The Eucalyptus Tree in Australia

Complete the notes. Write ONE WORD ONLY in each gap.

 

The Eucalyptus Tree in Australia

Importance

● it provides 31. and food for a wide range of species

● its leaves provide 32. which is used to make a disinfectant

Reasons for present decline in number

A) Diseases

(i) ‘Mundulla Yellows’

● Cause: – lime used for making 33. was absorbed
    – trees were unable to take in necessary iron through their roots

(ii) ‘Bell-miner Associated Die-back’
● Cause  – 34. feed on eucalyptus leaves
    – they secrete a substance containing sugar
    – bell-miner birds are attracted by this and keep away other species

B) Bushfires

William Jackson’s theory:

● high-frequency bushfires have impact on vegetation, resulting in the growth of 35.

● mid-frequency bushfires result in the growth of eucalyptus forests, because they:

        – make more 36. available to the trees

        – maintain the quality of the 37.

● low-frequency bushfires result in the growth of 38. ‘’ rainforest, which is:

        – a 39. ecosystem

        – an ideal environment for the 40. of the bell-miner