Malaysian Terrestrial Ecosystems

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Questions and Answers

What are the two main regions of Malaysia?

  • Semenanjung Malaysia and Malaysia Timur
  • Malay Peninsula and the Island of Borneo (correct)
  • West Malaysia and Borneo
  • Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a direct consequence of the monsoon seasons in Malaysia?

  • Distinct seasons
  • High temperatures (correct)
  • Heavy rainfall
  • High humidity

What is the approximate average annual rainfall on the peninsula of Malaysia?

  • 1,650 mm
  • 3,050 mm
  • 5,000 mm
  • 2,540 mm (correct)

Which of the following locations in Malaysia receives the highest amount of annual rainfall?

<p>Maxwell’s Hill (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a distinctive feature of the Malaysian rainforest ecosystem?

<p>The presence of a large variety of trees (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a TRUE statement about the Malaysian ecosystem classification?

<p>The classification is based on the presence of a water body (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary basis for dividing the aquatic ecosystem in Malaysia?

<p>The salinity of the water (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided text, which of the following is NOT a type of aquatic ecosystem found in Malaysia?

<p>Peat swamp ecosystem (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tree species are commonly found in montane forest?

<p>Calophyllum (B), Lauraceae (C), Fagaceae (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a distinguishing feature of montane forest trees compared to upper hill dipterocarp trees?

<p>Montane forest trees have trunks covered in lichens and moss. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate height range of the canopy in the upper montane forest?

<p>1.5-18 meters (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common epiphyte found in montane forests?

<p>Palms (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At what elevation do upper montane forests generally occur?

<p>Above 1500m ASL (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary adaptation of mangrove trees that allows them to thrive in saline environments?

<p>Salt-excreting leaves (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following genera is NOT commonly associated with mangrove forests?

<p>Pinus (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the water conditions of peat swamp forests?

<p>Low nutrient levels (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do mangrove trees reproduce uniquely compared to many other tree species?

<p>Through viviparous breeding (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of high-water levels in peat swamp forests?

<p>They stop the soil from drying out, protecting the peat. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which environmental condition is primarily a challenge for species in peat swamp forests?

<p>Acidic water regimes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What unique feature do mangrove roots have to adapt to their muddy environment?

<p>Stilt and buttress prop roots (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes peat swamp forests best?

<p>Waterlogged with dead plant material (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primarily composes the peat layer in a peat swamp forest?

<p>Partially decomposing vegetation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many flora species have been recorded in the peat swamp ecosystem?

<p>221 species (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which tree species is common in the peat swamp forests of Peninsular Malaysia?

<p>Gonystylus bancanus (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is commonly associated with the Lowland Dipterocarp Forest of Malaysia?

<p>Emergent trees exceeding 45m in height (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many taxa of tree endemics to Peninsular Malaysia are found in the Southeast Pahang Peat Swamp Forest Complex?

<p>8 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the dominant structure of the Lowland Dipterocarp Forest?

<p>Four distinct layers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following areas in Sabah is known for its peat land?

<p>Klias Peninsular (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of total individuals in the canopy does any one species contribute in the Lowland Dipterocarp Forest?

<p>Under 1% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the Lowland Dipterocarp Forest in Malaysia?

<p>Presence of big, woody climbers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At what elevation does the Hill Dipterocarp Forest typically occur?

<p>Between 300m and 750m (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which species is absent in the Upper Hill Dipterocarp Forest?

<p>Shorea curtisii (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of forest is characterized as an intermediate zone between lowland rainforest and montane cloud forest?

<p>Hill Dipterocarp Forest (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the general nature of the canopy in the Lowland Dipterocarp Forest?

<p>Evergreen with some deciduous trees (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an indicator of a Malaysian tropical rainforest?

<p>High number of herbs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What describes the location of the Hill Dipterocarp Forest in Peninsular Malaysia?

<p>Distinctly located on main granitic mountain ranges (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characteristics is true about the upper (hill) dipterocarp type?

<p>Lacks the common hill dipterocarp species (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Peninsular Malaysia

The part of Malaysia located on the Malay Peninsula, also called West Malaysia.

East Malaysia

The part of Malaysia located on the island of Borneo, also known as Malaysia Timur.

Monsoon seasons

Patterned climatic year in Malaysia with northeast and southwest monsoons.

Tropical climate

High temperatures and humidity throughout the year in Malaysia.

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Mean annual rainfall

The average amount of rain fell in a year, about 2,540 mm on the peninsula.

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Terrestrial ecosystems

Ecosystems on land, distinguished by the presence of vegetation and animals.

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Aquatic ecosystems

Ecosystems in water, including freshwater and marine types.

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Rainforest types

Diverse forest ecosystems in Malaysia, each with unique characteristics.

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Peat Swamp Forest

A forest ecosystem characterized by saturated, acidic conditions and decay of plant matter, forming peat.

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Peat

A layer of partially decomposed vegetation that accumulates in waterlogged conditions such as peat swamp forests.

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Flora Species in Peat Swamp

At least 221 recorded flora species including Ramin and Durio catrinatus found in peat swamp ecosystems.

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Lowland Dipterocarp Forest

A lush, dense, evergreen forest in Malaysia featuring diverse tree species commonly 45m or taller.

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Layers of Lowland Dipterocarp Forest

Consists of four layers: emergent trees, main canopy, understorey, and forest floor.

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Gregarious Dominance

A phenomenon where certain tree species dominate in numbers but are usually below 1% of the total diversity.

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Endemic Tree Taxa

Tree species that are unique to a specific geographical area, with 17 found in Peninsular Malaysia's peat swamp forests.

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Mangrove Forest

A wetland rainforest found in coastal regions, known for saline tolerance.

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Tidal Inundation

The flooding of land by sea water due to tides, influencing mangrove species.

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Main Genera of Mangroves

Key types of mangrove trees, including Avicennia and Rhizophora.

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Viviparous Breeding

A reproduction method where mangrove seeds germinate while still on the parent tree.

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Waterlogged Environment

Condition of excess water that prevents decomposition and creates peat.

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Acidic Water Regimes

Water conditions in peat swamps leading to low dissolved oxygen and high acidity.

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Pneumatophore Roots

Aerial roots of mangroves that allow them to breathe in waterlogged conditions.

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Upper Dipterocarp Forest

A forest type starting at altitudes above 800m ASL, characterized by tall dipterocarp trees.

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Montane Forest

A forest dominated by Fagaceae and Lauraceae trees, typically above 1200m ASL, with a lower canopy than dipterocarp forests.

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Canopy Height in Montane Forests

Montane forests have a tree canopy height of 10-20 meters, lower than lowland forests.

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Epiphytes in Montane Forest

Plants like orchids and ferns that grow on trees, abundant in montane forests due to high moisture.

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Upper Montane Forest

Forest occurring above 1500 meters elevation with a flat-topped canopy of 1.5 to 18 meters high.

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Ground vegetation

Sparse layer of small trees and herbs on the forest floor.

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Hill Dipterocarp Forest

Rainforest on mountain slopes between 300-750m elevation.

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Epiphytes

Plants that grow on other plants for support but are not parasitic.

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Climbers

Plants that climb up trees for sunlight, often woody.

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Bryophytes

Simple non-vascular plants, like moss, that are rare in lowland forests.

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Upper Hill Dipterocarp Forest

An extension of Hill Dipterocarp Forest found at higher altitudes, lacking certain species.

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Titiwangsa mountains

Main granitic mountain range in Peninsular Malaysia where Hill Dipterocarp forests are developed.

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Study Notes

Malaysian Terrestrial Ecosystems

  • Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country composed of two regions: Peninsular Malaysia (West Malaysia) on the Malay Peninsula and East Malaysia on the island of Borneo.
  • Both regions are located within the tropics and experience similar climate patterns.
  • The climate is characterized by high temperatures, humidity, and heavy rainfall, with distinct monsoon seasons.
  • Rainfall is largely driven by seasonal monsoons, resulting in a pattern of northeast and southwest monsoons impacting rainfall distribution and duration.
  • Yearly temperature variation is generally small, fluctuating between 23°C and 32°C. Peninsular areas maintain an average temperature of about 27°C in most lowlands.

Types of Terrestrial Ecosystems

  • Malaysia's terrestrial ecosystems exhibit significant biodiversity with several distinct forest types:
  • Lowland Dipterocarp Forest: Abundant, tall, and dense, consisting mainly of dipterocarp trees. Dominant tree species in these forests have large size.
  • Hill and Upper Hill Dipterocarp Forests: Located at higher elevations (300-750 meters). These forests often differ from lowland ones, with lower canopy heights. Common tree types include Shorea, Dipterocarpus, and others, displaying a different species composition.
  • Montane Forest: Located at high elevations (above 1200 meters) characterized by lower canopies compared to other forest types. Trees in this forest are often species from Fagaceae and Lauraceae families. Lower canopy heights and dominance of specific tree types are characteristic features.
  • Peat Swamp Forest: A unique ecosystem characterized by water-logged conditions and low nutrient levels, with acidic and water-logged soil. Peat swamp forests are found in specific locations due to the unique environment conditions.
  • Mangrove Forest: Occurring in coastal areas, mangrove forests are adapted to saline environments, featuring specific tree species adapted to these conditions. These forests play a crucial role in supporting a variety of marine life.

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