T8:Forests Under Threat Flashcards
Enquiry Question
How does the equatorial climate impact the structure of the tropical rainforest?
How does the equatorial climate impact the structure of the tropical rainforest?
The equatorial climate’s heat, humidity, and rainfall create ideal conditions for dense, diverse tropical rainforests with rapid plant growth and unique species.
How interdependent are biotic and abiotic characteristics?
Biotic and abiotic factors depend on each other; living things need non-living elements to survive, and in return, living things affect their environment.
How have plants and trees adapted for the tropical rainforest?
Tall, straight trunks to reach sunlight.
Large, broad leaves for efficient photosynthesis.
Drip tips on leaves to shed excess rainwater.
Roots close to the surface of the soil
How have trees and plants adapted in the boreal forests?
Needle-shaped leaves to reduce water loss and survive cold, dry winters.
Thick bark for insulation against the cold.
Evergreen nature to photosynthesize year-round when possible.
Taiga forests climate
Short, wet summers of three months when temperatures can rise to 20°C.
Long cold, dry winters with several months below freezing, as low as -20°C.
Tropical rainforest climate
The climate in rainforests remains warm and humid all year round, with temperatures typically between 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). Rain is frequent.
Adaptions animals have are…
camouflage and climbing abilities. This is seen in predators and prey. An example of this is the grey fox found in taiga forests.
Why have tropical rainforests got less litter?
The taiga forest has more litter than tropical rainforests because its cold climate slows down decomposition. In the taiga, low temperatures and short growing seasons cause organic material to decompose more slowly.
Why have tropical rainforests got more biomas?
Rainforests have more biomass due to warm temperatures, constant rainfall, and rapid plant growth, supporting dense vegetation and high animal populations.
Why have tropical rainforest have more nutrients in its soil than boreal forests?
Litter decomposes much quicker meaning the soil has more nutrients.
Definition of biomas
Biomass is the total amount of living matter in an ecosystem, including plants, animals, and microorganisms.
What is direct threat?
refers to an immediate danger or risk that directly impacts an environment, species, or area, such as deforestation, or natural disasters.
Definition of agriculture
Agriculture is the practice of growing crops and raising animals for food, clothing, and other products.
Why has the demand for deforesation gone up?
More people need space to live and build.
Farmers need land to grow food and raise animals.
Trees are cut down for wood and paper.
Mining takes land for digging up resources.
Biofuels need land to grow plants for energy.
Countries want to grow their economies.
Definition of indirect threat
risk that affects the environment or species indirectly, often as a result of human activities, like climate change or pollution, rather than direct harm.
What are global actions such as CITES and REDD?
CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species): A global agreement to protect endangered animals and plants by regulating or banning their trade.
REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation): An international effort to reduce climate change by preventing deforestation and promoting forest conservation in developing countries.
One disadvantage for CITIES and REDD
CITIES- protects species, not the ecosystem meaning it does not help with climate change as much.
REDD- Risk of land grabbing: Companies or governments might take land from local people under the guise of conservation.
What is the Juma Sustainable Development Reserve?
The Juma Sustainable Development Reserve (SFR) is a protected area located in the state of Amazonas. This acts as an REDD. Without protection, 60% of Juma’s forest would have gone by 2050. On the other hand Juma SFR relies on donations, especially from Marriott hotels. If these stop, the project may stop.
Definition of afforestation
Planting trees with replacements different forms of sustainable once trees have been cut down
Definition of sustainable farming
Sustainable farming is a way of growing crops and raising animals that protects the environment, conserves resources, and supports farmers’ livelihoods without damaging the land for future generations. For example, crop rotation helps maintain soil health and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.
What is crop rotation?
Crop rotation is the practice of growing different types of crops in the same field in a planned sequence over several seasons. This helps improve soil health, reduce diseases, prevent soil depletion. For example, growing peas one year and corn the next helps restore nitrogen in the soil.
Why do taiga forests need extra protection?
The taiga is a fragile ecosystem and takes a very long time to recover from damage.
Negatives for sustainable forestry
Sustainable management is expensive and long term. It is usually only possible for large companies or when international organisations provide funding.
What are national parks?
National parks are protected areas set up by governments to conserve nature, wildlife, and landscapes while allowing public enjoyment and education.
Examples of national parks
Banff, wood baffalo
what are HEP companies?
Hydroelectric Power companies are businesses that generate electricity using the energy of flowing or falling water, typically through dams or river systems.
What are different views on exploiting or conserving taiga forests?
Economic Interests:
Logging and mining companies see the Taiga as a source of profit from timber, minerals, and oil.
Governments may support exploitation for economic growth, jobs, and energy production.
Environmental Concerns:
Environmental groups and scientists prioritize conservation to protect biodiversity, prevent climate change, and preserve ecosystems.
The Taiga stores large amounts of carbon, making it crucial for global climate regulation.
Indigenous Rights:
Indigenous communities may rely on the forest for traditional lifestyles, food, and culture, often opposing industrial development that threatens their land.
However, some may support limited development if it brings benefits like infrastructure or services.
Where are TRFs found and why?
Between 0–20° N/S of the equator (equatorial climate)
Hot, wet all year round (27°C avg., 2000–3000mm rain)
Conditions allow continuous plant growth
Where is the taiga found and what is the climate like?
Found in northern hemisphere (Canada, Russia, Scandinavia)
Cold winters (as low as -20°C), cool summers, short growing season
Rainfall lower (250–500mm), often snow
TRF plant layers and adaptations?
Emergent: Tallest trees (50m) get most sunlight
Canopy: Densest layer, most life
Understory: Shrubs, small trees
Forest floor: Shaded, decomposers
Adaptations: Waxy leaves, drip tips, buttress roots
Taiga forest adaptations?
Few species (coniferous): pine, spruce
Needle-like leaves: reduce water loss
Evergreen: photosynthesis year-round
Conical shape: sheds snow
Animal adaptations – TRF vs Taiga?
TRF: Bright colours, camouflage, tree-dwelling, nocturnal
Taiga: Thick fur, hibernation, white coats, fat storage
How does the nutrient cycle differ in TRF and Taiga?
TRF: Fast decomposition due to heat → nutrients quickly recycled
Taiga: Cold slows decomposition → nutrients locked in litter
How are biodiversity and productivity different?
TRF: Very high biodiversity and productivity
Taiga: Lower due to harsh climate, nutrient-poor soils
What are the causes of TRF deforestation?
Cattle ranching
Commercial logging
Slash-and-burn farming
Mining
Large-scale agriculture (e.g. soybeans, palm oil)
Urbanisation and roads
What are the impacts of TRF deforestation?
Biodiversity loss
Disrupted water cycle
Soil erosion
CO₂ release → climate change
Indigenous communities displaced
What are the threats to the taiga?
Logging (especially conifers)
Mining, oil, and gas exploration
Wildfires
Climate change (permafrost melting, new diseases)
Invasive species like bark beetles
Climate comparison: TRF vs Taiga?
TRF: Hot, wet, little variation
Taiga: Cold, dry, extreme seasonal changes
How do TRF and Taiga food webs differ?
TRF: Complex, many layers, interdependence
Taiga: Simple, fewer species, less interdependence
Global actions to protect TRFs?
CITES: Controls trade in endangered species
REDD+: Pays countries to reduce emissions from deforestation
International agreements (e.g. Forest Stewardship Council)
Local sustainable forest management strategies?
Ecotourism
Agroforestry
Reforestation
Education of locals
Selective logging
What are protected areas (wilderness areas)?
Large, undeveloped regions set aside for conservation
E.g. parts of the Amazon and Canada’s taiga
Difficult to monitor or enforce protection
How does climate change threaten forests?
Drier conditions → fires (esp. in TRF)
Melting permafrost in taiga
Droughts and shifting climate zones
Pests and diseases spreading further north
Example: REDD+ in Brazil
Brazil reduced deforestation by 75% (2004–2014)
Norway paid $1 billion for environmental services
Success: strong monitoring, enforcement, incentives
Why is ecotourism important?
Low-impact tourism that supports conservation
Generates income for locals
Increases awareness about sustainable development
