Topic 3: Battle for the Biosphere Unit 1 Revision Topic 3: Battle for the Biosphere

Main points you need to know Describe the global distribution of different biomes Explain reasons for this distribution including climate and local factors How people rely on the biosphere for goods and services How humans are degrading the Amazon rainforest How humans can manage the Amazon in a more sustainable way Explain what sustainable development means Show how species/habitats can be protected globally, nationally and locally.

Unscramble the letters to name the biomes NAROFTRIS CLAPTIRO TREESD THO OFTRES TREEPMATE FEER LOCAR

ANSWERS Tropical rainforest Hot desert Temperate forest Coral reef So, what is a BIOME?

BIOME = large scale ecosystem Eg – tropical rainforest such as the Amazon Eg Coral reef such as the Great Barrier Reef What biome covered 90% of the UK before humans destroyed most of it?

UK’s natural biome Temperate deciduous forest – eg Ashridge Woods – - Mixed woodland including oak, ash, sycamore, beech … other plant species like bracken, bluebells animals like deer and foxes Insects like woodlice and ants

The distribution of Biomes – where are the tropical rainforests?

Can you name some of the countries where tropical rainforest is found?

Why are tropical rainforest found close to the equator?

Why are tropical rainforests found along the equator? TEMPERATURE – What? Why? How does this affect the ecosystem? RAINFALL – What? Why? How does this affect the ecosystem? OTHER FACTORS?

Practice Question (6 mins): a) Describe the distribution of tropical forests. (2 marks) b) Explain reasons for this distribution of tropical rainforests. (4 marks)

Describe the distribution of tropical forests. (2 marks) Example answer Describe the distribution of tropical forests. (2 marks) 2 marks = 2 minutes = 2 points in your answer. ANSWER: Tropical rainforests are found close to, and along, the equator between the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn in places like Brazil and South East Asia. Where does this answer get the marks?

Example answer 4 marks = 4 minutes = 2 points, both explained ANSWER: b) Explain reasons for this distribution of tropical rainforests. (4 marks) 4 marks = 4 minutes = 2 points, both explained ANSWER: Tropical rainforests are found close to the equator because the climate is warm and wet. The warm climate (27 degrees) is because the sun’s energy is strong here as the sun passes directly overhead and is closer. This means the climate is warmer which is good for plants to grow. Also, this area has a high rainfall (2m/yr). This is because convectional rainfall falls everyday and it is a low pressure area. Plants therefore have plenty of water to photosynthesise and grow. Where does this answer get the marks?

Good and Services – put the following into the right category: Mahogany timber for furniture Oxygen released after photosynthesis Oranges, lemons, rubber sap Rosy periwinkle plant used in leukaemia treatment Trees intercepting rainfall and so preventing flooding Helping the soil stay fertile (leaf litter from trees broken down into hummus) GOODS = things of value to us SERVICES = things that satisfy our needs

How are humans threatening the Biosphere? Think of at least 5 ways

How are humans threatening the Biosphere? IDEAS: Increased population – more resources like fuel needed, more food, more living space. Wealthier population – can afford to buy and throw away more goods More travel – cars, planes… Deforestation (for mining, cattle ranching, building, farming) Pollution Etc!

INTERNATIONAL CONSERVATION

CITES Stops trade between 175 countries in endangered species and their products – eg ivory, crocodile skins

NATIONAL CONSERVATION How many of England’s National Parks can you name?

UK’s National Parks There are 15 National Parks Including mountains, meadows, moorlands, woods and wetlands. They are areas of protected countryside that everyone can visit, and where people live, work and shape the landscape.

LOCAL CONSERVATION What am I? 80 acres Near Heath and Reach Includes a lake, ancient coniferous woodland, meadows, heath.

LOCAL CONSERVATION Stockgrove Park and Oak Wood Managed by The GreenSand Trust Clear trees in some places to encourage heathland to develop Visitor centre educating people No cycling or horse riding in Stockgrove No campfires or bonfires

Practice Question Use examples to explain how the biosphere can be conserved in different ways. ( 4 marks)

Example answer Use examples to explain how the biosphere can be conserved in different ways. ( 4 marks) 4 marks = 4 mins = 4 points including explanation and evidence from examples The biosphere can be conserved by controlling what activities humans are allowed to do. For example, bonfires are not allowed in Stockgrove Park, Leighton Buzzard as they can spread to through the woodland. This helps to protect the ecosystem from fire. Another way is to protect certain species. For example CITES controls the trade in products like ivory. This means it is harder to sell ivory so fewer people will poach elephants.