3.1.2.3 Specific habitats

Area with a distinct climate and characteristic community / distinctive flora and fauna

Interaction between organisms and their environment

defined as environments with moderate rainfall spread across the year or portion of the year with sporadic drought, mild to warm summers and cool to cold winters

characterized by monthly average temperatures of 18 ℃ or higher year-round and feature hot temperatures. ... There are normally only two seasons in tropical climates, a wet season and a dry season. The annual temperature range in tropical climates is normally very small. Sunlight is intense.

They are hot and wet all year round - this creates a humid climate. The annual rainfall is high as it rains almost every day. The temperatures are constant all year round - the temperature range is usually only a few degrees.

large land-mass, ice and snow, low precipitation, high altitude, abundant marine life and nutrients, large seasonal variation of ice cover, extreme seasonal changes, 24hr darkness in winter, few terrestrial organisms

control of natural cycles (water storage and albedo, carbon sequestration), biological resources of fish and krill, mineral resources but illegal to exploit, scientific research (stable climate with little cloud, little interference from pollution of EM waves)

global climate change, reduction in sea-ice reducing species numbers, ozone depletion affects planktonic organisms, tourism and scientific research, overfishing, potential future mineral exploration.

Treaty in 1959, conservation by regulation of fishing, control of tourism and pollution / waste management, no military activity or resource exploration.

Stable over a long time, high biodiversity adapted to biotic and abiotic features, high rates of photosynthesis, constant warm temps, species evolved to high levels of competition, no distinct seasons.

timber, fibres, oils, food, medicines, soil maintenance results in shallow soils

forest clearance destroys soil, clearance for subsistence or commercial agriculture, mineral extraction, reservoirs. Climate change temp changes directly affect some species. Tourism damages ecosystems.

protection of land, eg: Brazil, Cameroon, Belize, funded by charities and donations from companies.

no major temperature extreme, water all year, deep soil, tree canopy till autumn, lack of food in winter

high biodiversity and ecological stability, wood as a resource, recreation, important to water cycle and carbon sequestration