the amazon

• where is the amazon located?

  covers 40% of south america (8 countries)
• what is it home to?

  20 million people and 20% species (17% lost by deforestation)
• what is the weather like?

  27° - warm and wet

  150mm of rainfall
• what are the 4 layers?


  forest floor

  shrub

  under canopy

  canopy

  emergents
• what are the adaptations of buttress roots?

  30m wide

  help trees reach the sun
• what are the adaptations of drip tip leaves?

  allows water to drip off ends - promoting drainage of water
• what are the adaptations of the spider monkey?

  strong tail to travel around quickly
• what are the adaptations of the poison dart frog?

  sticky feet pads to help with climbing
• causes of deforestation

  logging

  population growth

  mining

  cattle ranching

  roads
• what is the management in the amazon?

  education

  ecotourism

  international agreements

  selective logging
• What is the primary method used by farmers to avoid clearing new forest?

  Using already empty land for farming
• How does subsistence farming benefit the Amazon rainforest?

  It prevents unnecessary deforestation and preserves biodiversity
• What farming practices are encouraged to maintain soil health?

  Crop rotation and agroforestry
• What do international agreements help prevent in the Amazon rainforest?

  Illegal logging and protect rainforests
• What does CITES stand for and what does it do?

  Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
• What is the purpose of REDD+?

  To provide financial incentives for forest protection
• Why do many tropical rainforest countries borrow money?

  To cope with emergencies
• What happens when governments allow logging and mining for income?

  They often do so to pay off high-interest debts
• How much did the USA reduce Peru’s debt in 2008?

  $25 million
• What is one benefit of debt relief for rainforest countries?

  It allows focus on conservation instead of deforestation
• What do countries receive in exchange for rainforest protection?

  Financial aid
• What are national parks and nature reserves created for?

  To restrict logging and mining activities
• What is a challenge faced by conservation programs?

  Lack of consistent funding for enforcement
• What illegal activities still occur despite international agreements?

  Illegal logging, mining, and land clearance
• What drives deforestation in the Amazon rainforest?

  Global demand for timber, cattle, and soy
• How does population pressure affect the Amazon rainforest?

  It increases land needed for housing and agriculture
• What are the key strategies for sustainable management of the Amazon Rainforest?

  • Subsistence farming
  • International agreements (CITES, REDD+)
  • Debt relief
  • Education and conservation
  • Selective logging
  • Ecotourism
• What are the challenges and limitations of rainforest conservation?

  • Funding issues
  • Corruption and illegal activities
  • Demand for resources
  • Population pressure
• What is the overall goal of sustainable management of the Amazon Rainforest?

  • Balance economic needs with conservation
  • Ensure a sustainable future for the Amazon
• What are buttress roots?

  Large, wide roots supporting tall trees
• How do buttress roots help trees in the rainforest?

  They anchor trees against strong winds and rainfall
• What is the function of buttress roots in nutrient absorption?

  They increase surface area for nutrient uptake
• How do lianas adapt to the rainforest environment?

  They climb trees to reach sunlight
• What is the advantage of lianas using tree trunks for support?

  It allows them to avoid growing thick stems
• How do lianas maximize photosynthesis?

  Leaves and branches grow at the top
• What are drip tips in rainforest plants?

  Pointed tips on leaves for water drainage
• How do drip tips benefit rainforest plants?

  They prevent water buildup and fungal growth
• Why are drip tips important in a humid environment?

  They help plants survive high rainfall conditions
• How is a toucan adapted to the rainforest?

  It has a large, lightweight beak
• What is the purpose of a toucan's large beak?

  To reach fruit from branches it can't support