Tropical Rainforests

Question 1

Biodiversity

Answer 1

The variety of life in the world or a particular habitat.

Question 2

Commercial farming

Answer 2

Farming to sell produce for a profit to retailers or food processing companies.

Question 3

Debt Reduction

Answer 3

Countries are relieved of some of their debt in return for protecting their rainforests.

Question 4

Deforestation

Answer 4

The chopping down and removal of trees to clear an area of forest.

Question 5

Ecotourism

Answer 5

Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the wellbeing of the local people, and may involve education. It is usually carried out in small groups and has minimal impact on the local ecosystems.

Question 6

Logging

Answer 6

The business of cutting down trees and transporting the logs to sawmills.

Question 7

Mineral Extraction

Answer 7

The removal of solid mineral resources from the earth. These resources include ores, which contain commercially valuable amounts of metals, such as iron and aluminium; precious stones, such as diamonds; building stones, such as granite; and solid fuels such as coal and oil shale.

Question 8

Selective Logging

Answer 8

The cutting down of trees which are mature or inferior, to encourage the growth of the remaining trees in a forest or wood.

Question 9

Soil Erosion

Answer 9

Removal of topsoil faster than it can be replaced, due to natural (water and wind action), animal and human activity. Topsoil is the top layer of soil and is the most fertile because it contains the most organic, nutrient-rich materials.

Question 10

Subsistence Farming

Answer 10

A type of agriculture producing food and materials for the benefit only of the farmer and his family.

Question 11

Sustainability

Answer 11

Actions and forms of progress that meet the needs of the present without reducing the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

Question 12

Climate where tropical forests are

Answer 12

Same all year round, no definite seasons, hot (20 - 28 degrees), close to Equator so sun overhead, high rainfall (2m per year), rains everyday in the afternoon.

Question 13

Soil where tropical forests are

Answer 13

Not fertile as rain washes nutrients away. Leaf fall decay but this is a thin layer, decays fast given the temperature.

Question 14

What type of plants in tropical forest?

Answer 14

Evergreen trees take advantage of year-round growing season. Tall trees, dense vegetation, little light on floor.

Question 15

What type of animals in tropical forest?

Answer 15

More than any other ecosystem. Lots of insects, brightl coloured making lots of noise.

Question 16

Who lives in tropical forest?

Answer 16

Lots of people who have adapted. Hunting, fishing, gather nuts / berries, grow vegetables.

Question 17

What makes rainforests interdependent ecosystems

Answer 17

Wet and warm climate, plant decomposed quickly, soil high in nutrients, plants grow quickly. Plants eaten by animals. Deforestation reduces CO2 and changes the climate.

Question 18

How have plants adapted to tropical rain forest?

Answer 18

Tall trees to reach for light, big roots to support trunks.

Thick waxy leaves with pointed tips. Drip tips, water runs off leaves.

Thin bark as no need to protect trunk.

Four distinct layers.

Question 19

How have animals adapted to tropical rain forest?

Answer 19

Spend time high in trees, strong limbs for climbing and leaping.

Flaps around arm to glide. Suction cups for climbing - frogs.

Short pointy wings for birds so can manoeuvre.

Camourflaged to hide from predators.

Nocturnal to save energy.

Swimmers to cross rivers, e.g. jaguars.

Question 20

Biodiversity in rain forests

Answer 20

50% of all plant, animal and insects. Perhaps 50% of all life on earth. Don’t need to adapt with the seasons.

Deforestation may lead to extinction. Endangered list up from 218 in 1989 to 628 in 2008.

Question 21

Reasons for Tropical Rainforest Deforestation

Answer 21

1) Population pressure, clear land for settlements.
2) Mineral extraction.
3) Energy development, building dams.
4) Commercial logging.
5) Commercial farming, space.
6) Subsistence farming.

Question 22

Environmental Impacts of Deforestation

Answer 22

1) No trees to hold the soil together leads to landslides and flooding.
2) Without a canopy, more water reaches floor, reduces fertility as nutrients washes away.
3) Trees no longer remove CO2 adding to greenhouse effect.

Question 23

Economic Impacts of Deforestation

Answer 23

1) Logging creates jobs.
2) Money from selling timber, mining and commercial farming.
3) Reduce tourism.
4) Livelihoods of locals destroyed.

Question 24

What is the rate of deforestation

Answer 24

Very high, 130,000 km2 per year.

Globally slowing down but there are hot spots.

Brazil and Indonesia account for the largest.

Question 25

Why is it important to protect rain forests?

Answer 25

1) Preserve biodiversity.
2) Many products (rubber, coffee, chocolate) sourced here.
3) Supports eco tourism.
4) Reduce greenhouse effect.
5) Climate effect for all countries.
6) They regulate the climate and water cycle.

Question 26

How can you sustainably manage through selective logging?

Answer 26

1) Only fell the older inferior trees.
2) Less damaging as overall structure maintained.
3) Horse or helicopter logging is less damaging than trucks.

Question 27

How does replanting help?

Answer 27

1) Trees available in the future.
2) Keep same variety of trees.
3) Some countries require logging companies replant trees.

Question 28

How does eco tourism help sustain forests?

Answer 28

1) Minimal damage to environment, no waste, litter or damage.
2) Provides source of income for local people, guides, provide accommodation.
3) Tourism is an alternative to logging, farming etc.
4) Costa Rica has 21% of the land protected.

Question 29

What are other ways to manage rainforests?

Answer 29

1 ) International Hardwood Agreements - High demand from rich countries, reduce illegal logging.

2) Reducing Debt - A lot of the tropical forests are in LICs, allow logging and farming to pay back debt, debt can be cancelled but no guarantee it will be used for conservation.
3) Education - encourage buyers to use sustainably managed sources, educate local people to avoid short term gains, educating on alternatives.
4) Conservation - Set up National Parks and nature reserves where logging is restricted. Money in exchange for conservation.