Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is not a characteristic of tropical ecosystems?
Which of the following is not a characteristic of tropical ecosystems?
What is the main source of energy for most ecosystems?
What is the main source of energy for most ecosystems?
Why do tropical climates provide a suitable environment for epiphytes to grow?
Why do tropical climates provide a suitable environment for epiphytes to grow?
In an ecosystem, what does the term 'abiotic' refer to?
In an ecosystem, what does the term 'abiotic' refer to?
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Which layer typically houses shrubs under tall trees in tropical ecosystems?
Which layer typically houses shrubs under tall trees in tropical ecosystems?
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Why are tropical plants considered rich in resources?
Why are tropical plants considered rich in resources?
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What defines an ecosystem's boundaries according to the text?
What defines an ecosystem's boundaries according to the text?
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Which factor is crucial for maintaining stability in an ecosystem?
Which factor is crucial for maintaining stability in an ecosystem?
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Study Notes
Tropical Environments
- Tropical forests, savannahs, grasslands, and woodlots are characterized by standing trees and diverse ecosystems.
- Deserts are also found in tropical regions.
Uses of Tropical Ecosystems
- Tropical ecosystems support several plant and animal species, leading to a high species diversity index.
- These ecosystems provide various benefits, including:
- Tropical crops
- Sequestration of carbon dioxide
- Medicinal use
- Soil conservation
- Timber
- Fuel
- Tourism
- Transpiration
- Clothes and food
- Biological diversity
- Odor absorbing plants
Sun's Rays in the Tropics
- The sun's rays in the tropics are at right angles, whereas in temperate zones, they are slanted.
- This is due to the location of the tropics near the equator (Latitude 25 degrees south and 24 degrees North).
Ecosystem Components
- An ecosystem consists of:
- Community (group of plant and animal populations living and interacting in a given locality)
- Population (group of plants or animals of the same species in a given locality at a given time)
- Organism (individual living thing)
Ecological Niche and Habitat
- Ecological niche refers to a species' total role and function in its environment, including the resources it requires.
- Habitat is the environmental conditions necessary for a species' survival.
Organism Interactions
- Competition among members of the same species (intraspecific competition) and between members of different species (interspecific competition) occurs in ecosystems.
- Examples of interspecific competition include:
- Plants with many roots absorbing almost all the nitrogen from the soil, killing nearby plants.
- Hyenas and vultures competing for carcasses.
Competitive Exclusion Principle
- No two species can occupy the same ecological niche in the same place at the same time.
- If one species is better adapted to live in the area, the less-fit species must:
- Evolve into a slightly different niche
- Migrate to a different geographic area
- Become extinct
Symbiosis
- Symbiosis is a close, long-lasting physical or biological relationship between two different species.
- At least one of the species derives some sort of benefits from the interaction.
- Examples of symbiosis include:
- Forest, grasslands, tundra, marine, freshwater, and deserts ecosystems.
Tropical Ecosystem Characteristics
- Tropical climates are found around the equator (Latitude 25 degrees south and 24 degrees North).
- Temperatures are 18 degrees Celsius or higher, with small temperature changes and long summers.
- High temperature and abundant rainfall allow plants to grow throughout the year.
- Tropical plants are rich in resources, including coffee, cocoa, and oil palm.
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Description
Test your knowledge on tropical ecosystems, their biodiversity, uses, and the impact of their diverse plant and animal species on disease prevalence. Explore topics such as tropical forests, savannah grasslands, desert ecosystems, and the various uses and benefits of tropical ecosystems.
