Forests under threat Flashcards
What are the characteristics of a tropical rainforest?
Very high rainfall
High temperatures 26-27 degrees Celsius
Name all the layers in a tropical rainforest
Forest floor
Understory
canopy
Emergent layer
What adaptations do plants have
-Buttress roots have large roots above ground for stability and to trap dead organisms for nutrients
-Leaves have drip tips which allows rain to flow off the leaf and into the soil
What adaptations do animals have
-Many animals have been adapted to the threat of being eaten by developing poisons or carrying venoms
-Animals have special adaptations which enable them to live on trees
-Camoflouge
What does interdependence mean
The idea that all abiotic and biotic factors interact with each other and are linked in some way.
give examples of interference in a forest
-Plants have adapted to the nutrient poor soils by growing shallow roots, optimising nutrient intake
-humans can grow and hunt food in the rainforest. Humans can also gather medicine from trees
What are the characteristics of the Taiga biome
-Cold
-long winters
-covers a huge are of earth.
-located near high latitudes 50-70
Describe taigas productivity
The taiga is a biome with a very low productivity rate due to low temperatures, frozen grounds and dry weather
Describe the biodiversity of the Taiga biome
There is a low biodiversity as:
-There is low productivity which leads to reduced food supplies in winter, only a few animals survive
-Only high adapted plants can survive, which only certain herbivores can eat having a knock on effect on the animals
-Many animals migrate in winter to warmer areas removing chains on the food web
What does productivity mean
How much new plants and animal growth there is in a given time
Explain the plant adaptations in the Taiga
-Trees are cone shaped which allows snow to slide on the leaves, rather than collect and weigh down the trees
-Some tree branches are flexible which allow snow to fall off when the branch bends
Roots are wide but shallow, stopping them from reaching the frozen subsoil below while supporting the tree.
Explain the animal adaptations in the Taiga
-Many birds migrate to the south to avoid the harsh winters
-Many animals such as bears hibernate during winter to avoid the harsh conditions
Animals have thick fur and large feet to protect them from the snow
Describe the Taiga’s nutrient cycle
The nutrient cycle is very slow due to the climate
Why does the Taiga have a less active nutrient cycle
-A small biomass store due to the limited vegetation, limited growth and low biodiversity especially in winter
-Soil nutrient is deprived as decay is limited
What are the causes of deforestation
Subsistence farming
Commercial farming
Fuel wood
Logging
bio fuels
Mineral extraction
energy development
Hydro electric power
Explain subsistence farming as a cause of de-forestation
When farmers grow crops just enough for their families to eat, and not to sell for profit:
these farmers usually make space by cutting down trees resulting in infertile soil
Explain commercial farming as a cause of de-forestation
Commercial farming is agriculture with intention of making profit from the produce.
many businesses clear land for palm oil plantations
Explain fuel wood as a cause of de-forestation
When other sources of energy isn’t available people use wood as fuel. This results in a great number of trees being cut down
Explain logging as a cause of de-forestation
Logging is the process of cutting down trees in order to sell timber for profit. This results in habitats being completely destroyed as well as leaving soil open for rain, causing soil erosion
Explain biofuels as a cause of de-forestation
Biofuels are gathered from biomasses. To attain biofuels huge areas of land needs to be cleared out for crops like palm oil, soy and sugar canes
Explain mineral extraction as a cause of de-forestation
Some forests have vast reserves of metals, gemstones and fossil fuels. Many people chop down trees in order to make room for mining
Explain HEP as a cause of de-forestation
Many dams get constructed in river sites in forests. Space is needed for these projects so trees are cut down for space
What is a biome?
A large-scale ecosystem
Why does rising affluence (increasing wealth) increase demand for resources?
More disposable income so goods can be bought in excess and fridges, flushing toilets, etc. can be installed.
Why does urbanisation lead to an increased demand for resources?
More energy is needed for transportation and streetlights, etc.
What is a food web?
A type of diagram used to show who eats what in an ecosystem and to compare ecosystems.
Food webs for TRF are very complex as there is high biodiversity and may interlinking layers
Name an indirect TRF threat and explain why it’s hard to manage?
Global warming: increase by 2 degrees could make 15-40% of species extinct, change migration patterns and cause extreme weather patterns
Everyone contributes to global warming so it has to be managed by all countries.
Name 5 direct and 2 indirect threats to the taiga biome:
D-Logging for softwood, pulp and paper production
D-Mineral extraction
D-Fossil fuel extraction
D-HEP potential
D-Forest fires
I-Acid precipitation
I-Pests and diseased (encouraged by global warming)
What is CITES? What is its aim? What does it do?
An international treaty signed by 180 countries
It aims to stop illegal hunting and collecting of animals and plants
Protects the most endangered species of animals by banning cross-border trade, etc.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of CITES?
+Wide variety of species protected
+Works well for high profile animals
+Many countries have signed up and co-operate on trade
-Doesn’t protect ecosystems (dosen’t prevent deforestation)
-Global warming could undermine it
-Species have to be under threat to be included in the schemes
What is REDD?
A United Nations project aiming to reduce emissions from deforestation
What are the advantages and disadvantages of REDD?
+Provides international expertise of the situation
+Funding provided is very attractive to governments
-Deforestation is still very rapid in South Asia
-REDD is vague about its replanting rules (palm oil is often the crop replanted)
Define ecotourism:
Small scale, low impact tourism which appeals to tourists interested in wildlife and culture. It is run by local people who receive all of the profit
Define sustainable farming (agroforestry):
Crops are grown between trees, some trees are not cut down. Crops of different heights are grown together (inter- cropping) to protect the soil from erosion and to reduce pests.
Define sustainable rainforest management:
The conservation of forests by ensuring they are not used faster than they an be renewed. This reduces poverty, increases and protects forest biodiversity and improves facilities.
What are 3 ways which Taiga biomes are conserved?
Wilderness areas act
National Parks
Sustainable forestry
What is the Wilderness areas act?
An act which states that the government owns a specific ‘wilderness’ area which must remain undisturbed by humans.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Wilderness Areas Act?
+Highest level of protection
+Covers large scale areas so protects migrating animals and other large scale processes
+Area is kept pristine
-Remote areas are hard to police
-Pressure to develop oil extraction plants and build roads
What are National Parks?
An area that is mostly in its natural state which is managed to protect biodiversity whilst promoting recreation.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of National Parks?
+Protects animals from being hunted
+No unsustainable activities
+Good access
-Tourism is sometimes required which can harm the ecosystem
-Indigenous people may be against their land being claimed by the government
What is sustainable forestry?
Harvesting timber without damaging the forest in the long term
What are the advantages and disadvantages of sustainable forestry?
+Economically sustainable (more trees planted than logged)
+Everyone has the right to use the forest so they all respect it
+A mix of tree species are replanted
-Different groups might not agree with the rules
-Restrictions are hard to enforce
What are tar sands?
Areas where bitumen is extracted by mining then processed in plants. This destroys habitats which decreases biodiversity. Waste is also created.
What is shale gas extraction?
The extraction of natural gas under high pressure via fracking. This pollutes groundwater and destroys habitats.
What are the environmental impacts of mining and drilling?
M and I- Strips away large areas of soil, rock and vegetation
M- Destroys habitats
M- Interupts waters cycle when forests are cleared
M and I- releases greenhouse gases
I- Oil spills reduce biodiversity
