BORNEO MALAYSIA Flashcards
what are the 4 major threats to the rainforest
logging
mineral extraction
commercial farming
subsistence farming
what is subsistence farming
short term clearance of rainforest yet ‘slash and burn’ fires can grow out of control destroying large areas
what is mineral extraction
tin mining is established and drilling for oil and gas has recently started
what does deforestation lead to
soil erosion
loss of biodiversity
climate change
what are the economic gains of economic development in malaysia
job creation
tax revenue to supply public services
HEP is cheap and plentiful
minerals are valuable
what are the economic losses of economic development
water pollution
tourism could decrease
rising temp could devastate established farming
what are the effects of stripping of vegetation
reduces biodiversity losses undiscovered plant and medical potential
exposes ground leads to soil erosion by wind and rain
impacts local and global climate by reducing the cooling effect of evaporation
what are large scale global ecosystems know as
biomes
where are deciduous and coniferous forests located state characteristics
50-60° north
deciduous shed leaves in winter
coniferous evergreen better in colder climate
what is located 30-40° north and south of te equator has dry summers and cold winters support grasses for grazing animals
temperate grassland
the mediterranean is located south of the equator what is climate like
hot, sunny, dry summers and mild winters support olive groves and citrus fruit
what percent does the desert cover of earth
5%
what is climate like in deserts
high daytime temperatures, low night-time temperatures and very low rainfall restrict plants and animals to high specialised species
what percent does the tropical rainforest cover of earth
6%
where is rainforests located state climate
close to equator
high temps and heavy rainfall
creates ideal conditions for vegetation
how low are polar temperatures
below -50°
where is polar located what is climate like
north and south poles
dry conditions
prohibit most plant and animal life
the tropical grassland (savanna) is located between 15-30° north and south of the equator but what is climate like
distinct wet and dry seasons support large herds of grazing animals and their predators
why do rainforests need to be managed sustainably
to preserve the for the future and to make use of their recourses without damaging the environment
state 4 sustainable commercial management for the rainforests
selective logging and replanting
conservation and education
ecotourism
international agreements
what’s are the benefits of ecotourism
introduces people to the natural world and provides long term income to local people and governments
what does conservation and education do
encourages preservation of rainforest in national parks and nature reserves for scientific research and tourism
what have governments done to sustain commercial management
include the ‘debt for nature swapping’ agreements where HICs pay LICs to not deforestation nature
