Temperate Deciduous Forest Essay

1. Temperate deciduous forests are among the biomes most extensively disturbed by human activities because of their location relative to humans. Temperate deciduous forests are scattered throughout temperate areas of globe and many of them are close to where humans live. They are the most convenient and valuable type of forests for humans. These forests contains animal species such as wolves, foxes, wildcats, white-tailed deer, squirrels, rabbits, opossums, and mice, and a variety of bird species. Many of these species act as vital food sources for humans. Also, temperate deciduous forests have a variety of trees species such as oak, hickory, maple, aspen, and birch. Humans cut down these trees and use them to build agricultural and urban development.

By cutting down all these trees so rapidly results in a struggle to replenish them. The animal species that are not killed or hunted by humans will eventually die out because some species consider trees their home.

2. Temperature and precipitation determine what parts of the earth’s land are covered with different environments. If the temperature is hot and the precipitation is low, the land is likely a desert. If the temperature is cold and the precipitation is low, the land is likely an arctic tundra. If the temperature is hot, but not too hot and the precipitation is an average amount, the land is likely a temperate grassland. If the temperature is hot, but not too hot, and the precipitation is high, the land is likely a tropical rain forest. If the temperature is seasonal and the precipitation is an average amount, it is like a temperate forest. Temperature and precipitation make each biome easier to identify.

3. Deserts and arctic tundra support a much smaller biomass of animals than tropical rain forests do because they have less precipitation. Less precipitation results in less vegetation for species to consume. Since the biomass of plants is small, the biomass of animals will be small as well. Tropical rain forests have a more accommodating temperature for the soil which allows more producers to grow. Those producers provide a food source for species higher up on the food chain so more animal species are attracted to that kind of environment. Most animals in tropical rain forests live in its trees because trees have a dense biomass that provides food for some animals and a habitat for other animals. The leaves, flowers, and fruits of trees help animals survive in their environment.

4.If the prevailing winds in figure 7-3 did not exist, global air circulation would be changed forever.

The distribution of heat and moisture in the atmosphere would uneven. As a result, earth would have no variety of forests, grasslands, and deserts. We would no longer have the rich forests listed in Figure 7-3 such as the evergreen coniferous forests, temperate deciduous forests, tropical deciduous forests, and tropical rain forests. Temperate deciduous grasslands along with hot and cold deserts would no longer exist as well.

5. (a) Temperate grasslands are best suited for growing crops. Three guidelines for growing crops more sustainably in this biome would be: grow crops in an region with nutritious soil while considering temperature, rainfall, and sunlight, research the best agricultural processes to ensure nutrient cycling remains intact, and use the pest management to prevent the increase of pests in the crops.

(b) Temperate grasslands are also best suited for grazing livestock. Three guidelines for grazing livestock more sustainably in this biome would be: graze animals that are native to the specific region while considering temperature, rainfall, and sunlight, graze different species to increase biodiversity, and set a limit on the population of grazed animals so overgrazing doesn’t

occur

6. I live in a temperate deciduous forest. My lifestyle could be contributing to the degradation of this biome in three ways. First, by ordering many online products, I am contributing to the increase of industry and transportation pollution. Second, I do not recycle and reuse products as much as I should which causes land pollution. Third, by paying taxes, I am funding the development of buildings and other land projects which can destroy the habitats of many species.
In order to reduce my contribution to the degradation of this biome, I would order less online products and recycle/reuse products more often.

7. I would give the following three arguments for the defense of the tropical rainforest biome.
First, tropical rainforests contain the largest amount of biodiversity in one area. Animals and plants coexist with each other extremely well in this environment. Second, tropical rain forests help to regulate weather patterns around the planet. Third, the many different species of trees provide a great abundance of oxygen into the atmosphere. I would give the following best three arguments for the defense of the temperate deciduous forest biome. First, temperate deciduous forests are a large storehouse for many nutrients because of their soil. Second, he many different species of trees provides not only oxygen, but many timber products. Third, temperate deciduous forests have a large amount of biodiversity, even though not as much as the tropical rain forests.

8. I would have the following three features as a part of my plan order to help sustain the earth’s terrestrial biodiversity and ecosystem services. First, I would set a limit to the amount of humans allowed in the tropical rain forests because they contain so many of our plant and animal species that should not be destroyed or degraded. Second, I would also set a limit to the amount of land allowed to be converted to agricultural or urban development so that the rate of habitat loss decreases. Third, I would start restoration programs to rebuilt habitats for animals and spread awareness to different communities