Unit 2 biomes Flashcards
What is the Borneo Rainforest known for?
One of the most biodiverse regions in the world
It is home to rare species such as orangutans, pygmy elephants, and proboscis monkeys.
What percentage of original forest cover has Borneo lost since the 1970s due to palm oil plantations?
Over 39%
This deforestation contributes to habitat destruction and exacerbates climate change.
What is one major environmental consequence of palm oil cultivation in Borneo?
Habitat destruction
Endangering species like orangutans.
True or False: Borneo has one of the lowest rates of illegal logging in the world.
False
Borneo has one of the highest rates of illegal logging.
What are some consequences of illegal logging in Borneo?
Reduced forest density and increased vulnerability to fires
Also makes ecosystems more susceptible to invasive species.
What catastrophic event occurred in Kalimantan in 2019?
Fires destroyed nearly 860,000 hectares of forest
Released vast amounts of greenhouse gases.
What health issue arose from the forest fires in Borneo?
Severe air pollution
Resulting in health crises for local populations.
What is the Heart of Borneo Initiative?
A joint effort by Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei to conserve 220,000 square kilometers of forest
Focuses on sustainable land-use practices and biodiversity conservation.
What is one international program aimed at reducing emissions from deforestation?
REDD+ Program
A United Nations-backed initiative.
What is one significant environmental issue faced by the Yamal Peninsula?
Thawing permafrost
Leads to the release of stored methane and carbon dioxide.
What phenomenon has been observed in Yamal due to methane gas releases?
Giant methane craters
Over 20 craters have been documented, some over 30 meters in diameter.
What is a major consequence of industrial exploitation in Yamal?
Habitat destruction
Pollution and increased human activity disrupt sensitive areas.
How does industrial development threaten the Nenets people’s lifestyle?
Disruption of traditional routes and pastures
Forces many Nenets to abandon their nomadic way of life.
What is one of the social consequences of climate change for the Nenets communities?
Cultural erosion
Economic hardships are becoming prevalent.
What is a significant impact of rising temperatures on biodiversity in Yamal?
Habitat shrinkage for species adapted to extreme cold
Invasive species are beginning to enter the region.
What collaborative organization focuses on sustainable development in Arctic regions?
Arctic Council
Works on climate change mitigation.
Fill in the blank: The Yamal Peninsula is rich in _______ reserves.
[natural gas]
This makes it a focal point for Russia’s energy industry.
What do monitoring programs in Yamal aim to study?
Permafrost changes and methane emissions
To develop predictive models.
What is the challenge faced by industrial development and permafrost thawing in Yamal?
Threat to both ecosystem and indigenous lifestyle
Balancing economic interests with ecological and cultural preservation remains daunting.
