Tropical Rainforests Flashcards
(21 cards)
What are the supports at the bottom of large trees called?
Buttress roots
Where are tropical rainforests found?
5-15 degrees north and south of the equator
What defines a tropical rainforest?
Tropical climate
Rainfall above 2500mmpa
Temperatures above 28 degrees
Give an example of a tropical rainforest
Amazon
Congo
South East Asia
Name the 4 zones of a tropical rainforest
Leaf Litter Zone/ Ground layer
Understory
Canopy
Emergents
Describe the leaf litter/ground layer
Full of fallen leaves
Uneven due to buttress roots
Logs, branches etc from fallen trees
Describe the under story
Juvenile trees
Tree ferns
Lianas (hanging vines)
Describe the canopy
Main layer of trees (teak and mahogany)
Drip tips
Describe the emergents
Tallest trees in the forest
Big leaves (maximise photosynthesis)
What is deforestation?
The cutting down and removal of trees and vegetation
3 Effects of deforestation on tropical rainforests
Habitats destroyed
Carbon dioxide levels increased
Contribution to climate change
What are the reasons for deforestation?
Slash and burn farming
Cattle ranching
Logging
Mining
Soya/palm oil plantation
Infrastructure and agriculture
What is slash and burn farming?
When local farmers cut down trees/plants to burn them to make space for growing crops
What is cattle ranching?
When trees are deforested for space to breed and keep cows
What is logging?
When trees are deforested to be sold in either wood or paper form
What are soya or palm oil plantations?
Where palm and soya plants are deforested and their oils are extracted due to high demand from thousands of products
What is the reason for infrastructure deforestation?
Road building, space for plantations or factories.
3 Positives of deforestation
Deforestation can support the economy of LICs
Provides natural resources which can be used for making products/ buildings
Natural resources can help develop LICs with infrastructure etc.
How can tropical rainforests be managed at an international level?
Introducing agreements that restrict the deforestation of trees/plants.
How can tropical rainforests be managed at a National level?
Establishing nature reserves or national parks to preserve/protect wildlife.
How can tropical rainforests be managed Locally?
Practicing selective logging e.g. only purchasing wood from legal organisations.
