FACT
Trees are not only
producers, but as a
result of their size
they also create a
habitatfor other
species. The leaf
cover of trees
providesshelterfor
animals, while the
bark and fissures in
the trees also
provide a habitat for
insects. The leaf
cover also creates a
shady environment
in which
shade-loving,
low-growing plants
can flourish.
FACT
When leaves or fruit
fall from the trees
and collect at the
feet of the trees,
another series of
organisms can
appear. By breaking
down organic
material,
decomposers such
as microorganisms
return the organic
nutrients to the soil.
Humus is formed in
this way. Humus is
dead organic
material. Other
creatures that live
off decayed organic
material, namely the
detritivores, also
promote this
process of
decomposition by
breaking up dead
plant matter into its
component
nutrients.
- Soil and geography: soil occurring on rocks is weakly developed. The area is also
characterised by sands, rocky and red clay, making erosion occur easily.
- Flora: it is characterised by grassy dwarf shrub land.
- Fauna: the flora provides good grazing for sheep and goats.
Figure 9.8: Nama Karoo found in the Northern Cape province.
- Forest Biome
- Location: the forest biome in South Africa occurs in patches, in areas such as Knysna of
the Western Cape as well as KwaZulu Natal, the Eastern Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
- Climate: some of these forests experience rain only in winter, while others get rainfall
throughout the year.
- Soil and geography: forests range in altitude from sea level to above 2000 metres, soil
is drained and virtually all soil types are present.
- Flora: forests are dominated by trees of which the Yellowwood is the largest. There
are many herbaceous and bulbous plants that also occur.
- Fauna: numerous insect species, small mammals such as bushpig, bushbuck and mon-
keys. the canopy is a perfect habitat for birds such as the Knysna Loeries, pigeons and
eagle.
Figure 9.9: Forest biome.
Chapter 9. Biospheres to ecosystems 263
