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Flashcards in peatland ecology Deck (12)
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1
Q

define diluvial with reference to movement of organic matter in peats

A

it remains in one place

2
Q

define ombrogenous with reference to the type of water that enters peatland

A

only rainwater is added to the ecosystem

3
Q

why is decomposition of organic matter slowed in peats

A

aerobic respiration and low pH

4
Q

what is the dominant flora in peatland

A

sphagnum moss

5
Q

how does moss reproduce?

A

female releases spores. eggs fertilised by male sperm which swims through water.

6
Q

what is phenolic and why does it help stop decay of dead moss?

A

a structure that helps for cells that hold water and produces acid

7
Q

which part of the moss does growth occur from?

A

the apex

8
Q

before the bog becomes too acidic for it to grow, what kind of vegetation can be found in them?

A

woody alder trees

9
Q

define oligotrophy in terms of nutrient need

A

organisms that to not require lots of nutrients

10
Q

define copiotrophy

A

when an organism needs a lot of nutrients

11
Q

define eutrophic

A

an environment with lots of nutrients available

12
Q

define bulk density

A

the dry mass of a sample of peat