Tropical rainforests section B(p1) Flashcards
This is a compulsory topic. This deck of cards covers the start of the 'Living world' topic, covering Ecosystems and Tropical rainforests.
Describe the soil in the tropical rainforest
_Infertile_. Very top layer of soil is where nutrients are. Due to high levels of rainfall, nutrients are washed away (leaching).
Describe the plants and animal life in the tropical rainforest
Very diverse. Huge biodiversity. Range of plants, insects, reptiles, mammals and rodents.
What does ‘biodiversity’ mean?
The variety of plants and animal species in a given location
Give 3 examples of how the tropical rainforest is highly interdependent
- Climate is warm and wet which makes it ideal for decomposition of leaf litter, adding nutrients to the soil which sustains dense vegetation
- Plants are a vital source of animal food
- Loss of vegetation in rainforests has a knock on impact on food supplies, habitats, water interception and the atmosphere
Name the four layers of the rainforest
- Shrub layer
- Lower canopy
- Upper canopy
- Emergent layer
Identify some tropical rainforest plant adaptations
- Liana
- Buttress roots
- Epiphyte
- Drip tips
- Waxy leaves
What is a buttress root?
- Large tree roots that help stabilise the tree in the ground.
- They also facilitate the exchange of oxygen and CO2.
What is a liana?
Climbing vines that start life on the forest floor. They grow upwards, around trees to reach sunlight.
What is an epiphyte?
Plants that grow on tree branches high in the canopy. They do not require soil to gain nutrients.
What is a drip tip?
Leaves have adapted to deal with high levels of rainfall. The drip tip allows rainfall to run off the leaf surface.
Describe how animals have adapted to the rainforest
- Most animals live in the canopy so they have long limbs to help climb
- Camouflage - many animals blend in with the colours of the forest floor
- Many animals have good hearing as the forest floor is so dark.
- Suction cups for climbing trees
- Nocturnal - sleep at night to avoid heat of the day
- Many can swim due to large amounts of rivers in the rainforest
What is ‘deforestation’?
Removal of trees from the earth’s surface
What are the main causes of deforestation in tropical rainforests?
- To make space for housing
- To mine
- Build dams to generate energy
- Farming / Cattle Ranching
- Road building
What is happening to the rate of deforestation?
High but slowing down.
Why has the rate of deforestation in Malaysia increased?
- Malaysia now export large amounts of tropical wood
- Oil mining developments in Borneo has led to the need for more roads
- Dams have been developed to improve Malaysia’s energy supply
- Farmers received 10 year tax incentives to set up palm oil plantations so more were developed.
What are the effects of deforestation?
- Trees remove CO2 from the atmosphere so with less trees, there is more CO2 in the atmosphere.
- Soil is more exposed to rainfall which means valuable nutrients in the soil are washed away
- More landslides and flooding as a result of less roots holding soil together.
What are the environmental impacts of deforestation in Malaysia?
- Loss of soil due to increased soil erosion
- Loss of biodiversity
- Threat to large area of biodiversity in the ‘Main Range’
- Contributing to climate change - warmer, drier temperatures
- Increased pollution in rivers
- Lower water supplies
- Extinction of plants
What are the economic impacts of deforestation in Malaysia? (+ and -)
+ Increased profit from mining
+ Development of more industries linked to mining, farming and energy
- Tourism decreases
+ Increased energy provision
+ Improved infrastructure i.e. roads
- Loss of valuable resources e.g. medicines
Why do rainforests need protecting?
- ‘Green lungs of the earth’ - they provide a large proportion of the Earth’s oxygen
- They are home to many indigenous tribes
- Rainforest provide a wealth of important nature resources e.g. wood, fruits medicines
- Source of clean water
List some strategies used to protect tropical rainforests
- Selective Logging
- Replanting trees
- Conservation/education
- Ecotourism
- International agreements
How does ‘selective logging’ protect the tropical rainforest?
A strategy used to protect tropical rainforests. Only the oldest or poor condition trees are removed meaning large amounts of trees are not removed, maintaining the forests structure.
How does ‘replanting’ protect the tropical rainforest?
Replanting trees when others are cut down means that trees are available in the future.
How does ‘ecotourism’ protect the tropical rainforest?
Ecotourism educates tourists about protecting the natural environment. It only allows a few visitors to an area at one time, encourages use of local tour guides so money stays in area and encourages reduction of litter and pollution.
(Socially, economically and environmentally sustainable)
How do ‘international agreements’ protect the tropical rainforest?
The FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) is an organisation that encourages manufacturers and consumers about building sustainable hardwood by marking products with a FSC logo.
How does ‘education’ protect the tropical rainforest?
Educating the global community about the impacts of unsustainable use of the rainforest encourages individuals to change their consumer habits (i.e. buying sustainable hardwood). It may also change the local communities strategies to make money without destroying the forest.
How does ‘debt reduction’ protect the tropical rainforest?
Many tropical rainforests are found in LICs. By reducing debt, these countries are less likely to use the rainforest for economic gain.
Why is it hot and wet in the tropical rainforest?
- Hot temperatures: Toprical rainforests are found around the equator where the suns rays are most concentrated
- High rainfall: low pressure cell means air can rise, creating lots of clouds
Describe the climate in the tropical rainforest
- Constantly high temperatures throughout the year (28-30°c)
- High levels of rainfall (~2000mm per year)
Where are tropical rainforests located?
Generally around the equator - South America, South East Asia, Central Africa.
