GCSE AQA Geography - Tropical rain forests

Vocabulary flashcards based on the geographical concepts related to tectonic hazards and tropical rainforests.

Tropical Rainforest Location

Found near the equator, between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, in countries like Brazil, Indonesia, and the DR Congo.

Climate in Tropical Rainforests

Hot and wet all year round, with temperatures around 27°C and over 2,000mm of rainfall annually.

Biodiversity in Tropical Rainforests

Very high, with over 50% of the world's plant and animal species living in rainforests.

Structure of the Tropical Rainforest

Includes the emergent layer, canopy, understory, and forest floor, each with different conditions and species.

Plant Adaptations in the Rainforest

Features include drip tips to shed water, buttress roots for support, thin bark, and fast-growing species.

Animal Adaptations in the Rainforest

Include camouflage, strong limbs, long tails for balance, bright colors to warn predators, and nocturnal behavior.

Main Causes of Deforestation

Key causes include logging, cattle ranching, agriculture (like soy and palm oil), mining, road building, and population pressure.

Amazon Rainforest Location

Located in South America, mostly in Brazil, but also in Peru, Colombia, and other countries.

Causes of Deforestation in the Amazon

Predominantly caused by cattle ranching (70%), commercial farming (soy), logging, mining, and road building.

Environmental Impacts of Deforestation

Includes loss of biodiversity, climate change, soil erosion, and disruption of the water cycle.

Economic Impacts of Deforestation

Creates jobs in farming and logging, improves infrastructure, but incurs long-term costs due to environmental damage.

Social Impacts of Deforestation

Includes conflicts over land, displacement of indigenous peoples, and improved access to services for some communities.

Sustainable Management of Tropical Rainforests

Involves selective logging, replanting, ecotourism, education, international agreements, and debt-for-nature swaps.

Selective Logging

A method where only certain trees are cut down while leaving the rest intact to minimize damage.

Ecotourism

Tourism that focuses on conserving the environment and supports local communities.

International Agreements on Rainforest Protection

Includes agreements like CITES and the Paris Agreement, plus financial aid from richer countries.

Debt-for-Nature Swap

A deal wherein poorer countries reduce their debt in exchange for commitments to protect rainforests.

Importance of Sustainable Management

Essential for preserving biodiversity, protecting indigenous peoples, reducing carbon emissions, and maintaining ecosystem services.