Deforestation - 1

Question 1

Define ‘deforestation’.

Define ‘fragmentation’.

Answer 1

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) defines ‘deforestation’ as: “…the long-term reduction of tree canopy to below 10-30%”.

Fragmentation” is where some pockets of forests are cleared, leaving fragments/pieces of intact forest. This is usually conducted when constructing roads.

Question 2

Define different types of logging.

Answer 2

Clearfelling - Large sections, or all vegetation , are cleared.

Selection - Selected trees are felled, understorey remains intact.

Group selection - A section of the forest is completely cleared.

Shelterwood - Only matured trees are felled.

Seed tree retention - Most trees are removed, though some are left to reduce environmental impacts and assist in forest regrowth.

Question 3

State the human processes which cause deforestation in Sumatra.

Answer 3

Agricultural expansion - Oil palm plantations

Logging for timber - Comercial purposes

Collection of fuelwood

Development of infrastructure

Question 4

State the natural processes which cause deforestation in general.

Answer 4

Wildfire

Climatic events, e.g cyclones, floods.

Biotic disturbances e.g pest invasions and disease outbreaks

Tectonic events e.g volcanic eruptions, tsunamis.

Climate change e.g increasing/decreasing temperatures may affect organisms significantly.