TROPICAL RAINFORESTS

• where are tropical rainforests found?

  15 north and 15 south of the equator
• tropical rainforests are:

  • hot and wet all year round
  • constant high temperatures
• Typical structure of a tropical rainforest 

  A) emergents

  B) canopy

  C) under canopy

  D) shrub layer

  
• give 2 adaptations of plants in rainforest:

  WAXY LEAVES WITH DRIP TIPS: ensures that rainwater runs off the leaf and does not remain which would encourage mould growth or break the leaf.

  BUTTRESS ROOTS: these large roots above the ground help support the tall trees because roots below the surface are shallow. :
• give 2 adaptations of animal in rainforest:

  SLOTH - algae grow in the fur of the sloth, helping to camouflage it

  TOUCAN - a large bill to reach and cut fruit from the branches of trees. strong allowing them to crack nuts open
• what is deforesation?

  felling and clearance of trees
• 6 human causes: road building, hyrdopower, agriculture, mining, logging and settlements
• what is a natural cause of deforestation?

  wildfires
• impact of deforestation:

  • reduces biodiversity
  • increases CO2, adding to greenhouse effect
  • less fertile and more dry soil
• international strategies for deforestation:

  • UN sustainable development goals
  • countries are relieved of some debt in return for protecting rainforest
  • trade restrictions e.g. the ITTA restricts trade in rainforst timber, the FSC approves wood from sustainable sources
• national strategies for deforestation:

  • selective logging
  • afforestation
• local strategies:

  • agroforestry
  • ecotourism