Question 1: Biodiversity: The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or ecosystem. Why is biodiversity important in tropical rainforests?

Answer: Biodiversity maintains ecosystem stability, supports species survival, and provides resources and ecological services vital for the planet.

Question 2: Deforestation: The removal of large areas of forest for other land uses. Name two main human activities that cause deforestation.

Answer: Logging and agriculture (including cattle ranching and crop cultivation).

Question 3: Sustainable management: Practices that aim to conserve resources for future generations. Give an example related to rainforest conservation.

Answer: Selective logging or eco-tourism that reduces environmental impact.

Question 4: Carbon sink: A natural or artificial reservoir that absorbs and stores carbon dioxide. How do rainforests act as carbon sinks?

Answer: Rainforests absorb CO2 through photosynthesis, helping to regulate global climate.

Question 5: Slash-and-burn agriculture: A method of farming where vegetation is cut and burned to clear land. What are its environmental impacts?

Answer: It leads to habitat destruction, soil degradation, and increased carbon emissions.

Question 1: Which region contains the world's largest tropical rainforest?

Answer: Amazon Basin

Question 2: Name three primary causes of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest.

Answer: Logging, agriculture (including cattle grazing), and infrastructure development.

Question 3: What is the role of NGOs like Greenpeace in rainforest conservation?

Answer: They raise awareness, advocate for policy changes, and support sustainable practices.

Question 4: Describe one economic benefit and one environmental cost of logging in tropical rainforests.

Answer: Benefit: Provides employment and economic growth; Cost: Leads to habitat loss and biodiversity decline.

Question 1: Based on the case study, explain how illegal logging has contributed to deforestation in the Amazon.

Answer: Illegal logging accelerates deforestation by removing large areas of forest without sustainable practices, often leading to habitat fragmentation and loss of biodiversity. It bypasses regulations, making forest management difficult and increasing environmental degradation.

Question 2: Identify two social impacts of deforestation on indigenous communities in the Amazon.

Answer: Loss of traditional lands and livelihoods; increased conflict with loggers and land developers.

Question 3: Discuss how international demand for commodities like soy and beef influences deforestation in the Amazon.

Answer: High global demand incentivizes expansion of agriculture and cattle grazing, leading to forest clearing to meet market needs, thus intensifying deforestation.

Question 1: Explain why commercial agriculture is a major driver of deforestation in Southeast Asian rainforests such as Borneo and Sumatra.

Answer: Commercial agriculture, including palm oil plantations, requires large land areas. It involves clearing forests to expand farmland, which is driven by global demand for products. This process results in significant habitat loss, soil erosion, and decreased biodiversity.

Question 2: Analyse how infrastructure development, like road construction, accelerates deforestation in the Congo Basin.

Answer: Roads open up previously inaccessible forest areas, facilitating logging, agriculture, and settlement expansion. This fragmentation makes ecosystems more vulnerable to further deforestation and habitat degradation.

Question 3: Explain the role of global climate change in increasing the rate of rainforest degradation.

Answer: Climate change causes more frequent droughts and extreme weather, weakening trees and making forests more susceptible to fires and pests, thereby accelerating degradation and loss of biodiversity.

Question 1: To what extent are sustainable logging practices effective in reducing deforestation in the Amazon? Discuss the advantages and limitations.

Answer: Sustainable logging, such as selective harvesting and replanting, can reduce environmental impact and help preserve biodiversity, making it a viable strategy when properly enforced. However, limitations include illegal activity, lack of effective monitoring, and economic pressures that incentivize illegal or unsustainable practices. While beneficial, sustainable logging must be part of integrated conservation efforts to be truly effective.

Question 2: Evaluate the success of international conservation initiatives, like REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation), in controlling deforestation in tropical rainforests.

Answer: REDD+ aims to financially reward countries for reducing deforestation through carbon credits, providing economic incentives for conservation. While it has shown promise in reducing emissions and promoting sustainable land use, challenges include ensuring fair distribution of benefits, monitoring effectiveness, and addressing underlying economic drivers such as agriculture expansion. Success varies depending on governance, funding, and local engagement, making it a valuable but not standalone solution. Its effectiveness depends on integration with national policies and local community participation.