4.4.3 Deforestation

Question 1

What is Deforestation

Answer 1

Deforestation is the clearing of trees (usually on a large scale)

Question 2

If trees are replaced by replanting it can be a, what?

Answer 2

sustainable practise

Question 3

Why are trees generally being cleared?

Answer 3

for the land to be used in a different way (for building, grazing for cattle, planting of monocultures such as palm oil plantations etc) and therefore it is not sustainable

Question 4

As the amount of the Earth’s surface covered by trees decreases, what does it cause?

Answer 4

it causes increasingly negative effects on the environment and is a particularly severe example of habitat destruction

Question 5

What are some Undesirable effects of deforestation

Answer 5

1. Extinction of species

#2. Soil erosion
- Which leads to leaching

Question 6

What is the consequences of Extinction / Loss of biodiversity

Answer 6

1. Forest Habitats, especially tropical rainforests, have a huge range of biodiversity and as habitat is destroyed it causes the loss of large numbers of plant and animal species.

Question 7

What is the consequences of Soil Erosion

Answer 7

1. Tree roots help to stabilise the soil, preventing it from being eroded by rain.

Question 8

What is the consequences of Flooding

Answer 8

1 Without trees the topsoil will be loose and unstable so will be easily washed away by rain, increasing the risk of flash flooding and landslides.

Question 9

What is the consequences of Increased Carbon Dioxide in atmosphere

Answer 9

1. Trees carry out photosynthesis during which they take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen

Question 10

What are the consequences of Disturbance of the water cycle

Answer 10

1. When a large number of trees are grouped together the water released by their transpiration leads to the formation of clouds and results in rainfall nearby. If these are cut down then the local area may become drier due to the less rainfall.