Tropical Rainforests Flashcards
Define an Epiphyte
Plants, often attached to the branches of trees, which obtain their nutrients from air and water rather than soil.
Define buttress roots
The roots of taller trees which act as a wide base for support.
Define Drip Tip
The point at the end of the leaf which helps to remove water from the leaf surface.
Define Lianas
Vines/creepers that climb on trees to reach the sunlight.
Why do trees have thinner bark?
Bark typically acts as an insulator for a tree, as well as reducing evaporation. Due to the hot humid environment, this is not necessary. It also makes it harder for Lianas to climb due to being smooth.
Common example of an emergent tree
Kapok
Other than the Amazon, name 1 tropical rainforest.
e.g. Southeast Asian,
Congo,
Central Americas,
Australasian
What are the key features of an equatorial climate?
High rainfall (200mm per year) and high temperatures (avg. 27 ‘C) all year round.
In which two countries is the rate of deforestation the highest?
Brazil & Indonesia
What are the main causes of deforestation?
Farming (in the Amazon, mainly cattle and soy)
Logging
Palm oil
Mining of rare earth minerals
Urban expansion
Why is the rate of deforestation in Brazil falling?
- The government declared half of the Amazon protected rainforest.
- Cracking down on illegal deforestation.
- Consumers in Brazil deliberately avoiding products produced via deforestation.
Why are tropical rainforests important?
They account for more than half of global biodiversity.
They act as a carbon sink.
They contain plants that help produce around 25% of western medicine.
Name all the layers of the tropical rainforest:
Forest Floor/Shrub Layer
Undergrowth
Canopy
Emergent Layer
What is sustainable management?
To use the rainforest in a way which does not harm it or the people that live in it.
What is the FSC (international agreement)?
The Forest Stewardship Council labels sustainably sourced hardwood so that people know it wasn’t sourced illegally.
Since 2004, deforestation in Brazil has fallen by __%.
80%
Why is the rate of deforestation in Indonesia rising?
Indonesia’s massive palm oil industry causes large swathes of rainforest to be cut down to be replaced by palm tree plantations.
What are the negative effects of deforestation?
Water shortages due to pollution and dry climate.
Soil erosion.
Decrease in tourist numbers.
