Question 1: Define 'biodiversity' in the context of tropical rainforests.

Answer: Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of plant and animal species within the rainforest ecosystem.

Question 2: What is meant by 'climate equilibrium' in tropical rainforests?

Answer: It refers to the stable climate conditions characterized by high temperatures and consistent heavy rainfall year-round.

Question 3: Explain the term 'emergent layer' in rainforest structure.

Answer: The emergent layer consists of the tallest trees that rise above the canopy, receiving the most sunlight.

Question 4: Describe 'slash-and-burn' agriculture and its effect on rainforests.

Answer: Slash-and-burn is a farming method where vegetation is cut and burned to clear land, leading to deforestation and habitat loss.

Question 5: Name two major rainforest regions in Africa and South America.

Answer: The Congo Basin in Africa and the Amazon Rainforest in South America.

Question 1: What is the typical annual temperature range in tropical rainforests?

Answer: 26-27°C

Question 2: Which layer of the rainforest receives the most sunlight?

Answer: Emergent layer

Question 3: Name three dominant types of vegetation found in tropical rainforests.

Answer: Lianas, epiphytes, and large canopy trees.

Question 4: What is the main cause of high biodiversity in tropical rainforests?

Answer: The stable climate, diverse habitats, and complex structure support many species.

Question 5: Identify two human activities that threaten rainforest ecosystems.

Answer: Logging and agriculture (including slash-and-burn farming).

Question 1: Based on the Amazon rainforest case, explain how deforestation impacts biodiversity.

Answer: Deforestation reduces habitat availability, leading to loss of plant and animal species, and decreases biodiversity. It also disrupts ecological balance and can lead to extinction of vulnerable species.

Question 2: Analyze how illegal logging in the Amazon affects local communities and global climate change.

Answer: Illegal logging destroys forests, reducing carbon sequestration, contributing to climate change. It also impoverishes local communities by removing resources and undermines sustainable livelihoods.

Question 3: Evaluate the effectiveness of conservation initiatives such as protected areas in the Amazon.

Answer: Protected areas help conserve biodiversity and restrict destructive activities. However, enforcement challenges and illegal activities can limit their effectiveness, requiring comprehensive strategies.

Question 4: Discuss the role of indigenous communities in maintaining rainforest health in the Congo Basin.

Answer: Indigenous communities often manage forests sustainably, using traditional knowledge to conserve biodiversity and prevent deforestation, thus playing a crucial role in rainforest preservation.

Question 1: Explain why high rainfall contributes to the dense vegetation in tropical rainforests.

Answer: High rainfall provides abundant water necessary for plant growth, supporting lush, dense vegetation and diverse ecosystems.

Question 2: Analyse the causes of deforestation in the Amazon and its environmental impacts.

Answer: Causes include logging, agriculture, and infrastructure development driven by economic demands. Environmental impacts include loss of biodiversity, climate change through reduced carbon storage, and disruption of indigenous communities.

Question 3: Describe how climate change could alter the physical characteristics of tropical rainforests in the future.

Answer: Climate change may lead to altered rainfall patterns, increased temperatures, and droughts, potentially causing habitat loss, reduced biodiversity, and shifts in species distributions.

Question 1: To what extent are protected areas sufficient to conserve biodiversity in tropical rainforests? Consider both advantages and limitations.

Answer: Protected areas are crucial for conserving biodiversity by restricting destructive activities and preserving habitats. However, their effectiveness can be limited by inadequate enforcement, illegal activities, and insufficient size or connectivity. Therefore, while vital, protected areas must be complemented by community-based conservation and sustainable practices for comprehensive rainforest preservation.