rainforests + ecosystems

Question 1

figure 6, a world map showing some global ecosystems

using figure 6 which one of the following statements is true?

A) there is a greater area of hot desert in the southern hemisphere than the northern hemisphere
B) the largest single area of tropical rainforest is in south america
C) temperate deciduous forests are all found on the western side of continents
D) hot desert areas are all found between the two tropics

Answer 1

B) the largest single area of tropical rainforest is in south america

Question 2

outline one reason for the distribution of tropical rainforest

Answer 2

rainforests all have high humidity and rainfall so they are found near the equator where there is lots of convectional rain

Question 3

figure 7, a typical climate graph for one global ecosystem

which global ecosystem is most likely to have the temperature and precipitation pattern shown in figure 7?

A) temperate deciduous forest
B) tundra
C) hot desert
D) savanna

Answer 3

B - tundra

Question 4

figure 7, a typical climate graph for one global ecosystem

state the minimum temperature shown in figure 7

A) -26 degrees
B) -28 degrees
C) -30 degrees
D) -32 degrees

Answer 4

C) -30 degrees

Question 5

give one reason why polar regions have low temperatures throughout the year

Answer 5

The sun’s energy is scattered and reflected by the atmosphere

Question 6

figure 8, two photographs showing different parts of a tropical rainforest

using figure 8, and your own understanding explain how development in tropical rainforests creates economic advantages but at a cost to the environment (6)

Answer 6

development in tropical rainforests means the land can be used for commercial logging due to valuable hardwood trees being located there and this means large companies and countries can make money and jobs are created and this contributes majorly to Brazil’s economy. as well as this the forest can be cleared for cattle ranching so more money can be produced through this. however in figure 8 the environmental damage is shown through severe soil erosion as a result of deforestation and this can lead to landslides and flooding in the future. there is less tree canopy to intercept rainfall and fewer tree roots to absorb which reduces soil fertility as nutrients in soil and other sediment are washed away into rivers. in the long term valuable plants could become extinct

Question 7

explain how either international hardwood agreements or selective logging can encourage the sustainable management of tropical rainforests

Answer 7

only some trees are felled, which helps to protect the ecosystem