Tropical Rainforest: Goods & Services (Edexcel GCSE Geography A)

Foods such as fruits, nuts, and spices

Animal products such as meat and fur

Climate control and carbon sinks. Trees are important natural stores of carbon, and tropical rainforests are huge carbon sinks

Products such as rubber and resins for chewing gum, perfume and soaps

Palm oil is used in cosmetics, confectionary, detergents and other products

Air and water purification.  Rainforests absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, which is vital in the fight against climate change. Trees act as a water store by intercepting rainfall

Water for domestic, industrial, and agricultural purposes and generate electricity

Habitats for plants, animals, and humans. Rainforests have spiritual and cultural benefits

Medicines to treat and cure diseases and pain relief

The Madagascan rosy periwinkle, which can be poisonous, can help treat childhood leukaemia

TRFs provide a source of revenue from employment, recreation and tourism

Timber for construction, garden furniture, and fuel for heat and cooking

Protection against soil erosion. Tree roots bind the soil together, which not only supports the tree but also prevents soil being washed away

Structure

Biomass store will be reduced as longer periods of dry conditions slow down decomposition

The soil structure will change as it is no longer able to support plant life because it is not fertile. The roots of plants and trees no longer hold the soil together so it is easily eroded

Sea level rises would threaten river delta regions such as the Amazon delta

Function

Cloud functioning will be disturbed, reducing the amount of water available for ecosystem function

Less rainfall increases risk of drought and a greater chance of wildfires

The nutrient cycling function will stop or slow down

Biodiversity

A drier climate threatens plant and animal adaptations, leading to migration, extinction or invasion of new species as biodiversity cannot adapt to the changing climate fast enough

Fewer trees would change biodiversity and habitats