Rainforests and Deforestation Flashcards
Describe the location of global rainforests.
- Almost all rainforests are located below the equator, meaning that they are usually located in more developing countries.
- The tropical rainforest contains far more species of plants and animals than any other biome.
- Very little light reaches the forest floor (2%) - so plants grow slowly. The ground is covered in fallen leaves, rotting branches and twigs and a network of shallow roots. When a tree falls, light is able to get in. This encourages young plants to grow fast. They compete for the extra light and soon fill the gap.
Describe the climate of the rainforest.
- Very wet with over 2,000 mm of rainfall per year.
- Very warm with an average daily temperature of 28°. The temperature never drops below 20° and rarely exceeds 35° C.
- The atmosphere is hot and humid.
- The climate is consistent all year round. There are no seasons.
What are Drip tip plants?
Plants have leaves with tips pointing downwards. This allows water to run off the leaves quickly without damaging or breaking the surface of the leaf. In a climate which involves heavy rainfall (over 2,000mm a year), this is an essential tool for survival to stop rotting.
What are Buttress roots?
Large roots which create a large surface area that help to support large trees, as well as collect nutrients from the soil. As the soil in the rainforest climate is generally infertile, apart from a thin layer of iron-rich nutrients. Since this layer is only found at the top of the soil, roots with a wide surface area are the most efficient way to get nutrients.
What are Epiphytes
Plants which live on the branches of trees high up in the canopy. They get their nutrients from the air and water, not from the soil. This is important as these plants don’t have to grow upwards as much as they are already in the canopy. As nitrogen, phosphorous, and iron are commonly brought with rainfall.
Carnivorous plants
Plants that are especially adapted to eat meat as an alternative to the poor nutrients found in the soil. Plants most likely complete this by excreting a sweet smelling liquid or nectar. As the rainforest is rich with insects, this often works.
What are Climbing vines (Lianas)
Lianas are woody vines that climb trees. This is useful as it’s almost cheating it’s way through the race for sunlight as it uses the tree for support, meaning it doesn’t need to focus on supporting itself and can climb up to the canopy.
List 3 reasons why the rainforest has a high level of biodiversity.
The warm and very wet climate provides perfect conditions for plant
growth.
- The wide range of plant species supports many different animals,
birds and insects.
- Species have adapted to the conditions of the rainforest, e.g trees and plants have shallow-reaching roots to absorb nutrients from the thin fertile layer in the soil.
What scales can cause rainforest deforestation?
- 148 people are added to the world’s population each minute, 95% of
this growth is in developing or emerging countries. These same
countries have 95% of the worlds’ rainforests. - Many rainforest countries are in international debt and need to repay
these. - As more products are needed globally, more materials that can be
taken from the rainforest have to be harvested (medicines, foods,
furniture, etc.). - If there is a poor economy, farmers may be forced to farm to sustain
themselves (subsistence farming) or they may work for a company
(TNCs) or a government in debt. - Economic growth is occurring as people get richer globally and in
rainforest countries. - Pressure for countries to become more influential globally
What environmental impacts can deforestation to the climate?
- Less trees means less moisture in the air due to lack of water
transpiration ; the area will be dry and the climate will get hotter - More deforestation will decrease the habitat and living space for
indigenous tribes and animals, restricting their area to hunt and live - Burning the trees outputs CO2, however it increases soil fertility after
a few years
What social and economic impacts do deforestation cause?
- Deforestation provides the government with money to pay off
debts - Deforestation provides citizens with jobs, without it many
would be unemployed - Many people believe in the fact that deforestation should be
stopped, and civilians may riot against the government
What are Conservation swaps?
- Conservation swaps is when parts of a country’s debts are paid off in exchange for investment in
conservation. - For example, in 2008 the USA reduced Peru’s debt by $25million in exchange for Peru conserving its
rainforests.
What are National Parks?
Setting up parks and reserves to try and preserve the unique flora and fauna for conservation purposes. All
development in the forest is restricted to preserve natural systems in the soil and climate and to protect
animals and plants.
- Indigenous groups will benefit from an unspoilt environment and globally, long-term, people will benefit
from the biodiversity of the rainforest.
What is Ecotourism?
- Ecotourism is tourism that minimises damage to the environment and benefits the local people. Only a
small number of people are allowed into the area at a time to minimise litter, waste, and etc. - Ecotourism provides a source of income for the local people reducing the need to enroll in a job involving
deforestation.
Give 3 examples of Sustainable farming techniques,
Sustainable farming techniques like Agro-forestry and Crop rotation protect the soil so that the land
remains productive and there is no need to clear the land every few years.
Agro-forestry - Trees and crops are planted at the same time, so that the tree roots bind the soil and the
leaves protect it from heavy rain
Crop rotation - Crops are moved between different fields each year with one left empty, so the soil has
time to recover.
