Case Study - TRF Malaysia

Question 1

Background

Answer 1

LIC in SE Asia
70% TRF, with 20% not being interfered with
Fastest rate of deforestation in the world

Question 2

Orangutans adaptations

Answer 2

Large arms to swing & support in the tree canopy

Question 3

Drip Tips adaptation

Answer 3

Allows heavy rain to run off leaves easily

Question 4

Lianas / Vines adaptations

Answer 4

Climb trees to reach sunlight at canopy

Question 5

Buttress roots adaptations

Answer 5

Provide support for tallest trees to reach sunlight

Question 6

Why is there high biodiversity?

Answer 6

• warm and wet climate encourages vegetation growth
• rapid recycling of nutrients
• most of rainforest is untouched

Question 7

Main issues with biodiversity decline

Answer 7

• humans are threatening keystone species (species that are important for other species)
• could cause tribes to struggle to survive
• extinction of some flora & fauna
• extinction of key medical plants

Question 8

Causes of deforestation

Answer 8

• logging
• mineral extraction
• road construction
• agriculture
• tourism
• energy development

Question 9

Deforestation - logging

Answer 9

• most widely reported cause of biodiversity loss
• timber used in commercial items e.g. paper, furniture
• confrontation between companies and indigenous tribes

Question 10

Deforestation - mineral extraction

Answer 10

• precious metals found in the rainforest
• mining can cause soil and water contamination
• indigenous people displaced from land

Question 11

Deforestation - road construction

Answer 11

• bring supplies/provide access to mining areas, settlements and energy projects
• extensive network of roads needed for logging companies

Question 12

Deforestation - agriculture

Answer 12

• large scale ‘slash and burn’ of land for ranches and palm oil
• carbon emission
• river saltation/soil erosion due to large areas of exposed land
• palm oil increase is making land infertile

Question 13

Deforestation - tourism

Answer 13

• hotels built in extremely vulnerable areas
• negative relationship between govt. and indigenous tribes
• exposed animals to human diseases

Question 14

Deforestation - energy development

Answer 14

• high rainfall creates ideal conditions for hydro-electric power
• Bakun Dam in Malaysia; both people and environment have suffered

Question 15

Main impacts of deforestation

Answer 15

• economic development
• soil erosion
• climate change

Question 16

Impacts of deforestation - economic development

Answer 16

• mining, farming and logging create employment opportunities and tax income for govt.
• products such as palm oil generate income
• loss of biodiversity will reduce tourism

Question 17

Impacts of deforestation - soil erosion

Answer 17

• soil is more vulnerable to rain once exposed by deforestation
• soil easily washes away with no roots to bind it together

Question 18

Impacts of deforestation - climate change

Answer 18

• climate becomes drier
• trees are carbon ‘sinks’ so emissions rise when they are cut down
• more CO2 released when burnt, enhancing the greenhouse effect

Question 19

Possible strategies to increase sustainability

Answer 19

• agro-forestry
• selective logging
• education
• afforestation
• forest reserves
• ecotourism

Question 20

Agro-forestry

Answer 20

Growing trees and crops at the same time prevents soil erosion and the crops benefit from all the nutrients

Question 21

Selective logging

Answer 21

Trees are only felled when they reach a particular height, to prevent unnecessary clearing of rainforest

Question 22

Sustainability - education

Answer 22

Ensuring people understand the consequences of deforestation

Question 23

Afforestation

Answer 23

Replanting trees when they are cut down

Question 24

Forest reserves

Answer 24

Areas protected from exploitation

Question 25

Ecotourism

Answer 25

Tourism that promotes both the economy and environments/conservation