Tropical Rainforests

Physical Characteristics of a tropical rainforests

Found close to the equator-where the climate is hot and humid. 2000-3000mm rainfall/ 25-30^oC/ No distinct seasons

What are the links between climate, water, soil, plants, animals and people within a tropical rainforest

• The hot wet climate supports the grow of the vegetation.

• The dense vegetation provides shelter and food for many species.

• Insects and animals pollinate plants and spread seeds enabling them to reproduce elsewhere.

• The nutrients from dead species go into the soil and the trees release moisture into the atmosphere forming rain.

Plants adaptations in a tropical rainforest

• Tall trees have buttress roots that appear above the ground, absorbing nutrients from the soil and keep tall trees stable as they grow

• Plants have large leaves which increase their surface area to capture more sunlight for photosynthesis

• Drip tips helps the plants to shed heavy rainfall to prevent damage

• Waxy leaf coating protects leaves from harsh sunlight

Animal adaptations in a tropical rainforests

• Chameleons can change colour which helps them hide more easily from their predators

• Monkeys have a tail so they are able to swing between branches in the canopy

• Toucans has long strong beaks and are able to eat food with tough outer shells

Changing rate of deforestation

Estimated that 50% of the world’s tropical rainforests have been lost of deforestation over the last 100 years. In Indonesia, large areas of rainforest are being cleared to make way for palm oil plantations

Causes of Deforestation

Commercial farming: Large areas of the Amazon rainforest have been cleared to make way for livestock rearing. The rearing of cattle takes account for 80% of deforestation in Brazil

Subsistence farming: Forests are being cleared to make vast plantations, crops. In Brazil, soybeans, palm oil and sugar cane are the major crops

Mineral extraction: In Brazil, minerals such as gold, bauxite and copper are mined extensively, causing huge scars in the landscape and polluting rivers

Energy development: Brazil, the Belo Monte dam is a hydro electric power dam flooding more than 40,500 hectares of rainforest

Impact of deforestation

Economic Development: Development of land for mining, farming and energy will lead to more jobs. HEP will provide cheap and plentiful energy. Number of tourists attracted by rainforests could decrease and pollution of water sources leading to water shortages

Soil Erosion: When trees are removed from an area, the soil is no longer protected by the tree canopy. The soil erodes and its nutrients are leached preventing plant growth

Climate change: Trees cut down release carbon back into the atmosphere adding to the greenhouse effect.

Value of the tropical rainforests to people and the environment

25% of medicine comes from tropical rainforests. They are rich in resources of cocoa, sugar and spices. High rainfall creates the potential for HEP.

20% of freshwater comes from the Amazon Basin. Contains 50% of the world’s plants and animals. Rainforests absorb carbon dioxide limiting greenhouse effect

Sustainable management of the tropical rainforests

Debt Reduction: High income countries agree to write off debts in return for rainforests being protect. In 2010, the USA agreed to convert a Brazilian debt of £13.5 million into a fund to protect areas of rainforest

Selective logging and replanting: Trees are selected to be cut down and extracted to minimise damage to other trees. New trees are planted to ensure the system is sustainable

Ecotourism: Form of tourism that supports conservation and wildfire and benefitting local people. Minimises the damaged to the environment caused by tourism and creates opportunities for employment for local people.