True or false?
The abiotic and biotic components of tropical rainforests are independent of each other.
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True or false?
The abiotic and biotic components of tropical rainforests are independent of each other.
False.
The abiotic and biotic components of tropical rainforests are interdependent for survival (food, water and shelter).
What is a buttress root?
A buttress root is a large root that provides stability for trees that can grow up to 40 meters in height.
Define epiphyte.
An epiphyte is a plant that grows on another plant. An epiphyte depends on the plant for support but not nutrients.
State the meaning of leaching.
Leaching is the process by which nutrients are washed out of the soil.
What is the definition of decomposition?
Decomposition is the process by which organic matter is broken down into simpler forms of matter.
Why is biodiversity high in tropical rainforests?
Biodiversity is high in tropical rainforests because it has:
High constant temperatures of 26°C to 30°C
Around 2000 mm of rainfall a year
High levels of humidity
Good levels of sunlight all year
Constant growing season
High levels nutrients
Define nutrient cycling.
Nutrient cycling is the process by which nutrients are transferred between biotic and abiotic components within an ecosystem.
What does the Gersmehl model show?
The Gersmehl model is a proportional diagram that is used to show how nutrients enter, exit, are stored, and are transferred within an ecosystem.
Define trophic level.
A trophic level is a level in a food chain or food web that describes the position of an organism in the energy transfer process.
What is the primary producer in a tropical rainforest food web?
The primary producers in a tropical rainforest food web are the plants.
True or false?
Tropical rainforests have 3 distinct layers.
False.
Tropical rainforests have five distinct layers.
Ground layer (0m)
Shrub layer (3–4 m)
Under canopy (15m)
Canopy (30m)
Emergents (45-55m)
Define the term drip tip.
Drip tips are plant leaves with pointy tips. These allow water to run off the leaves quickly without damaging or breaking the leaves.
State an adaptation that animals have made because of the many rivers in the rainforest.
Many animals have learned to swim or have webbed feet because of the many rivers in the rainforest.
Why are tree roots shallow in the rainforest?
Tree roots in the rainforest have adapted to be shallow and spread horizontally to get as much nutrients from the top layer of soil as they can because the soil is nutrient poor due to leaching.
What is the definition of goods?
Goods are the physical products and items that can be used by people from the tropical rainforest.
Name a food good from tropical rainforests.
Foods such as fruits, nuts, and spices.
What service do tropical rainforests provide for the climate?
A service that tropical rainforests provide for the climate is climate control and carbon sinks (forests store carbon).
State a service tropical rainforests provide for air and water.
Tropical rainforests provide air and water purification by absorbing carbon dioxide, producing oxygen and storing water.
True or false?
Tropical rainforests provide habitats for plants and animals.
True.
Tropical rainforests provide habitats for plants and animals.
What medicine is derived from the Madagascan rosy periwinkle plant?
It can help treat childhood leukaemia.
What service do tree roots provide in tropical rainforests?
Protection against soil erosion by binding the soil.
What is a threat of climate change to tropical rainforest biodiversity?
Species may go extinct if unable to adapt fast enough.
True or false?
The biodiversity in tropical rainforests can rapidly adapt to climate change.
False.
Biodiversity cannot adapt fast enough to the changing climate, leading to migration, extinction or invasion of new species.
What threat does sea level rise pose to some tropical rainforest regions?
Sea level rises would threaten river delta regions such as the Amazon delta.
What is deforestation?
Deforestation is the removal of trees from land for non-forest use.
Name a social cause of deforestation.
Population pressure - more space needed for housing as population grows.
Name an economic cause of deforestation.
Logging and timber export.
What is "slash and burn" related to?
Slash and burn techniques are used for clearing land for cattle ranching.
What is a cause of deforestation in the Amazon related to mining?
Valuable minerals like iron ore are found in the Amazon rainforest. Trees are cleared to make room for the mines and infrastructure.
True or false?
Road building can lead to deforestation.
True.
Road building, such as the Trans-Amazon Highway, causes deforestation.
What agricultural export has driven deforestation in the Amazon?
Growing soybeans, which was Brazil's leading export, has caused deforestation.
What is a cause of deforestation related to energy production?
Hydroelectric power stations in the Amazon have resulted in flooding of rainforest areas.
Name an economic factor driving deforestation for cattle ranching.
Brazil is the leading producer of beef, requiring land clearing for ranches.
What is a social cause of Amazon deforestation by the Brazilian government?
The government wanted to open up the interior Amazon to reduce poverty.
What percentage of Malaysia's land is covered by tropical rainforest?
Almost 70% of the land is covered by tropical rainforest.
Name an education strategy for raising awareness about rainforest conservation in Malaysia.
The Ministry of Education has integrated Environmental Education into the school curriculum.
What does the Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC) certify?
It certifies timber companies using sustainable management methods.
What is selective logging?
Selective logging involves only cutting selected mature/commercial trees over a cycle to allow re-establishment.
What is heli-logging?
Heli-logging uses helicopters to target and remove individual trees, reducing logging impact.
What is a benefit of ecotourism for local communities in Malaysian rainforests?
A benefit of ecotourism is that it provides income for local communities who can work as guides.
What are biosphere reserves?
Biosphere reserves are areas where no development or deforestation is allowed.
Name one Malaysian biosphere reserve.
One Malaysian biosphere reserve where no development or deforestation is allowed is Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve.
What international agreement helps protect rainforests?
Debt-for-nature swaps where countries agree to protect rainforests in return for debt cancellation.
Define the term ecotourism.
Ecotourism is sustainable travel to natural areas that support the fauna, flora, and local economy.