Tropical Rainforests Flashcards
How do the trees contribute to the rainforest?
Contribute to the biomass
Canopy layer intercepts rain; reduces soil erosion
What is the order of layers in the rainforest?
Emergents- 50m
Canopy- 30m- dense, little light reaches floor
Undercanopy- tree saplings, lianas
What are 4 tree adaptations?
Grow all year and leaves are shed all year
Tall and straight- no wasted energy, can reach sunlight faster
Buttress roots, extra stability
Pointed tips on leaves- rain slides off
What are 4 causes of deforestation in the rainforest?
Farming
Mineral
Wood
Pressure
How does farming lead to deforestation?
Commercial farming- plantations and crops to be exported- large areas of RF cut down to make room
How does mineral extracting lead to deforestation?
Can only be extracted once trees are removed
Boosts local and national economies
How does need for wood lead to deforestation?
Timber used for fuel, furniture and paper
Exported around the world and economies are boosted
How does pressure lead to deforestation?
To create living space, rainforest is cut back
Example in Brasilia
What is the value of tropical rainforests?
Remove CO2 and purify air
Tree roots hold soil in place- prevent erosion and reduce floods
Living space for plants, animals, people
Provide goods for the world- timber e.t.c
What 4 ways can deforestation be reduced?
Selective logging
Ecotourism
Education
International agreements
How does selective logging prevent deforestation?
Only fell necessary trees for that time, only fully grown
Most trees left- protects soil and structure of RF
How does ecotourism prevent deforestation?
People visit the rainforest and stay in lodges
They pay money to see the rainforest- foolish to destroy it
Creates incentive to protect it
How does education protect the rainforest?
Most of rainforest is destroyed for hardwoods and exported
Education could reduce demand for hardwood
Heavy taxes on import of hardwoods/ banning it
How to international agreements reduce deforestation?
International tropical trade agreements- restricts hard wood trade
2010- USA converted $13 mil from Brazil- used to conserve rainforest
