Geography - Living Worlds (TRF , Ecosystems and Deserts)

Question 1

Describe the Distribution of TRF around the globe

Answer 1

10 degrees North and South of the equator. With large amounts around
south east asia as well as central america and the north of south america. There is a small amount in africa south of the sahara

Question 2

Describe the climate of a TRF

Answer 2

High temperatures (27°C) and high rainfall (2000mm +)

Question 3

What is a biome?

Answer 3

– Areas of the planet with a similar climate and landscape, where similar animals and plants live.

Question 4

What is biodiversity?

Answer 4

The variety of life in the world or a particular habitat.

Question 5

Describe deforestation and logging

Answer 5

Deforestation - The chopping down and removal of trees.
Logging - Cutting down trees and selling the timber.

Question 6

What is ecotourism?

Answer 6

Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and benefits locals.

Question 7

Where are hot desert biomes found?

Answer 7

Found along the tropics of cancer and capricorn

Question 8

Describe the flora of the tropical rainforest biome?

Answer 8

Tall trees forming a canopy; wide variety of species.

Question 9

What is the fauna like in the TRF?

Answer 9

Greatest range of different animal species. Most live in canopy layer

Question 10

Describe the type of flora found in the hot desert biome

Answer 10

Lack of plants and few species; adapted to drought.

Question 11

Describe the nutrients cycle of the TRF

Answer 11

The hot, damp conditions on the forest floor allow for the rapid decomposition of dead plant material. This provides plentiful nutrients that are easily absorbed by plant roots. However, as these nutrients are in high demand from the many fast-growing plants, they do not remain in the soil for long and stay close to the surface. If vegetation is removed, the soils quickly become infertile.

Question 12

What are six causes of deforestation?

Answer 12

Logging
Agriculture
Tourism
Mineral extraction
Energy Development
Road building

Question 13

Why does logging cause deforestation?

Answer 13

Logging is the most widely reported cause of destructions to biodiversity. Timber is harvested from trees in the rainforest to create commercial items such as furniture and paper.

Question 14

Why does mineral extraction cause deforestation ?

Answer 14

Precious metals are found in the rainforest. Areas mined can experience soil and water contamination. As well as that large quarries can cause massive areas of land the be deforested

Question 15

What are the impacts of agriculture in the TRF

Answer 15

Large scale ‘slash and burn’ of land for ranches and palm oil.
Increases carbon emission.
River saltation and soil erosion increasing due to the large areas of exposed land.
Increase in palm oil is making the soil infertile.

Question 16

How has tourism negatively affected the rainforest?

Answer 16

Mass tourism is resulting in the building of hotels in extremely vulnerable areas.
Lead to negative relationship between the government and indigenous tribes
Tourism has exposed animals to human diseases.

Question 17

How has tourism positively affect the rainforest?

Answer 17

Brings to light issues like mass deforestation, non sustainable tourism and agriculture.

Question 18

How would energy developments like (Hydroelectric generators) affect the TRF biome?

Answer 18

The high rainfall creates ideal conditions for hydro-electric power (HEP).
The Bakun Dam in Malaysia is key for creating energy in this developing country, however, both people and the environment have suffered.

Question 19

Why is road building needed in a TRF biome like in malaysia?

Answer 19

Roads are needed to bring supplies and provide access to new mining areas, settlements and energy projects.
In Malaysia, logging companies use an extensive network of roads for heavy machinery and to transport wood.

Question 20

What are the main issues with a decline in biodiversity in a TRF?

Answer 20

Keystone species (a species that are important of other species) are extremely important in the rainforest ecosystem. Humans are threatening these vital components.
Decline in species could cause tribes being unable to survive.
Plants & animals may become extinct.
Key medical plants may become extinct

Question 21

How does deforestation lead to soil erosion

Answer 21

• Once the land is exposed by deforestation, the soil is more vulnerable to rain.
• With no roots to bind soil together, soil can easily wash away.

Question 22

What does a increase in economic development in malaysia lead to?

Answer 22

+ Mining, farming and logging creates employment and tax income for government.
+ Products such as palm oil provide valuable income for countries.
- The loss of biodiversity will reduce tourism

Question 23

How does deforestation lead to climate change ?

Answer 23

When rainforests are cut down, the climate becomes drier.
-Trees are carbon ‘sinks’. With greater deforestation comes more greenhouse emissions in the atmosphere.
-When trees are burnt, they release more carbon in the atmosphere. This will enhance the greenhouse effect.