Tropical Ranforests Flashcards
What is the climate like in tropical rainforests?
The climate is the same all year round with no definite seasons. It is hot, generally between 20-28 °C, and rainfall is very high, around 2000 mm per year.
Why is the temperature in tropical rainforests consistent throughout the year?
The sun’s energy is more intense near the equator as it is overhead all year round.
How much rainfall do tropical rainforests receive annually?
Around 2000 mm per year.
What type of trees dominate tropical rainforests and why?
Most trees are evergreen to take advantage of the continual growing season.
Why is the forest floor in tropical rainforests dark?
The vegetation cover is dense, and very little light reaches the forest floor.
What are epiphytes?
Plants that grow on other living plants and take nutrients and moisture from the air, e.g. orchids and ferns.
What is the fertility level of soil in tropical rainforests?
The soil isn’t very fertile as heavy rain washes nutrients away.
What contributes to surface nutrients in rainforest soil?
Decayed leaf fall, but this layer is very thin as decay is fast in warm, moist conditions.
What is biodiversity?
The variety of organisms living in a particular area — both plants and animals.
What percentage of the world’s species do rainforests contain?
Rainforests contain around 50% of the world’s plant, animal, and insect species.
Why are rainforests considered stable and productive environments?
Their climate is constant (hot and wet), plants and animals don’t have to cope with changing conditions, and there is always plenty to eat.
What is a consequence of deforestation in tropical rainforests?
It is likely to lead to the extinction of many species and the loss of biodiversity.
What was the increase in the number of threatened species in Brazil from 2008 to 2014?
The number increased from 628 in 2008 to 1182 in 2014.
Fill in the blank: Tropical rainforests are believed to contain more animal species than any other _______.
ecosystem.
Name two animals that can be found in tropical rainforests.
- Gorillas
- Jaguars
How have many indigenous people adapted to life in the rainforests?
By hunting and fishing, gathering nuts and berries, and growing vegetables in small garden plots.
True or False: Many organisms in tropical rainforests have evolved to depend on just a few other species for survival.
True.
What are rainforests considered in terms of ecosystems?
Interdependent ecosystems
How does the warm and wet climate of the rainforest affect the forest floor?
Helps fungi and bacteria decompose dead plant material rapidly
What effect does rapid decomposition have on the soil in rainforests?
Makes the surface soil high in nutrients
How do plants contribute to the nutrient cycle in rainforests?
Pass on their nutrients when eaten by animals
What role does dense vegetation play in animal populations in rainforests?
Provides lots of food, leading to high animal populations
What happens to nutrients when animals die in the rainforest ecosystem?
Their nutrients are transferred back to the soil, enriching it
What is a symbiotic relationship in the context of rainforests?
Where two species depend on each other for survival
Give an example of a symbiotic relationship in the rainforest.
Agouti and Brazil nut trees
What unique ability do agouti have regarding Brazil nut seeds?
Can crack open the hard seed pod to eat the nut inside
What happens if the agouti becomes extinct?
Brazil nut tree numbers would decline, affecting other species
What type of trees provide an ideal home for Azteca ants?
Cecropia trees
What do Cecropia trees produce that benefits Azteca ants?
An energy-rich foodstuff at the base of their leaves
What role do Azteca ants play in the protection of Cecropia trees?
Fight off insects that try to feed on the tree
How does human activity, like deforestation, affect rainforest ecosystems?
Changes can have knock-on effects on the whole ecosystem
What impact does cutting down trees have on climate change?
Can contribute to climate change
How do trees contribute to rainfall in rainforest ecosystems?
Intercept and take up water, releasing it back into the atmosphere
What risk may increase due to reduced tree cover in rainforests?
Risk of drought
What role do trees play in soil stability in rainforests?
Stabilise soil with their roots and provide nutrients
What happens to soil protection when there are fewer trees?
Soil has less protection from heavy rainfall
Fill in the blank: Trees _______ soil with their roots.
stabilise
Fill in the blank: Cutting down trees can lead to _______ in rainforest ecosystems.
drought
What are the main physical conditions that plants in the rainforest have adapted to?
High rainfall, high temperatures, competition for light
These conditions create a challenging environment for plant survival.
How do trees in the rainforest compete for sunlight?
By growing tall
This adaptation allows them to reach the sunlight above other vegetation.
What features do the leaves of rainforest plants have to manage rainfall?
Thick, waxy leaves with pointed drip-tips
These features help channel rainwater away and prevent standing water.
What type of plants use tree trunks to reach sunlight?
Climbing plants, such as lianas
This adaptation helps them access light in the dense forest.
Why do many rainforest trees have smooth, thin bark?
There is no need to protect the trunk from cold temperatures
The smooth surface also aids in water runoff.
What supports the tall trunks of trees in the rainforest?
Large, stable buttress roots
These roots provide stability in shallow soil.
What is the significance of plants dropping their leaves gradually throughout the year?
It allows them to continue growing all year round
This continuous growth is essential in a competitive environment.
What are the four layers of plants in the rainforest?
Emergent Trees, Main Canopy, Undercanopy, Shrub Layer
Each layer has different adaptations to the environment.
Where do emergent trees primarily have branches?
At their crown, where the most light is available
This adaptation maximizes their access to sunlight.
What adaptations do some animals have for moving around in the rainforest canopy?
Strong limbs, short pointed wings, suction cups, flaps of skin
These adaptations help with mobility and maneuverability in dense foliage.
Give an example of an animal that is camouflaged in the rainforest.
Leaf-tailed geckos
Their appearance helps them avoid predators.
What adaptation helps anteaters detect predators in low light levels?
A sharp sense of smell
This adaptation is crucial for survival in dark environments.
Why are many animals in the rainforest nocturnal?
To feed at night when it’s cooler, saving energy
This behavior helps them cope with the high temperatures of the day.
What ability helps jaguars navigate river channels?
Swimming
This adaptation allows them to cross water barriers effectively.
What products are sourced from tropical rainforests?
Rubber, coffee, chocolate, and medicines
The extinction of species makes it harder to discover new medicines and develop new products.
What long-term economic benefits can sustainable development offer?
Ecotourism
Sustainable development can provide ongoing economic opportunities while preserving the environment.
How do rainforests help in reducing the greenhouse effect?
By reducing CO2 emissions and absorbing CO2
Protecting rainforests allows trees to continue their role in carbon absorption.
What global impact can rainforest destruction have?
It can affect all countries, not just those where deforestation occurs
Climate change is one of the significant impacts of rainforest destruction.
What role do rainforests play in regulating the climate?
They help regulate the climate and water cycle
Without rainforests, the risks of drought and flooding may increase.
What is sustainable management of rainforests?
Getting resources without damaging the environment for future availability
Sustainable practices ensure the long-term health of rainforest ecosystems.
What is replanting in the context of rainforest management?
Planting new trees to replace those that are cut down
Replanting helps to maintain forest structure and biodiversity.
What is selective logging?
Felling only some trees while most remain
This method is less damaging than clear-cutting an entire area.
What types of logging are considered least damaging?
Horse logging and helicopter logging
These methods involve using horses or helicopters to remove trees instead of heavy trucks.
What is ecotourism?
Tourism that minimizes environmental damage and benefits local people
Ecotourism can raise awareness and provide income without harming ecosystems.
How does ecotourism benefit local communities?
Provides income through guiding, accommodation, and transport
It can reduce reliance on logging or farming, leading to fewer trees being cut down.
What incentive does ecotourism provide for environmental conservation?
If a country’s economy relies on ecotourism, there is an incentive to conserve the environment
This creates a sustainable economic model that values natural resources.
What percentage of Costa Rica is protected from development due to ecotourism?
21%
Ecotourism has become the largest source of income for the country.
Fill in the blank: Ecotourism only allows a _______ number of visitors at a time.
small
This helps to minimize environmental impacts.
True or False: Ecotourism can lead to contamination of land and water supplies.
False
Proper waste disposal is enforced to prevent such contamination.
What is one way to educate the international community about deforestation?
Encourage people to buy products from sustainable sources
Raising awareness about the impacts of deforestation can lead to more sustainable purchasing decisions.
Why might local people damage the forest?
To overcome their poverty
Local communities may not realize the long-term effects of illegal logging and other damaging activities.
What can educating local people about deforestation help with?
Reduce damage to rainforests
Understanding the impacts of their actions can lead to more sustainable practices.
What alternative can be taught to local people to reduce environmental damage?
Alternative ways to make money that don’t damage the environment as much
This can help communities avoid reliance on unsustainable options.
What is an example of an organization teaching sustainable livelihoods?
The Rainforest Alliance in Guatemala
They focus on educating communities about sustainable practices.
What have many countries set up within rainforests to protect them?
National parks and nature reserves
These areas restrict damaging activities like logging.
What challenge do national parks face in enforcing restrictions?
A lack of funds
Insufficient financial resources can hinder effective policing of protected areas.
What have some countries established to fund rainforest conservation?
Funds for overseas governments and businesses to invest in
In exchange for investments, countries commit to conserving their rainforests.
What was the amount Norway paid into Brazil’s Amazon Fund in 2018?
$70 million
This funding was allocated for conservation efforts.
What is a major issue faced by lower income countries with tropical rainforests?
They often borrow money from wealthier countries or organizations
This borrowing creates a cycle of debt that can lead to rainforest exploitation.
What is a consequence of poorer countries needing to repay debt?
They log, farm, and mine in the rainforests to make money
This exploitation is often driven by the need to generate revenue for debt repayment.
What does reducing debt allow rainforest countries to do?
Conserve rainforests
Less financial pressure can lead to better environmental protection.
What is a conservation swap?
Part of a country’s debt is paid off in exchange for a guarantee that the money will be spent on conservation
This arrangement ensures financial resources are directed towards environmental protection.
What was the amount the USA reduced Indonesia’s debt by in 2011?
$29 million
This reduction was part of an agreement to conserve Indonesian rainforests.
What does the term hardwood generally refer to?
Wood from certain tree species, e.g. mahogany or teak
Hardwood is typically dense and hard, making it desirable for furniture.
What is a consequence of high demand for hardwood?
Some tropical hardwood trees are becoming increasingly rare
Increased cutting down of these trees leads to scarcity.
What are in place to prevent illegal logging and promote sustainable hardwood use?
International agreements
These agreements aim to protect forests and promote responsible sourcing.
What does the Forest Stewardship Council® (FS®) mark indicate?
Sustainably-sourced timber
The logo helps consumers choose products that do not contribute to unsustainable deforestation.
