Question 1: Define deforestation and explain its primary causes.

Answer: Deforestation is the removal of trees and forests, primarily caused by agriculture, logging, and urban development.

Question 2: Describe two ecological consequences of deforestation on biodiversity.

Answer: Loss of habitats leading to species decline; reduction in genetic diversity among species.

Question 1: If a forest covering 1500 hectares loses 3% of its area annually due to deforestation, calculate the area lost after 5 years. Use the formula: Area lost = initial area × percentage loss per year × number of years.

Answer: 225 hectares

Question 2: A study reports that deforestation in a region increases carbon dioxide emissions by 200 tonnes per year. Calculate the total emissions over 10 years, assuming the rate remains constant.

Answer: 2000 tonnes

Question 1: Outline a basic experimental design to investigate the effect of deforestation on local bird populations, including variables and safety precautions.

Answer: Experimental design includes selecting two similar areas, one deforested and one forested. Variables include bird population size (dependent), deforestation status (independent), and weather conditions (controlled). Safety precautions involve avoiding habitat disturbance and using appropriate protective equipment.

Question 1: A region experienced a 25% decrease in forest cover over a decade, resulting in a 40% decline in local amphibian species. Explain the possible ecological reasons for this decline.

Answer: The loss of forest cover reduces habitat availability and breeding sites for amphibians, increases exposure to predators and environmental stressors, and disrupts ecological balance, leading to a decline in their populations.

Question 1: Explain how deforestation contributes to climate change. (6 marks)

Answer: Deforestation releases stored carbon in trees as carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere, increasing global warming. It also reduces the number of trees that absorb CO₂, further exacerbating climate change. Additionally, loss of forest cover affects local and global climate patterns by altering rainfall and temperature regulation.

Question 2: Which of the following are direct effects of deforestation? (Select all that apply)

Answer: ["Loss of biodiversity","Increased soil erosion","Altered water cycles"]

Question 1: Describe how sustainable logging practices can minimise the ecological impact of deforestation.

Answer: Sustainable logging involves selective cutting, replanting trees, and maintaining forest ecosystems to reduce habitat loss and ensure forest regeneration.

Question 2: Explain the role of international agreements, such as REDD+, in combating deforestation.

Answer: REDD+ provides financial incentives to developing countries to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation by promoting conservation, sustainable management, and enhancement of forest carbon stocks.