Geography 3.5 Destruction of the Forest

Question 1

Why are large areas of rainforests cut down?

Answer 1

1. Farming - to grow food, palm oil
2. Cattle ranching.
3. Logging
4. By government for building roads, dams, which we will keep the country to develop.
5. For crude oil and metals
   a) to make furniture
   b) to process nuts
   c) to make bags and sandal from latex.

Question 2

In this picture of the forest, where does the soil get its nutrients?

Answer 2

Here in the picture, the dead leaves and waste falls on the ground. Decomposers such as insects and bacteria release the nutrients on the ground.

Question 3

In this picture of the forest, the trees help to protect the soil from erosion. Explain how. (see pg 53 if needed)

Answer 3

1) the roots of the trees hold the soil tightly, protecting it from wind, erosion, and soil erosion.
2) The canopy of the trees intercept the big raindrops before it reaches the ground. The drip tips of the leaves allow the rainwater to drip off easily and be sprayed on the soil, thus preventing soil erosion.

(Removing plants exposes soil to the full force of wind and rain - which is why it is harmful and we should not do it)

Question 4

The soil in this picture of a burnt, destroyed forest (see pg 53 if needed) will soon be useless. Explain.

Answer 4

Large areas of the rainforest has been cut or burned down. There are no canopy and no roots to protect the soil. The nutrients in the soil will either be BLOWN AWAY by wind or WASHED AWAY by rain. The land will be left as wasteland/fallow land where even the grass would refuse to grow.

Question 5

What are the reasons for deforestation in the rainforest?

Answer 5

1. Housing
2. Agriculture
3. Transport
4. Natural Resources
   (see extensive notes in copy and revise them well)