Rainforests Flashcards
Define rainforest
An area of tropical woodland with high rainfall and temperatures
Define evergreen
Keeps its leaves all year
Define deciduous
Louses leaves in winter
Why are the rainforests so important??? Give 5
Over half the world’s medicines
1/10 of all species
Absorbs CO2 and releases oxygen
Indigenous people
Largest biodiversity 
Describe the location of tropical rainforest
Based along the equator mainly between the tropics of Capricorn and cancer
Explain the location of the tropical rainforest
They are along the equator because it’s the shortest distance from the sun. The air heats and rises pushing the air out. It then cools and condenses and we get rain as the clouds travel they run out of rain causing deserts either side of the rainforests.
Explain 3 ways humans are threatening the tropical rainforest
Lodging- the mass cutting down off trees on a very large scale
Farming- areas are cleared to make room for animals or crops. The crops reduce biodiversity
Mineral extraction- 50000+ hectares are mined for gold today.
What is eco tourism
Ecotourism is a form of tourism that focuses on the natural environment and involves activities such as wildlife viewing and hiking in natural areas. It is designed to be environmentally and culturally sensitive, and aims to minimise negative impacts on the local ecosystem.
How have drip tip leaves adapted
Make water run off to stop becoming saturated and the growth of bacteria and fungi. Waxy surface
Buttress roots
Tall but shallow in ground so the tree is stable and they can get nutrients from to soil
Lianas
Woolly vines that start at the ground and use trees to climb up to the canopy and spread out for sunlight
Harpy egal
Short wing span to weave in and out of trees and vines
Toucan
Long strong beak so it can reach berries other birds can’t
Ways of protecting the tropical rainforest
Eco tourism
Selective logging
Avoiding products with palm oil and beef
Sustainable energy
Define sustainability
Sustainability is the practice of using natural resources responsibly, so they can support both present and future generations.
