Wednesday 26 March 2014

Why are cold environments considered to be fragile?

Why is NPP low in cold environments?
  • Limited insolation from sun due to curviture of the Earth, leading to low amounts of photosynthesis
  • Very short days in winter due to tilt of the Earth
  • High winds=High transpiration rate+plant damage due to abrasion
  • Unavailable water 
  • No/thin soil due to lack of weathering+low NPP meaning limited minerals and nutrients
How does this make these environments fragile?
  • Limited insolation=plants are limited in photosynthesis=lack of energy available=if destroyed can't be replaced (due to low NPP and recovery rates)=leading to a high proportional impact

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