all the things, both animate and inanimate, that are there.
What is runoff?
flow of water occurring on the ground surface when excess rainwater, stormwater, meltwater, or other sources, can no longer sufficiently rapidly infiltrate in the soil
How does altitude impact biodiversity
As altitude increases, temperature generally decreases. This means that plants and animals that live at higher altitudes must be adapted to colder conditions. For example, only certain types of plants can grow on mountain tops where it’s much cooler, while warmer-climate species are found at lower elevations.
What is the lithosphere?
rigid, rocky outer layer of the Earth
What is pollution?
the presence or introduction into the environment of a substance which has harmful or poisonous effects
Define biodiversity
refers to the variety of living organisms on the planet
What is erosion
geological process were materials are worn away and transported by natural processes.
What natural factors can impact biodiversity
Climate change, fires, drought, flooding, and diseases
What is the interaction between the hydrosphere and atmosphere
The interaction between these two spheres produce rainfall
What biological resources can humans get from the environment
Medicine, material for shelter, food, fibre, fuel
What is GSE
Genetics, Species and Ecosystem
What is the water cycle?
* Evaporation: The sun heats up water in rivers, lakes, and oceans, turning it into vapor that rises into the air.
Condensation: As the water vapor cools in the atmosphere, it forms clouds through a process called condensation.
Precipitation: When clouds get heavy, water falls back to Earth as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
Collection: The water returns to oceans, rivers, and lakes or soaks into the ground, where it becomes groundwater. From there, the cycle begins again.
What role do predators play in maintaining biodiversity
Controlling Populations: They keep prey numbers in check, stopping any one species from taking over and using up resources.
Keeping Populations Healthy: Predators often target weaker or sick animals, keeping prey populations stronger and reducing disease spread.
Supporting Variety: By controlling prey, they allow more species to share the environment and thrive. For example, if herbivores were unchecked, they might eat all the plants, leaving nothing for other species.
Balancing the Food Web: Without predators, ecosystems can become unbalanced, affecting plants, animals, and even soil and water quality.
How are all the spheres connected?
All the spheres interact with other spheres. For example, rain (hydrosphere) falls from clouds in the atmosphere to the lithosphere and forms streams and rivers that provide drinking water for wildlife and humans as well as water for plant growth (biosphere).
What are consequences of urbanisation and urban growth?
consequences of these human processes: replacement of natural environments with roads, buildings and manicured parklands
What is the definition of consequence?
a result or effect, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant
What are some processes that occur in the biosphere?
Photosynthesis, Food chains/webs, Species evolution, migration and extinction, Carbon cycle