Question 1: What is the term used to describe the layer of the rainforest that contains the tallest trees and receives the most sunlight?

Answer: Emergent layer

Question 2: Define 'biodiversity' in the context of tropical rainforests.

Answer: The variety and variability of plant and animal life in an ecosystem

Question 3: What is 'epiphyte' and give an example?

Answer: A plant that grows on another plant for support, e.g., orchids

Question 4: Name the process by which nutrients are recycled in the rainforest soil.

Answer: Nutrient cycling

Question 5: What is the climate type commonly found in tropical rainforests?

Answer: Tropical rainforest climate

Question 1: Name the two major rainforest regions where the majority of the world's tropical rainforests are located.

Answer: Amazon Basin and Congo Basin

Question 2: What climatic conditions are typical of tropical rainforests?

Answer: High temperatures and high rainfall

Question 3: Describe the main layers of the rainforest ecosystem.

Answer: Emergent layer, Canopy, Understory, Forest floor

Question 4: Explain why biodiversity is highest in tropical rainforests.

Answer: Stable climate, abundant resources, complex habitat structures promote diverse species

Question 5: Name one human activity that threatens the characteristics of tropical rainforests.

Answer: Deforestation for agriculture or logging

Question 1: Based on the case study, identify two main ecological features that define the Amazon Rainforest.

Answer: High biodiversity and dense canopy layers

Question 2: Describe how the climate of the Amazon contributes to its biodiversity.

Answer: Consistently warm temperatures and high rainfall create ideal conditions for diverse species

Question 3: Explain the impact of illegal logging on the Amazon rainforest's ecological characteristics.

Answer: Loss of biodiversity, habitat destruction, disruption of nutrient cycling

Question 4: Assess how the Amazon's ecological features support local and global environmental processes.

Answer: The Amazon's biodiversity and dense vegetation play roles in carbon sequestration, climate regulation, and maintaining global oxygen levels, supporting both local livelihoods and global climate stability.

Question 1: Analyse the causes of nutrient-poor soils in tropical rainforests.

Answer: Rapid decomposition and nutrient uptake by plants, leaching due to high rainfall, and heavy rainfall washes nutrients away, leaving soils depleted despite the lush vegetation.

Question 2: Explain why tropical rainforests are often found near the equator.

Answer: The equator provides the consistent high temperatures and rainfall necessary for rainforest ecosystems to thrive, creating a stable climate with minimal seasonal variation.

Question 1: To what extent do current conservation strategies effectively protect the ecological characteristics of tropical rainforests like the Amazon?

Answer: Conservation strategies such as protected areas, sustainable logging, and international agreements have had varying success. While they help preserve biodiversity and reduce deforestation in some regions, illegal activities, economic pressures, and insufficient enforcement limit their overall effectiveness. A balanced approach combining local community involvement, stricter policies, and global cooperation is essential for long-term protection.