Tropical Rainforest Malaysia P1 Flashcards
What is the issue with Malaysia?
67% of Malaysia is covered in tropical rainforests and the rainforests are suffering from deforestation.
What is the climate like in tropical rainforests?
They have a hot and wet climate (around 2000mm on rainfall annually and 27°C consistently throughout the year). There are no seasons.
What is soil quality like in tropical rainforests?
The soil is infertile and thin, decomposition happens rapidly in the humid conditions. Heavy rainfall quickly dissolves and carries away nutrients leaving behind latasol (red infertile soil).
Why should we protect tropical rain forests?
Biodiversity -> tourism, preventing climate change, 28% of the world’s oxygen comes from tropical rainforests, valuable resources, 25% of medicines come from TRF plants.
What is a social reason we should protect the tropical rainforests?
There is a tribe of 11,000 people in the Amazon and companies want their land drilled for oil - if they do people lose their homes..
How is the tropical rainforest under threat?
Logging - habitats destroyed, soils eroded, Mineral extraction - oil drilling, Commercial farming - Malaysia is the world’s largest palm oil import - land cleared for palm oil plantations.
How can we sustainably manage tropical rainforests?
Selective logging and replanting, ecotourism, international agreements and debt reduction
What are the impacts of deforestation?
Soil erosion - no trees to absorb water - waterlogged soils and minerals washed away, loss of biodiversity, contribute to climate change, medicinal plants lost, economic development (jobs)
