Study resource
Section B: The living world key terms
Study Section B: The living world with curriculum-aligned Key Terms resources, practice links, and exam-focused support.
At a glance
key terms
Resource type
Topic
Section B: The living world
Key terms
tropical rainforest
A dense, warm, and wet forest found near the equator, characterized by high biodiversity and complex ecosystems.
biodiversity
The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, including the number of species and genetic diversity.
sustainable management
Practices aimed at maintaining the health of ecosystems while allowing for resource use.
selective logging
A forestry practice where only certain trees are harvested to minimize environmental impact.
Hot Desert
A hot desert is a dry, arid region characterized by high temperatures, low precipitation, and sparse vegetation.
Physical Characteristics
Physical characteristics refer to the natural features of an environment, including climate, soil type, and vegetation.
interdependence
The mutual reliance between different components of an ecosystem, such as climate, water, soils, plants, animals, and people.
hot desert
A type of ecosystem characterized by high temperatures, low precipitation, and specific adaptations of flora and fauna to survive in arid conditions.
Adaptation
A characteristic that enhances the survival and reproduction of organisms in their environment.
Hot desert
A biome characterized by extremely low rainfall, high temperatures, and specialized flora and fauna adapted to arid conditions.
biodiversity
In Hot deserts (optional route), biodiversity means the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem. This matters in Section B: The living world because it supports the learning objective to explain issues related to biodiversity in hot deserts. Use biodiversity only in this subtopic-relevant sense so the definition stays concise, evidence-aware, and useful for AQA GCSE Geography 8035 revision.
hot desert
A biome characterized by high temperatures, low precipitation, and specific adaptations of plants and animals.
Development Opportunities
Potential benefits and advancements that can be achieved in a hot desert through activities such as mineral extraction, energy production, farming, and tourism.
Hot Desert Case Study
An in-depth examination of a specific hot desert region used to illustrate the various development opportunities available in such environments.
hot desert
In Hot deserts (optional route), hot desert means a region characterized by high temperatures, low precipitation, and arid conditions. This matters in Section B: The living world because it supports the learning objective to use a hot desert case study to explain development challenges including extreme temperatures, water supply and inaccessibility. Use hot desert only in this subtopic-relevant sense so the definition stays concise, evidence-aware, and useful for AQA GCSE Geography 8035 revision.
development challenge
Obstacles faced in improving infrastructure and living conditions in a specific area, often due to environmental factors.
Desertification
The process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture.
Climate Change
Long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place, which can contribute to desertification.
desertification
The process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture.
appropriate technology
Technological solutions that are designed to be sustainable and suitable for the local environment and community needs.
cold environment
An area characterized by low temperatures, often featuring permafrost, ice, and specific plant and animal adaptations.
permafrost
A permanently frozen layer of soil found in cold environments, which affects vegetation and animal life.
permafrost
A permanently frozen layer of soil found in cold environments that affects the ecosystem and human activities.
interdependence
The mutual reliance between climate, permafrost, soils, plants, animals, and people in a cold environment.
Adaptation
The process by which plants and animals adjust to their environment to enhance survival and reproduction.
Cold environment
A region characterized by low temperatures, often featuring permafrost, limited vegetation, and specific animal adaptations.
biodiversity
The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, including the number of different species.
cold environment
A region characterized by low temperatures, often featuring permafrost, unique flora and fauna adapted to harsh conditions.
cold environment
A region characterized by low temperatures, often with permafrost and unique ecosystems.
development opportunities
Potential benefits or advantages for economic growth in a specific area, such as mineral extraction, energy production, fishing, and tourism.
Related topics