Unit 1B - the living world (2. tropical rainforests ) Flashcards
how tall do the trees grow
45 m high
how many species are there in a single hectare of a TRF
100 species
where are TRFs found
broad belt through the tropics in central and south America, south east Asia, central africa, northern Australia
what is the average rain fall for TRFs per year
2000mm a year
what temperatures do TRFs thrive in
27 degrees
why is the temperature in Brazil rainforest high
high and constant through out the year, because powerful sun is overhead
why is the rainfall in Brazil rainforest high
global atmospheric circulation causes areas of low pressure to form at the equator. rising air creates clouds and triggers heavy rainfall
what is the soil like
infertile, most nutrients is found on the surface where leaves decompose.
what plants and animals are there
over half of all plant and animal species live on just 7 percent of the earths land
what is biodiversity
providing habitats for an enormous range of species
how do plant adapt to rainforest (physical conditions)
most plants are found in the canopy where there is most light. biotic factors like a close relationship with abiotic factors.
state some facts about malaysia
country in south-east Asia
natural vegetation is the TRF
67% of Malaysia is rainforest
what is deforestation
cutting down of trees often on a very large scale. timber is a highly valued export, lan can be used to make profit.
rate of deforestation in Malaysia
2000 and 2013, total forest lost was an area larger than denmark
what are threats to Malaysia’s rainforests
logging mineral extraction settlement and population growth subsistence farming commercial farming
what is logging
the activity or business of felling trees and cutting and preparing the timber.
what is mineral extraction
The removal of solid mineral resources from the earth
how can rainforests be managed sustainably
ensure rainforests remain lasting for future generations
allow valuable rainforest resources to be used without causing long term damage to the environment
most damaging form of deforestation
clear felling.
more sustainable approach than clear felling
selective logging and replanting
what is conservation and eduction
rainforests are preserved in conservation areas such as national parks, used for education and research
what is ecotourism
aims to introduce people to the natural world to benefit local communities. the income generated keeps the rainforests safe. sustainable option than cutting down trees for short-term profit.
what are international agreements
the importance of rainforests is being recognised more. international agreements are being made to protect the rainforests. e.g. hardwood forestry, FSC international organisation that promotes sustainable forestry, try to educate, aims to reduce the value of rare and valuable hardwood
what is debt reduction
some countries borrow money to fund developments. some donor countries and organisations have reduced debts for an agreement that rainforests will not be defroested.
what are the impacts of deforestation in malaysia
soil erosion
loss of biodiversity
contribution to climate change
economic development
what is soil erosion
soil takes thousands of years to form and can be stripped away in hours. removal of soil by wind rain is called soil erosion. deforestation means the soil can easily become loose and erode.
what is loss of biodiversity
deforestation destroys many habitats. reduces biodiversity
what are the economic gains of defroestation
more jobs
improved transport and infrastructure
rates of deforestation
every 2 seconds one hectare is being destroyed
why should tropical rainforests be protected
biodiversity climate change climate medicine resources water people
