The living world: Tropical rainforests - Keywords

Question 1

Biodiversity

Answer 1

The variety of life in the world or a particular habitat.

Question 2

Commercial farming

Answer 2

Farming to sell produce for a profit to retailers or food processing companies.

Question 3

Debt reduction

Answer 3

Countries are relieved of some of their debt in return for protecting their rainforests.

Question 4

Deforestation

Answer 4

The chopping down and removal of trees to clear an area of forest.

Question 5

Ecotrorism

Answer 5

Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the wellbeing of the local people, and may involve education. It is usually carried out in small groups and has minimal impact on the local ecosystem.

Question 6

Logging

Answer 6

The business of cutting down trees and transporting the logs to sawmills.

Question 7

Mineral extraction

Answer 7

The removal of solid mineral resources from the earth. These resources include ores, which contain commercially valuable amounts of metals, such as iron and aluminum; precious stones, such as diamonds; building stones, such as granite; and solid fuels, such as coal and oil shale.

Question 8

Selective logging

Answer 8

The cutting out of trees which are mature or inferior, to encourage the growth of the remaining trees in a forest or wood.

Question 9

Soil erosion

Answer 9

Removal of topsoil faster than it can be replaced, due to natural (water and wind action), animal, and human activity. Topsoil is the top layer of soil and is the most fertile because it contains the most organic, nutrient-rich materials.

Question 10

Subsistence farming

Answer 10

A type of agriculture producing food and materials for the benefit only of the farmer and his family.

Question 11

Sustainability

Answer 11

Actions and forms of progress that meet the needs of the present without reducing the ability of future generations to meet their needs.