1B- Tropical Rainforests Flashcards
(12 cards)
What is the climate like in tropical rainforests?
Its hot generally between 20-28 C, due to the equator being overhead all year round
What is the soil and plants like in tropical rainforests?
Soil- not very fertile as rain washes nutrients away. Thin humus layer as decay is fast in the warm, moist conditions
Plants- Tall trees and the vegetation cover is dense as very little light reaches the forest floor
What are the people and animals like in tropical rainforests?
People- hunting, fishing and growing vegetables
Animals- Most animal species are found here and high biodiversity
What is the process of the nutrient cycle?
Plants pass on the nutrients when eaten by animals. The dense vegetation provides lots of food so animal populations are high. When the animals die the nutrients are transferred back to the soil, making it richer and encouraging lots of vegetation.
What are the four layers of tropical rainforests?
Shrub layer
Under canopy
Main canopy
Emergent trees
How are drip-tip leaves and buttress roots adapted?
Drip-tip- They have thick waxy leaves that channel rainwater to the points, encouraging run-off, so the weight of the water doesn’t damage the plant.
Buttress- large and stable buttress roots support the tall tree trunks
What are four reasons why the Amazon is being cut down?
Commercial farming
Commercial logging
Mineral extraction
Road building
What are two environmental impact of deforestation in the Amazon?
Up to75% of Brazil’s CO2 emissions come from deforestation
More water reaches the soil. This reduces soil fertility and nutrients in the soil are washed away
What are two economic impacts of deforestation in the Amazon?
Farming in particular has brought wealth to many Amazonian countries
The mining industry creates jobs for lots of people
What are two ways Brazil is trying to reduce deforestation?
As parts of the Paris agreement Brazil pledged to reduce its carbon emissions by 37% by 2025
Protecting over 44% of the Amazon, using funding from the World Bank and WWF
What are two reasons why tropical rainforests are valuable to people and the environment?
If species become extinct, it’s harder to discover new medicines and develop new products
Protecting the rainforests may reduce the greenhouse effect by reducing CO2 emissions, and allowing the trees to continue absorbing CO2.
What are 5 ways tropical rainforests can be sustainably managed?
Selective logging
Replanting
Ecotourism
Education
International Hardwood Agreements
