assessment 1 yr 12 Flashcards
Front: What role does the Amazon Biome play in global climate regulation?
Back: The Amazon regulates global temperature and humidity, storing massive amounts of carbon. Deforestation disrupts these services, accelerating climate change.
Front: What are the major ecological services provided by the Amazon Biome that impact local and global ecosystems?
Back: The Amazon stores carbon, supports biodiversity, and regulates rainfall and temperature. Its deforestation has global impacts on climate and ecosystems.
Front: How has the rising human population and deforestation impacted the Amazon Biome?
Back: Deforestation, driven by human activity, has led to habitat loss, endangered species, and contributed to climate change. Over 17% of its forest cover has been lost.
Front: How do the geographical and environmental features of the Amazon River Basin contribute to its biodiversity?
Back: The basin includes rainforests, floodplains, and rivers, creating diverse habitats. This variety supports high species richness, including over 1,200 newly discovered species.
Front: Discuss the implications of the Amazon River’s historical change in direction.
Back: The Amazon River’s flow reversal created new ecosystems, which shaped biodiversity. The river now flows eastward to the Atlantic, sustaining vast biodiversity.
Front: What are the potential global consequences if Amazon deforestation continues?
Back: Continued deforestation would release carbon, accelerating climate change, and disrupt regional weather patterns. It would also lead to species extinction.
Front: Explain the concept of ‘evapotranspiration’ in the context of the Amazon and its importance for climate regulation.
Back: Evapotranspiration in the Amazon is vital for maintaining moisture and rainfall. Disruption of this process would lead to drier conditions and affect regional climate.
Front: How does the seasonal variation in rainfall within the Amazon River Basin affect its ecosystem?
Back: Rainfall varies across the basin, with areas receiving between 1,500–3,000 mm annually. This affects vegetation growth and water availability.
Front: What types of vegetation are found within the Amazon Biome, and what roles do they play in the ecosystem?
Back: The Amazon contains rainforests, floodplain forests, and savannas. Each type supports different species and plays roles in water regulation and carbon storage.
Front: Why is the Amazon described as a “superlative” region in terms of natural resources and biodiversity?
Back: The Amazon is the world’s largest tropical rainforest, home to 10% of global species and critical for climate regulation, water cycles, and carbon storage.
