8.4

Question 1

What are the different exploitation of resources that are threatening the Taiga forests?

Answer 1

Pulp and paper production, mining, HEP, exploitation of fossil fuels, logging for softwood.

Question 2

What are tar sands and how are they being exploited?

Answer 2

Earth containing thick black oil which can be processed into fossil fuels. Found in underneath Taiga forests. Exploitation involves open pit mining and strip mining - causing large scale deforestation

Question 3

How do forest fires link to the loss of biodiversity?

Answer 3

Wildfires are natural part of ecosystems - regenerate forest.
Climate change is leading to warmer drier climate so frequency is increasing and fire seasons are longer.
Can destroy huge numbers of trees and can change distribution of species.

Question 4

How do pests and disease link to the loss of biodiversity?

Answer 4

Can be specific to one species and as there is limited variety of species this can be damaging.
Warming through climate change makes it easier for pests and disease-causing pathogens to survive

Question 5

How does acid rain link to the loss of biodiversity?

Answer 5

Burning fossil fuels releases gases such as sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxides into air which can dissolve into water to from acids. When it rains the acid is deposited onto animals or plants - damaging them