7.2 Flashcards
What are some ecosystem services
The ecosystem provides us with resources
Regulating the planet e.g. carbon sink
Supporting services e.g. the hydrological service
Cultural benefits e.g. people having access to wildlife
How do indigenous people use the environment
They rely entirely on the rainforest as they use the wood for fires and to build houses and they use the land to farm. However the damage caused if very insignificant and the forest can easily recover
How does the rainforest regulate the atmosphere
The rainforest regulates the atmosphere because the trees absorb CO2 from the atmosphere to use in photosynthasis and gives of O2 as a product. This is important because CO2 causes global warming.
How does the forest regulate the hydrological cycle
By taking in water and storing it trees in the rainforest regulate the hydrological cycle. This is important because it reduces flooding as water is intercepted so less makes it into the river and can reduce flooding around the world because trees slowly transpire and release water into the atmosphere.
How does the rainforest maintain soil health
Plants store nutrients and minerals and get eaten by animals, these eventualy die and the nutrients are broken down and released into the soil. Plants then absorb these and drop leaves, before dying and the cycle begins again.
How does rising affluence increase demand for resources
As people become richer, their disposable incomes increase meaning they can afford to consume more goods and products. This puts pressure on the rainforest as the increased demand means more resources are needed to manufacture the goods.
