paper 3- Tropical Forsest Flashcards
Name the TRF layers in order (bottom to top):
Shub layer, under canopy, main canopy, emergents
describe the emergent layer
-tallest trees
-trees have straight trunks
- these trees only have branches and leaves at the top because it can get light
-have buttress roots
describe the main canopy
-continuous layer of trees
-dense layer of leaves that shade the rest of TRF
-simpler to emerging layer
describe the under canopy
-made up of younger trees
-these trees haven’t reached there full height
-they only survive where there are gaps of light through the trees from the main canopy layer
describe the shrub layer
-nearest ground
-quite dark
-shrubs have large, broad leaves to absorb as much light available
describe the climate of the TRF
-wet and warm
-temp: 20-28 degrees
-hot because near equator
-long days around 12hrs
-high rainfall
what contents/coutries the TRF in
America, Asia, India, Africa, Australia
Describe how leaves have adapted in TRF
-have thick waxy leaves with pointed edges
-the pointed tips channel water off, so weight of water doesn’t damage plant
-waxy leaves helps repel the rain
How have animals adapted to the TRF
-strong limbs to climb high e.g howler monkeys
-some animals camouflaged to hide from predators e.g geckos
-flaps on skin to help them glide between trees e.g. red-eyed frogs
3 ways the nutrients are stored in TRF ecosystem
-living organisms( biomass)
-litter (e.g. fallen leaves)
-the soil
why is the transfer of nutrients very high in the TRF
the trees are evergreen so they drop all year round, warm climate helps them decompose quickly and they are then soaked into the soil.
what is foodweb
A complex network of overlapping food chain that connect plants and animals in biomes
an example of independence in TRF
-warm and wet climate means plants can grow quickly
-dense leaf cover protect the forest floor from wind and rain
-lack of wind near forest floor mean plant can rely on bees, butterflies etc for pollination
reasons for deforestation in TRF
-local demand for wood
-mineral resources
-electricity(HEP)
-sustainable farming
-commercial farming
-commercial hardwood logging
-demand for biofuels
explain sustainable farming
Forest cleared so farmer can grow food for them selves and family
explain local demand for fuel wood
local people chop down trees to use as fuel for cooking or burn to make charcoal
Indirect threat of the TRF
Climate change
How does climate change affect the TRF?
-rise in temperature can lead to decrease of rainfall which can lead to droughts
-drought can lead to forest fires
-drought can lead to extinction of some species
what is REDD
REDD- reduced emissions from deforestation and forest degradation
scheme that rewards forest owner in poorer countries for keeping the forest instead of cutting it down
Advantages of REDD
-habitats not loss
-forest more protected form climate change
-benefits everyone as it reduces emissions
-relatively cheaper
Disadvantages of REDD
-deforestation continues in other areas
-preventing activities e.g mining, agriculture. This may affect local communities income
What is CITES?
CITES- convention on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora
It’s an agreement tightly control trade of wild animals and plants
Advantage of CITES
-tackles at a global level, its controlled world wide
-spread awareness about endangered animals
-helps different sectors work together
Disadvantage of CITES
-some rules are unclear
-not all countries are members
-although animals are protected from poaching it doesn’t protect there habitat
what is eco tourism
-tourism that is minimum damage to the environment and benefits the local people
-only small number of people at a time
-provides an income for local people e.g. act as guides
-environmental impacts are minimised e.g making sure litter disposed properly
What is sustaible management
Forest used in a way to prevent long term damage whilst people benefit from the resources
Economic challenge of sustainable forest management
-only seen in the long term this affects poorer countries who need income immediately
-usually more expensive so can be difficult to persuade private companies the sustainable methods
Environmental challenges of sustainable forest management
-trees are replanted however the entire ecosystem may nkt be restored
-trees can be slow growing, so complains will chop form other forest while waiting got them to grow
-selective logging can still damage other trees when removing the selected trees
