Geography Rainforests (copy)

Tropical Rainforest

Dense, warm forests located near the equator with high precipitation and diverse ecosystems.

Convectional Rainfall

A weather phenomenon where heated air rises, cools, and condenses into rain, often associated with thunderstorms.

Layers of a Rainforest

Five distinct layers: forest floor, shrub layer, understory, canopy, and emergent layer.

Emergents

The tallest trees in the rainforest that rise above the canopy, reaching up to 60 meters.

Canopy Layer

A thick layer formed by upper branches and leaves of tall trees, crucial for biodiversity.

Nutrient Cycle

The ecological process of nutrient exchange and recycling within a rainforest ecosystem.

Leaching

The process of rainwater dissolving and washing away vital nutrients from the soil.

Fallout

The decomposition of fallen leaves and organic matter that enriches the soil.

Sustainable Living

Practices aimed at fulfilling present needs while preserving resources for future generations.

Slash and Burn Technique

An agricultural method of clearing land by cutting and burning vegetation.

Biodiversity

The variety of life forms within an ecosystem, crucial for ecological balance.

Epiphytes

Plants that grow on other plants for support, commonly found in rainforest canopies.

Under Canopy Layer

The area below the canopy, consisting of younger trees and species adapted to low light.

Human Geography

The study of human activities and their relationship with the environment.

Physical Geography

The branch focused on natural processes and features of the Earth.

Environmental Geography

The study of interactions between humans and their environments.

Nutrient Poor Soil

Soil with low nutrients due to rapid absorption by plants and leaching.

Adaptation in Ecology

Biological features and behaviors that enable organisms to survive in specific environments.

Drip Tips

Leaf structures that help water run off, preventing algae growth.

Prehensile Tail

An adaptation in some mammals allowing them to grasp branches.

Camouflage

A survival adaptation that helps animals blend into their environment.

Favelas

Informal housing settlements in Brazil, often marked by poverty.

Pull Factors

Positive aspects that attract people to a new location.

Push Factors

Negative conditions that drive people away from their current residence.

Intervening Obstacles

Barriers that hinder migration processes.

Nutrient Poor Rainforest Soil

Thin, mineral-rich soil with limited nutrient availability.

Climate Graphs

Visual representations of temperature and precipitation trends.

Deforestation

The large-scale clearing of forests, leading to ecological damage.

Palm Oil Environmental Issues

The connection between palm oil production and deforestation.

Hydroelectric Dams

Structures generating electricity from flowing water.

Mining and Environmental Impact

The extraction of minerals that causes ecological harm.

Eco-Tourism

Responsible travel aimed at conserving the environment.

Indigenous Tribes

The original inhabitants of a region with unique cultural practices.

Cultivation

The preparation of land for growing crops.

Canopy Animals

Species that primarily inhabit the upper layers of rainforests.

Environmental Activism

Efforts aimed at protecting the environment and promoting sustainability.

Plant Adaptations

Traits that help plants survive in specific environments.

Animal Adaptations

Physical traits or behaviors that enhance survival chances.

Resource Exploitation

Unsustainable use of natural resources for economic gain.

Soil Erosion

The wearing away of topsoil due to environmental factors.

Statistical Evidence

Quantifiable data supporting claims in research.

Conflict Over Resources

Tensions arising from competition for limited natural resources.

Sustainable Logging Practices

Timber harvesting methods that minimize ecological impact.

Global Impact of Rainforests

The effect of rainforests on global climate and biodiversity.

Climate Change

Long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns.

Wilderness Preservation

Efforts to protect and conserve natural areas.

Ecological Footprint

Measurement of human demand on Earth's ecosystems.

Rainforest Ecosystem

A complex network of interacting organisms within a rainforest.

Conservation Strategies

Planned approaches to protect natural resources and habitats.

Urban Migration

Movement of people from rural areas to urban centers.

Rural Life in Rainforest Areas

Traditional practices aligned with sustainable resource use.

Vulnerable Species

Species at risk of extinction due to various threats.

Traditional Medicine

Healing practices utilizing natural resources from rainforests.

Shifting Cultivation Farming

Agricultural method involving rotation of cultivated plots.

Urbanization Impact

The alteration of local environments due to urban growth.