Ecosystems

Question 1

What is the case study for tropical rain-forests?

Answer 1

Malaysia

Question 2

How does deforestation impact the soil in the rain-forests?

Answer 2

• Removal of trees leaves the soil exposed. This means that the sun, wind and rain are exposed to the soil.
• With no roots to bind the soil it is washed away.
• This leads to nutrients being washed away making the soil infertile (leaching)

Question 3

How large is the Main Range in Malaysia?

Answer 3

500km

Question 4

How many species does the Main Range in Malaysia have?

Answer 4

over 600 species

Question 5

What % of plant species live in the highland areas of Malaysia?

Answer 5

25%

Question 6

How does deforestation contribute to climate change?

Answer 6

• Trees give off moisture by transpiration - deforestation reduces the moisture leading to a drier climate
• the climate rises as a result of deforestation

Question 7

What are the economic benefits of deforestation?

Answer 7

• land for mining can create jobs
• Hydro-electric power will provide cheap and plentiful energy
• minerals such as gold can be extracted which are very valuable

Question 8

What are the economic and social problems?

Answer 8

• Pollution of water supplies leading to diseases
• Number of tourists will decrease
• Plants that could bring huge medical, benefits could become extinct, which will reduce profits