APES Forestry and fires (5.2 and 5.17)

What is deforestation?

The permanent removal of trees to make room for something other than forest.

What are forest fires?

Uncontrolled fires that burn in forests and can be caused by natural or human activities.

What is the importance of forests?

Forests provide oxygen, store carbon, maintain biodiversity, and protect watersheds.

What is reforestation?

The process of planting trees in an area where a forest has been cut down.

What is afforestation?

The process of creating new forests by planting trees in an area that has not previously been forested.

What are the major causes of forest fires?

Common causes include lightning strikes, human activity, and climatic conditions.

What is the role of fire in forest ecology?

Fire can help maintain ecosystem health by clearing dead trees and promoting new growth.

What is a prescribed burn?

A controlled fire set intentionally to manage vegetation and reduce wildfire risk.

What is clear-cutting?

A logging practice where most or all trees in an area are removed.

What are the environmental effects of deforestation?

Ecological disruption, loss of biodiversity, increased greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change.

What is sustainable forestry?

Forest management that meets current needs without compromising future generations.

What is a canopy in forestry?

The upper layer formed by the tops of trees in a forest.

What is an endemic species?

A species native to a particular area and not found elsewhere.

What is the difference between hardwood and softwood?

Hardwoods come from angiosperm trees and are denser; softwoods come from conifers and are lighter.

What are the benefits of forest ecosystems?

They provide habitat, regulate climate, purify air, and maintain soil fertility.

What is erosion?

The process of soil and rock being worn away, often exacerbated by deforestation.

What is habitat fragmentation?

The process where a large forest is divided into smaller, isolated patches.

What is silviculture?

The practice of managing and cultivating forests.

What are secondary forests?

Forests that regrow after a primary forest has been disturbed.

What is agroforestry?

A land management system that combines agriculture and forestry.

What is a wildfire?

A large, uncontrolled fire that spreads rapidly and can cause extensive damage.

What are some common forest management techniques?

Thinning, clear-cutting, selective logging, and shelterwood cutting.

What is a nurse tree?

A tree that facilitates the growth of other trees by providing shade and shelter.

What are invasive species?

Non-native species that disrupt local ecosystems.

What is a fire management plan?

A strategy to manage fire risks in a given area while protecting resources.

What are keystone species?

Species that have a disproportionately large effect on their environment.

What is forest biodiversity?

The variety of plant and animal life in forest ecosystems.

What is the significance of old-growth forests?

They support unique ecosystems and have high conservation value.

What is logging?

The process of cutting down trees for timber or pulp.

What is carbon sequestration?

The process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide, often done by trees.

What is the impact of forest fires on air quality?

Forest fires release particulate matter and toxins, deteriorating air quality.

What role do forests play in water cycle?

Forests regulate watershed health, maintain soil moisture, and influence rainfall patterns.

What are the three zones of a forest?

The understory, canopy, and forest floor.

What is biomass?

Organic material obtained from plants and animals that can be used for energy.

What is the concept of forest stewardship?

Responsible planning and management of forest resources for sustainable use.

What is forest certification?

A process that ensures forests are managed sustainably according to specific standards.

What is tree thinning?

A silvicultural practice that removes some trees to improve the growth of remaining trees.

What is a forest edge?

The transition area between a forest and a more open area.

How do wildfires affect wildlife?

Wildfires can destroy habitats but may also create new ones in the long run.

What is the role of fungi in forests?

Fungi decompose organic material, recycle nutrients, and form symbiotic relationships with trees.

What is the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO)?

An intergovernmental organization promoting sustainable forest management in tropical regions.

What is the Salix genus known for?

Commonly recognized for willows that often grow near water and help stabilize riverbanks.

What is overgrazing?

When livestock graze too much vegetation, leading to soil degradation and ecosystem disruption.

What is the UN's REDD+ program?

A framework aimed at reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation.

What is the role of trees in mitigating climate change?

Trees absorb CO2, reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

What is a deciduous tree?

A tree that loses its leaves seasonally, often in the fall.

What are mixed forests?

Forests with both coniferous and deciduous trees.

What is the purpose of a forest inventory?

To assess forest resources, including timber volume, species composition, and health.

What does the term 'forest succession' refer to?

The process of change in the species structure and ecosystem over time.

What is clearcutting's impact on biodiversity?

Clearcutting can lead to rapid loss of species and ecosystem complexity.

What is the Federal Forest Restoration Program?

A U.S. initiative aimed at restoring forest ecosystems and reducing wildfire risks.