Cerrado Ecosystem Overview

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Questions and Answers

What percentage of the natural vegetation remains in the Cerrado?

90% or more

50%

70%

30% or less (correct)

Which of the following human activities is the dominant cause of landscape change in the Cerrado?

Urban wildlife conservation

Reforestation efforts

Agricultural expansion (correct)

Industrial development

How does the soil in the Cerrado contribute to its ecosystem?

It stores large amounts of carbon and holds water. (correct)

It is exclusively sandy and unproductive.

It contains minimal organic matter.

It has low water retention capabilities.

What is the main ecological significance of the Cerrado's root systems?

They store twice as much biomass underground as above the surface. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the Cerrado in terms of biodiversity?

It is classified as a biodiversity hotspot. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes secondary succession compared to primary succession?

It occurs much faster than primary succession. Signup and view all the answers

What impact do wild boars have on ecosystems in South America?

They compete with native species and disrupt habitats. Signup and view all the answers

How do invasive African grasses affect local ecosystems in Brazil?

They inhibit successional processes and diminish biodiversity. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of fire in the cerrado ecosystem?

It is a natural process that aids in ecological succession. Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributes to positive feedback in biodiversity according to the content?

Higher biodiversity leading to greater evolutionary chances. Signup and view all the answers

What are seral stages in the context of ecological succession?

The distinct phases of community development. Signup and view all the answers

What is one negative consequence of cattle grazing mentioned in the content?

Enhanced growth and spread of invasive grasses. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of clearing the cerrado on local climate conditions?

It increases fire frequency and intensity. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'feedbacks' refer to in ecological contexts?

Responses that either trigger or mitigate ecosystem changes. Signup and view all the answers

How do burrowing animals contribute to their survival during fires?

They dig underground to escape the fires. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cerrado Ecosystem Overview

The Cerrado is a vast biome, primarily located in Brazil (99%).
It's a biodiversity hotspot with an estimated 12,000 plant species; at least 1,500 are endemic.
This critical ecosystem supports 3 major river basins in Brazil.
Over one-fourth of Brazil's territory (approximately 20%) is comprised of the Cerrado.
The Cerrado boasts a mix of grassland, savanna, and wooded areas supporting a wide array of wetlands and numerous endemic species not found elsewhere in the world.
Its natural vegetation cover is estimated at 30% or less.

Cerrado Soil and Vegetation

Cerrado's soil is exceptionally deep and contains a large amount of water, vital during the wet season.
The soil acts as a carbon reservoir.
Root systems are extensive, and the above-ground vegetation represents only a fraction of the total biomass.

Human Impact on the Cerrado

Primarily driven by agriculture and urbanization.
Large-scale land conversion to pastureland and other uses has lead to significant losses in Cerrado habitats.
Distinguishing between pasture and grassland can be challenging.

Ecological Succession in the Cerrado

Succession describes the process of ecological change after a disturbance.
Secondary succession proceeds more rapidly because soil already exists.
Cerrado's ecosystem has a natural dominance of fire, with cycles occurring primarily during the wet season.
Adaptation to fire includes thick bark, extensive root systems, and behaviors like burrowing or migration to avoid flames.
Post-fire succession demonstrates shifts in species composition.
Succession is driven by increasing diversity after fires

Invasive Species in the Cerrado

Invasive alien species (e.g., wild boars) exhibit rapid population growth, outcompeting native species and disrupting ecosystems.
Introduced wild boar populations, initially for hunting, have expanded throughout South America.
Introduced African grasses, favored for livestock grazing, have out-competed native grasses, worsening the effects of fires.

Feedbacks in the Cerrado Ecosystem

Feedbacks describe the actions that either further or mitigate an initial change, creating positive or negative reactions.
Positive feedbacks intensify changes, while negative ones moderate them.
Cattle grazing both promotes invasive grasses and diminishes fire intensity.
Clearing the Cerrado is linked to increased wind speeds, precipitation, fire frequency, and fire intensity.
Human-induced changes must be differentiated from natural occurring changes in the dynamic ecosystem.

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Description

This quiz explores the unique characteristics of the Cerrado ecosystem, a biodiversity hotspot in Brazil. Learn about its diverse vegetation, significant soil properties, and the impacts of human activities such as agriculture on this vital biome.