geog

• What percentage of the earth's surface do tropical rainforests cover?

  Approximately 6%
• Why are tropical rainforests significant despite covering a small area of the earth's surface?

  They support the largest concentration of plant and animal species on Earth
• What are the common climatic characteristics of tropical rainforests?

  They are generally hot and wet with high annual rainfall
• What is a common characteristic of rainfall in tropical rainforests?

  High levels of humidity
• How do the hot, moist conditions of tropical rainforests affect soil quality?

  Soils are often poor due to rapid absorption of minerals by plants
• What is the estimated biomass of tropical rainforests compared to other ecosystems?

  They have the highest biomass of any ecosystem
• How much of the world’s biodiversity is found in tropical rainforests?

  Over 60% of the world’s biodiversity
• How many different species of plants and animals are estimated to be in tropical rainforests?

  Over 15 million different species
• What is the average number of fish species found in one hectare of the Amazon rainforest?

  1,500 species of fish
• What role do animals play in the tropical rainforest ecosystem?

  They form a complex food web depending on each other to survive
• What are the layers of the tropical rainforest and their characteristics?

  • Emergent: Trees over 30 meters tall
  • Canopy: Dense tree cover protecting the ground
  • Understorey: Woody plants and shrubs in humid conditions
  • Ground layer: Decomposed material and scattered plants
• How many prescription drugs are derived from rainforest plants?

  120 prescription drugs
• What percentage of Western pharmaceuticals are derived from rainforest ingredients?

  25%
• What is the significance of the tropical rainforest in terms of cancer-fighting drugs?

  Two-thirds or more of all drugs with cancer-fighting properties come from the rainforest
• What is Vincristine/Vinblastine used to treat?

  Leukaemia and Hodgkin’s Disease
• What is the role of the rainforest in the global carbon balance?

  They act as a global carbon sink and climate regulator
• How do tropical rainforests help reduce local risks?

  They help reduce local risks of erosion and flooding
• How many indigenous tribes depend on the rainforest for survival?

  Over a thousand indigenous tribes
• What is the main threat to tropical rainforests?

  Illegal activities such as logging, mining, and agriculture
• What is the estimated percentage of deforestation caused by illegal activities?

  50%
• What are the consequences of deforestation on local communities?

  Local people become impoverished and move to cities in search of work
• What was agreed upon at the Paris Climate Summit in 2015 regarding tropical rainforests?

  Countries agreed to reduce carbon emissions and restore forests by 2030
• How much financial support have Germany, Norway, and the UK promised to help with rainforest conservation?

  $1 billion a year
• What is the role of indigenous forest communities in rainforest conservation?

  They have always been the traditional protectors of the forest
• What is the estimated rate of rainforest reduction each year?

  1–2%
• What are the main causes of deforestation in tropical rainforests?

  Logging, mining, agriculture, and land clearing for various uses
• How has the deforestation rate changed from 2000 to 2010 in various countries?

  Some countries have seen significant increases or decreases in deforestation rates
• What is the impact of illegal deforestation on the environment?

  It causes huge amounts of environmental destruction
• What percentage of deforestation in tropical rainforests is estimated to be due to illegal activities?

  50%
• Why do illegal activities contribute little to the wellbeing of the population in tropical rainforests?

  They create few opportunities for local people and bring no benefit to the government
• What is the impact of illegal deforestation on the environment?

  It causes huge amounts of environmental destruction due to lack of regulation
• What are the main causes of deforestation in Brazil from 2000 to 2012?

  • Total forest loss: 30.6 Mha
  • 79% due to beef production
  • 75% of soy is exported
  • 90% of deforestation due to commercial agriculture
• What are the main causes of deforestation in Bolivia from 2000 to 2012?

  • Total forest loss: 2.8 Mha
  • 90% due to soy production
  • 75% of production is exported
  • 75% of deforestation due to commercial agriculture
• What is the estimated impact of new road construction in the Peruvian Amazon?

  It may destroy 275,000 hectares of rainforest
• What are the expected economic benefits of road developments in the Peruvian Amazon?

  They will create trade corridors and tourism opportunities
• What concerns do conservation groups have regarding road developments in the Peruvian Amazon?

  They are worried about the effects on the environment and indigenous communities
• What is Peru's rank on the Human Development Index?

  77th out of 187 countries
• What percentage of the population in rural Peru lives below the national poverty line?

  50%
• How does life expectancy in Lima compare to rural areas in Peru?

  People in Lima can expect to live almost 20 years longer
• What are some key development statistics for Peru?

  • Gross national income: $11,295
  • Infant mortality: 19 per 1000 population
  • Doctors: 1.1 per 1000 population
  • Access to clean water: 91% urban, 69% rural
  • Access to sanitation: 82% urban, 53% rural
  • Internet access: 40%