Amazon Rainforest Flashcards
(16 cards)
1
Q
Why are TRF the most biodiverse ecosystem?
A
- fast rates of decomposition = rapid nutrient cycle
- hot and wet all year round (low pressure)
2
Q
What are the four layers of a TRF?
A
- emergents
- canopy
- understory
- forest floor
3
Q
What are the soils like in TRF?
A
- thin and poor because of heavy rain
- orange in colour (rich in iron and aluminium oxide)
4
Q
What are some adaptations of a sloth?
A
- eat leaves that are hard to digest = less competition (stomachs break down the toxins fast)
- slow moving = algae grows on their fur (camouflage)
- long arms and curved feet
5
Q
What are some adaptations of Aye Ayes?
A
- long middle finger = scoop bugs
- large ears = listen for movement of grubs
- dark fur (camouflage
- large eyes (improve night vision)
6
Q
What are the adaptations of buttress roots?
A
- shallow and wide
- stability for emergent trees (50m)
- wide shallow roots
7
Q
What are the adaptations of lianas?
A
- large crowns (maximise photosynthesis)
- rely on other plants to reach light-rich environments
8
Q
How are leaves adapted in TRFs?
A
- waxy
- drip tips
- large
9
Q
How are tree trunks adapted in TRFs?
A
- smooth and straight
- surface runoff
- prevent parasitic vines growing on them
10
Q
What are some causes of deforestation in TRFs?
A
- HEP energy
- commercial and subsistence farming
- logging mahogany
- mineral extraction (gold)
- Trans Amazonian Highway
- Settlement (urban population growth)
11
Q
What are some impacts of deforestation in TRFs?
A
- soil erosion
- loss of biodiversity (10% of worlds known)
- Climate change
- employment increases
- increased investments
12
Q
What are some sustainable ways of using TRFs?
A
- selective logging
- Conservation and education
- International agreements
- Ecotourism
13
Q
Selective logging in TRFs
A
- older inferior trees felled
- forest structure kept = regeneration
14
Q
Conservation and education in TRFs
A
- WWF
- supported by large international businesses
- increased scientific funding
- damaging activities are restricted
15
Q
International agreements in TRFs
A
- reduce illegal logging
- promote sustainably managed forests
- tariffs on hard wood (mahogany)
16
Q
Ecotourism in TRFs
A
- benefit local communities
- protect the environment for the future
- generates income
- small scale
