Rainforests

Question 1

What is the definition of a rainforest?

Answer 1

A rainforest is an area that receives heavy rainfall resulting in the growth of dense vegetation such as trees and plants.

Question 2

What section of the world can you find the densest rainforests?

Answer 2

The densest areas of rainforest in the world are found 10°N and 10°S of the Equator
e.g. the Amazon in South America and the Congo in Africa.

(Review photo in notes)

Question 3

What countries in Central America can you find other rainforests?

Answer 3

Other areas of rainforests are found in Central America e.g. Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Belize

Question 4

What countries in the East Indies and Asia can you find other rainforests?

Answer 4

Malaysia, Indonesia and also in North-east Australia and Madagascar.

Question 5

What countries in the Caribbean can you find rainforests?

Answer 5

Southern Cuba, Hispaniola, much of Puerto Rico, Trinidad, Guyana, Dominica, St. Vincent and Jamaica.

Question 6

What are the layers of a rainforests and the heights they reach?

Answer 6

1) Ground layer - 0-5m
2) Shrub layer - 5-10m
3) Lower tree layer - 10-20m
4) Canopy layer- 30-40m
5) Emergents layer - 40-50m

(Review photo in notes)

Question 7

How do the rainforests benefit the environment?

Answer 7

1. The roots of the trees help to bind the soil together and prevent soil erosion and
   flooding.
2. They provide habitats (homes) for all forms of life such as animals, birds, insects and snakes.
3. They help to keep the air pure since they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen
   which human beings inhale.
4. They enrich the soil by recycling the nutrients when they shed their leaves and seeds.
5. They help to maintain the water cycle by adding water to the atmosphere through a
   process called transpiration (release of water through the leaves) and by redistributing
   rain water equally to every species living within their range
6. They provide shade for animals and human beings.

Question 8

What are some causes of deforestation?

Answer 8

1. Agriculture: Many of the forests in the Caribbean have been cleared for the growth of crops for export such as sugarcane, coffee, cotton and also for cattle ranching.
2. Fuel: In some of the poorest countries of the Caribbean region, people are forced to cut down trees for their wood. Some is converted to charcoal to provide heat and for cooking.
3. Logging: In some countries of the Caribbean such as Belize and Guyana, trees are cut down for their logs which are sold for export.
4. Mining: The discovery of valuable minerals such as gold in forested areas, has led to
   deforestation. This is so that mines can be dug and roads can be built.
5. Construction: Many trees have been cut down and cleared for the construction of
   houses, hotels and roads.

Question 9

What is forest conservation?

Answer 9

Forest conservation is the protection of forests to ensure that there are adequate supplies of trees for future use.

Question 10

How can the forest be preserved?

Answer 10

1. The government can pass laws to prevent certain forested areas from being used for the construction of houses
2. Re-afforestation that is the planting of trees in areas where deforestation was
   widespread.
3. Only certain trees should be selected for cutting, for example mature trees.

Question 11

What are the negative effects of the removal of the rainforests?

Answer 11

When trees in the rainforest are cut down, the following takes place:
1. Soil erosion
2. Fewer homes for animals
3. Lack of shade for human beings and animals
4. Flooding
5. Disruption of the water cycle
6. Increase in global warming