Amazon Rainforest

Question 1

Emergent

Answer 1

The tallest layer of the rainforest. Can reach over 40m high.

Question 2

Upper canopy

Answer 2

The second tallest layer of the rainforest. Can ready 30-40m high. This is the densest layer of the rainforest and contains the most species. 75% of rainfall is intercepted in this canopy layer.

Question 3

Under canopy

Answer 3

The second layer of the rainforest, reaches around 20m high

Question 4

Shrub layer/ forest floor

Answer 4

The smallest layer of the rainforest, around 10m high.

Question 5

Cattle ranching

Answer 5

The practise of raising a herd of cattle on an area of land. Deforestation often occurs to provide the field space. Cattle ranching is responsible for 80% of deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest.

Question 6

Logging

Answer 6

Cutting down trees for sale as timber or pulp. The timber is used to build
homes, furniture, etc. and the pulp is used to make paper and paper
products. Logging can be either selective or clear cuttin

Question 7

Clear cutting

Answer 7

Loggers are interested in all types of wood and therefore cut all the trees down, thus clearing the forest. This is not sustainable.

Question 8

Selective logging

Answer 8

The practise of cutting down selected trees whilst leaving the rest unharmed. Often, more expensive hardwoods such as mahogany are felled, leaving fast growing softwoods to continue growing. This is a more sustainable method of deforestation.

Question 9

Vegetation breezing

Answer 9

When land is cleared the air warms faster, rises and creates an area of low pressure. Rainclouds form above the cleared area and rainfall occurs at expense of the forested area. This rainfall can lead to desertification of the cleared area, preventing any future regrowth.

Question 10

National parks and forest reserves

Answer 10

A park in use for conservation purposes, created and protected by national governments/An area of forest set aside and preserved by the government. This area is protected from deforestation.

Question 11

Reforestation

Answer 11

The processes of replanting an area with trees. Also called afforestation.

Question 12

Enrichment of degraded forest

Answer 12

The introduction of valuable species to degraded forest without elimination of valuable species which already exist at that particular site. It is commonly used for increasing the density of desired species in the forest.

Question 13

National and international agreements

Answer 13

Agreements made between countries to reduce the amount of deforestation taking place. This can involve higher income countries offering debt relief if the lower income countries reduce their rates of deforestation.