DEFORESTATION IN THE AMAZONIAN RAINFOREST, BRAZIL
|
|
- Annabelle Lawson
- 7 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 DEFORESTATION IN THE AMAZONIAN RAINFOREST, BRAZIL By Eoin Lysaght The study of this region illustrates the geographical complexity of the economic, Cultural and physical processes taking place there. The Amazonian Rainforest is located in Brazil between 5 degrees North and South of the equator. It takes up a considerable amount of the continent that is South America as can be seen below. It is one of the biologically diverse and economically valuable areas in the world. It has undoubtedly been devastated by the human interferences of extensive agriculture such as cattle ranches as well as both legal and illegal logging and road construction as the graph below shows.
2 CAUSE During the 1950 s and 196O s a new capital city called Brasília was built in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. It was built here to encourage the settlement of the region to exploit its economic resources which include zinc and copper. Today Brasília has a population close to 2,469,489million people. Most of the people living in the region are migrants. According to the 2010 IBGE Census, there were 2,469,489 people residing in the city of Brasília. The census revealed the following numbers: 1,239,882 Brown (Multiracial) people (48.2%), 1,084,418 White people (42.2%), 198,072 Black people (7.7%), 41,522 Asian people (1.6%), 6,128 Amerindian people (0.2%). Therefore the region is quite culturally diverse. To build this new capital city large area of forest were cleared. Further deforestation then occurred when small and originally temporary accommodations were built on the outskirts of the city to house the many migrants hired to build the city. However instead of returning home after the city was built many of these migrants stayed and integrated into the population. During the 1970 s and 1980 s there was a massive amount of overpopulation and also severe poverty in other Brazilian cities. This created vast political difficulties and in a bid to relieve the population pressure in urban areas, the government encouraged the poor people to settle in the forest and clear it for farming and other extensive forms of agriculture. This also promoted the destruction of the forest and led to copious amounts of deforestation. Another factor that led to large amounts of extensive agriculture in the region and therefore the felling
3 of trees is the lack of industry attracted to the region. In the 1990 s Brasília contained mainly poor, less educated people and as a result many industries were not attracted to the region. As a consequence of this the region never developed to the levels that the Brazilian government had hoped it would. Brazil developers and settlers gain ownership of Amazonian lands by simply clearing forest and placing a few head of cattle on the land. Beef producers require more land to herd massive numbers of cattle for the beef trade with Europe and North America. A report written by journalist Jennifer Granholm recently revealed that the beef trade drives 80% of Amazonian deforestation. In the report she states Greenpeace Brazil has released a report at the World Social Forum in Belém showing that up to 80 percent of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest is due to an increase in raising cattle for human consumption. Brazil has quickly become the largest exporter of beef in the world, but they are not satisfied with their current market share and plan to increase production. The plan flies in the face of their supposed commitment to tackle climate change. The country is currently the fourth biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, 75% of which stem from deforestation. Most of the deforestation that occurs is done using the slash and burn technique which leads to uncontrolled forest burning and forest fires which further harms the land. A massive amount of land is required for cattle farming as in demonstrated in the above piechart which highlighted that 60% of deforestation in the Amazon is caused by cattle ranches. It is often said that for every one cow owned an acre of land is required. These cattle farms are often very large to supply the beef to Europe and North America and to remain economically viable. On average these cattle farms can be between 2,000 to 3,000 acres in size. Once built the cows also kick up soil with their hooves. This loose soil is then exposed to both wind and rain splash erosion where all of the vital nutrients are either washed or blown away. As a result of this the land becomes desertified and often infertile. Cash crops are also grown in the region and are an important cause of deforestation. Cash crops such as soya beans and coffee are grown to repay the international debt of Brazil. The land is farmed until it becomes exhausted and infertile. The Brazilian government continues to open up the rainforest to take advantage of its timber and mineral wealth. Timber companies such as Sudamericana Foreign Trade LTD. are given rights to remove forest and sell the timber abroad. The government then gets a portion of the profits and uses it to help pay off international debt and as a result of this they encourage the felling of timber. As the Amazonian rainforest area is rich in resources licenses are also given to mining companies to clear forests and mine for minerals such as zinc and lead. Roads are also being built across the rainforest by the government to allow easy access to various industries and hydroelectric power stations. To construct these roads large areas of forest were cleared. The longest road is he Trans-Amazonian Highway which is a 5,300km road, opened in August 1972 to facilitate settlement and exploration of resources in this vast underpopulated river basin. It has allowed the movement of people and goods to and from previously inaccessible areas.
4 EFFECT Deforestation has had a fatal impact on many native tribal people of the Amazonian rainforest. Before the year 1500 there were roughly 6million native tribal people living in Amazonia. However by the year 2000 there were less than 250,000. By the twenty first century, ninety tribes of native peoples had been wiped out in Brazil alone mainly due to the causes of deforestation. Firstly workers from the mining and logging companies as well as those who were brought over to help build the city of Brasilia spread diseases from their own countries against which the native Amazonians had no immunity. These included diseases such as the common cold, the measles and most importantly smallpox. These diseases especially smallpox have lead to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of native Amazonians as they had never been exposed to these germs before and due to their lack of immunity they were quickly affected and killed. Deforestation also leads to reduction in soil nutrients and eventually the soil becomes infertile. Once the soil has become depleted of nutrients it can no longer support the people who live there. These people are then forced to search for new lands and it can often lead to poverty. It also leads to a further amount of deforestation as part of an ongoing cycle. Deforestation can reduce the amount of CO2 that the soil can absorb from the atmosphere. Within ten years of deforestation beginning, the amount of carbon dioxide in the soil reduced by half. This means that the amount of carbon dioxide in the air had increased. Trees also take in Carbon dioxide and use it for photosynthesis, releasing oxygen as a product. This graph clearly highlights that the increasing amount of CO2 in the air coincides with the deforestation of the region in the 20 th and 21 st centuries. The increased amount of CO2 in the air can cause a lot of damage to humans. It is known to cause various different types of cancer including skin and lung cancer. An increased amount of carbon can also contribute to global warming and it can also make soils less fertile leading to more extensive farming and therefore further deforestation.
5 Another effect of deforestation is that the natural habitat for wildlife is severely reduced. Many animals and insects have not yet been clearly identified and as more of the rainforest is destroyed the chance to study them is lost. As a result of this it can be said that the biodiversity of the region has declined. The magnitude of this loss to the world was most poignantly described by Harvard's Pulitzer Prize-winning biologist Edward O. Wilson over a decade ago when he stated "The worst thing that can happen during the 1980s is not energy depletion, economic collapses, limited nuclear war, or conquest by a totalitarian government. As terrible as these catastrophes would be for us, they can be repaired within a few generations. The one process ongoing in the 1980s that will take millions of years to correct is the loss of genetic and species diversity by the destruction of natural habitats. This is the folly that our descendants are least likely to forgive us for." Yet still the destruction continues. If deforestation continues at current rates, scientists estimate nearly 80 to 90 percent of tropical rainforest ecosystems will be destroyed by the year This destruction is the main force driving a species extinction rate unmatched in 65 million years. The loss of many species of plants is a serious cause for concern as some may contain chemicals that could one day lead to potential cures for diseases such as cancer and AIDS. The U.S. National Cancer Institute has identified 3000 plants that are active against cancer cells. 70% of these plants are found in the rainforest. Twenty-five percent of the active ingredients in today's cancer-fighting drugs come from organisms found only in the rainforest. Vincristine, extracted from the rainforest plant, periwinkle, is one of the world's most powerful anticancer drugs. It has dramatically increased the survival rate for acute childhood leukaemia since its discovery. In 1983, there were no U.S. pharmaceutical manufacturers involved in research programs to discover new drugs or cures from plants. Today, over 100 pharmaceutical companies and several branches of the US government, including giants like Merck and The National Cancer Institute, are engaged in plant research projects for possible drugs and cures for viruses, infections, cancer, and even AIDS. The nutrient cycle is when a leaf falls from a tree it is decomposed and turned into humus by microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria. This humus is then absorbed by the roots of the tree adding further nutrients to it as is seen coinciding with the water cycle of the tropical rainforest biome below.
6 However when the forest is cleared the nutrient cycle is destroyed. Eventually the microorganisms begin to break down the soil itself rather than the dead leaves. As a result of this the soil becomes infertile after 2 or 3 years. When the forest is removed the soil is also left exposed to both wind and rain splash erosion which I have discussed with you earlier. Vital nutrients are blown or washed away from the soil causing it to become infertile. As well as this, increased exposure to high temperature in the Amazon cause the soil to become baked into a hard brick-like surface called laterite soil. This has a hard platy structure and doesn t allow water or other nutrients to pass easily through it. It can t support plant growth and
7 therefore it is useless for farming. Laterite is often cut up into solid blocks and use in the building sector due to its lack of agricultural value which highlights its total infertility as a result of deforestation. SOLUTION Rainforests are such an important resource that they will continue to be exploited for years to come. The issue of how damage to this exploitation can be limited or reduced is a major one. Several possible solutions to this problem exist and the key term in these solutions is sustainable management. An example of sustainable management is agro-forestry. Agroforestry involves the combination of farming and forestry. In the past, farming has been carried out at the expense of the rainforest. However by using agro-forestry farmers and forests can co-exist with one another in the future. People and wildlife benefit equally from this system. The people can get an income from the forest and it will also provide them with a longer term source of income than what is currently available to them. The rainforest biome is damaged as little as possible and therefore there is no loss of biodiversity. Agro-forestry protects the forest surrounding the farms. It also reduces soil erosion and improves soil fertility by providing as much vegetation cover for the soil as possible increasing its level of productivity. It also provides a home as well as a source of income for the native tribal people of Amazonia. Another very simple method of sustainable management is the approach taken by many major European countries and industries where for every one tree felled another three are replanted. This means that deforestation would not occur and it would also mean that the government and the locals would have a longer term source of income than the source that they have now which is relatively short-term. Selective logging is another process which would help to end deforestation. This is where the cutting of an entire species from the area is avoided. By leaving some of the younger trees to develop and grow it will increase their crop yield. Conservation zones are areas where the felling of trees is banned. These areas are only used by the native tribal people, it gives them a place where their way of life is secure from the
8 interferences of mining, urban settlement, logging, hydroelectric power schemes and road building. This map displays the conservation zones in the Amazonian rainforest. A more striking aspect of this map is the significant amount of grey area which conveys that the forest has become desertified as a result of deforestation. Many of these conservation sites are so unique that they have become designated biosphere reserves by the United Nations such as the Manu Biosphere reserve. Ecotourism is another example of sustainable management. Ecotourism is when the forest is turned into a tourist centre and people are given the chance of living life as a native Amazonian. It is something that would work very well in the basin of the Amazon due to its biodiversity. Ecotourism can help to fund efforts to protect and rehabilitate the degraded forest. Money from ecotourism is earned through park entrance fees and in the services sector such as hotels, restaurants as well as in the handicrafts sector as occurred in Costa Rica. It also provides both direct and indirect employment to the region. Direct employment comes in the form of hiring locals as guides whereas indirect employment comes in the form of chefs and drivers as well as cleaners. Bio-prospecting fees are another example of sustainable management. Rainforest countries, and in particular Brazil, can earn money by allowing scientists to explore and develop products from the plant and animal species in the region. An example of this is Costa Rica who entered into an agreement with Merck and other American pharmaceutical companies to allow them look for plants with potential pharmaceutical uses. Under the agreement a portion of the proceeds from plant and animal products that do prove commercially valuable will go to the Costa Rican government which has guaranteed that some of the royalties will be set
9 aside for conservation projects. This idea would also work very well in Brazil and would help them to put an end to deforestation in the Amazonian rainforest. As the graph below shows there has been a substantial amount of deforestation in the Amazon annually for several years. Although there was a lull in the early 1990 s the rate rapidly increased and the greatest amount of deforestation took place between 1995 and 1996 However it is also important to note that the amount of deforestation that has been occurring in the region in the last few years has been steadily decreasing thanks to several sustainable management ideas being put into place. From the veranda of his farmhouse on the outskirts of this isolated riverside settlement, Gilvan Onofre can hear the helicopters coming, their rotors slicing through the humid Amazon air."there is no longer any way of hiding," sighed Onofre, a 70-year-old cattle rancher who moved to the region in the 1970s seeking his fortune and admits to having destroyed huge tracts of rainforest. "Everyone knows that Ibama is photographing us and what we are doing from two meters above." Ibama is Brazil's environmental protection service, the group tasked with monitoring, catching and punishing those responsible for the plunder of the Amazon rainforest It is critical that the Brazilian government s environment agency Ibama does not stop there and that we all work together to further limit the damage being done to this hugely valuable natural resource so that future generations can also appreciate its true beauty, biodiversity and value.
10 BIBLIOGRAPHY Planet and People- Unit7- Geoecology (Mentor books) Wikipedia nksandeep.wordpress.com deforestationintheamazon.wordpress.com National Geographic
Deforestation in the Amazon
Deforestation in the Amazon By Rhett A Butler Rainforests once covered 14% of the earth's land surface; now they cover a mere 6% and experts estimate that the last remaining rainforests could be consumed
More informationRanger Report About Deforestation of the Rainforest
Ranger Report About Deforestation of the Rainforest About deforestation Forests are cut down for many reasons, but most of them are related to money or to people s need to provide for their families. The
More informationToday, we re going to tackle your GUM U7, L2 & L3 Cause and Effect Essay! Chat me your best sentence using the word conscientious.
Good Morning Conscientious 7 th Graders! Today, we re going to tackle your GUM U7, L2 & L3 Cause and Effect Essay! Chat me your best sentence using the word conscientious. Rainforest Destruction: Causes
More informationRainforest Concern Module 2 Why do we need rainforests?
Rainforest Concern Module 2 Why do we need rainforests? Rainforest Concern Module 2: Why do we need Rainforest? Before we go any further, there are some words you may not understand, and these words and
More informationBy Gerald Urquhart, Walter Chomentowski, David Skole, and Chris Barber http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/library/deforestation/
By Gerald Urquhart, Walter Chomentowski, David Skole, and Chris Barber http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/library/deforestation/ The clearing of tropical forests across the Earth has been occurring on a
More informationWho is responsible for the destruction of the Amazon rainforest?
The dictionary defines deforestation as the removal of a forest where the land is then used for a non-forest use. In recent years, deforestation has become a significant issue with the loss of large areas
More informationExtinction; Lecture-8
I. introduction Definition Current extinction Genetic drift Extinction; Lecture-8 II. 3 types of extinction 1. background 2. mass 3. stochastic III. 5 periods of mass IV. human caused 1. on land and in
More informationPhysical Environment. There are economic reasons for countries to cut down their rainforests.
Tropical Rainforests Reasons for their Destruction Tropical Rainforests are found in the Amazon Basin of South America, (e.g. Brazil) Central Africa (e.g. Congo) and South East Asia (e.g. Indonesia). There
More informationLesson Overview. Biodiversity. Lesson Overview. 6.3 Biodiversity
Lesson Overview 6.3 6.3 Objectives Define biodiversity and explain its value. Identify current threats to biodiversity. Describe how biodiversity can be preserved. THINK ABOUT IT From multicolored coral
More informationClimate Change: A Local Focus on a Global Issue Newfoundland and Labrador Curriculum Links 2010-2011
Climate Change: A Local Focus on a Global Issue Newfoundland and Labrador Curriculum Links 2010-2011 HEALTH Kindergarten: Grade 1: Grade 2: Know that litter can spoil the environment. Grade 3: Grade 4:
More informationImportance of Wildlife
Importance of Wildlife The wildlife comprises all living organism (plants, animals, microorganisms) in their natural habitats which are neither cultivated or domesticated nor tamed. But in its strictest
More informationA Guide to Woodland Carbon for Business
A Guide to Woodland Carbon for Business Contents: 1. Investing in Woodland Carbon: an overview 2. Why Woodland Carbon? 3. How much does it cost? 4. Woodland Carbon Code 5. Woodland Carbon compliance 6.
More informationOBJECTIVES: LESSON 5. Lungs of the Earth. Page 1. Overview: Suggested Time: Resources/Materials: Activities/Procedures:
0 LESSON 5 Lungs of the Subjects: Social Studies/Civics, Science, Communication Arts Overview: In this lesson, students learn about the little publicized connection between tobacco production and deforestation,
More informationKey Idea 2: Ecosystems
Key Idea 2: Ecosystems Ecosystems An ecosystem is a living community of plants and animals sharing an environment with non-living elements such as climate and soil. An example of a small scale ecosystem
More informationPRESENTATION 2 MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS
UNEP GLOBAL JUDGES PROGRAMME APPLICATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL LAW BY NATIONAL COURTS AND TRIBUNALS PRESENTATION 2 MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS OUTLINE OF PRESENTATION A) Major environmental issues B) Responses
More informationWorksheet A Environmental Problems
Worksheet A Environmental Problems Vocabulary Can you talk about Environmental issues in English? With a partner, try to explain the terms in the diagram below. Why are the words divided into two groups
More informationFacts on biodiversity
Facts on biodiversity What is biodiversity? Biological diversity (biodiversity) comprises diversity of species and habitats as well as the genetic diversity within the individual species of fauna and flora.
More informationENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE CURRICULUM for CLASS IX to X
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE CURRICULUM for CLASS IX to X The Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) in collaboration with Department of Curriculum Research & Development (DCRD) of Ministry of Education
More informationAmherst County Public Schools. AP Environmental Science Curriculum Pacing Guide. College Board AP Environmental Science Site
Amherst County Public Schools AP Environmental Science Curriculum Pacing Guide College Board AP Environmental Science Site REV: 8/12 1 st 9 weeks AP Objectives Energy Resources and Consumption A. Energy
More informationWhich of the following can be determined based on this model? The atmosphere is the only reservoir on Earth that can store carbon in any form. A.
Earth s Cycles 1. Models are often used to explain scientific knowledge or experimental results. A model of the carbon cycle is shown below. Which of the following can be determined based on this model?
More informationMatter and Energy in Ecosystems
Matter and Energy in Ecosystems The interactions that take place among biotic and abiotic factors lead to transfers of energy and matter. Every species has a particular role, or niche, in an ecosystem.
More informationAP Environmental Science 2010 Free-Response Questions
AP Environmental Science 2010 Free-Response Questions The College Board The College Board is a not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity.
More informationWHAT ARE RAINFORESTS?
WHAT ARE RAINFORESTS? kids.mongabay.com Tropical rainforests are forests with tall trees, warm climate, and lots of rain. In some rainforests it rains more than one inch every day! Rainforests are found
More informationChapter 1 Key Themes in Environmental Science
Key Themes in Environmental Science Case Study: Shrimp, Mangroves, and Pickup Trucks This case study highlights the plight of a small farmer in Thailand in the shrimp farming business. He makes his living
More informationAnswer Keys to Unit Tests
Reading Geography Series Answer Keys to Unit Tests Unit 1 The Five Themes of Geography Unit 2 Patterns in Physical Geography Unit 3 Natural Resources 7 Portage & Main Press Unit Test for The Five Themes
More informationEcosystems and Food Webs
Ecosystems and Food Webs How do AIS affect our lakes? Background Information All things on the planet both living and nonliving interact. An Ecosystem is defined as the set of elements, living and nonliving,
More informationFUTURE CHALLENGES OF PROVIDING HIGH-QUALITY WATER - Vol. II - Environmental Impact of Food Production and Consumption - Palaniappa Krishnan
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF FOOD PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION Palaniappa Krishnan Bioresources Engineering Department, University of Delaware, USA Keywords: Soil organisms, soil fertility, water quality, solar
More informationCHAPTER 3. A is a certain number of individuals that make up an interbreeding, reproducing group within a given area.
Review Question-1 Answer CHAPTER 3 Basic Needs of Living Things A is a certain number of individuals that make up an interbreeding, reproducing group within a given area. a. species b. population c. organism
More informationIS Desertification A Reality or Myth? What is desertification?
IS Desertification A Reality or Myth? What is desertification? Desertification is a process of fertile land transforming into a desert typically as a result of deforestation, drought or improper/inappropriate
More informationDEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY DRAFT REVISED NATIONAL FOREST POLICY OF MALAWI
DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY DRAFT REVISED NATIONAL FOREST POLICY OF MALAWI July, 2013 1. Foreword 2. Preface 3. Introduction 4. Policy linkages 5. Broad Policy Direction 6. Policy Priority Areas Provides the
More informationSTATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY CANTON, NEW YORK COURSE OUTLINE ESCI 101 - INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY CANTON, NEW YORK COURSE OUTLINE ESCI 101 - INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE Prepared By: Rajiv Narula, Ph.D. SCHOOL OF SCIENCE, HEALTH, AND CRIMINAL
More informationRanger Report About Tropical Rainforest (in Costa Rica)
1. Ranger Report About Tropical Rainforest (in Costa Rica) www. Therainforestrangers.com About Rainforest Images by Jan Dwire A rainforest is an environment that receives high rainfall and is dominated
More informationWater from the Air: Cloud Forests
Water from the Air: Cloud Forests Alden Wicker Water from the Air: Cloud Forests In the Americas, Asia, and Africa, there s a special kind of forest. It s rare, beautiful, and incredibly important to the
More informationFACTS ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE
FACTS ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE 1. What is climate change? Climate change is a long-term shift in the climate of a specific location, region or planet. The shift is measured by changes in features associated
More informationAP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 2012 SCORING GUIDELINES
AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 2012 SCORING GUIDELINES Question 2 The Fremont School District uses oil to heat school buildings. Go Green! is a new project the district will implement. The superintendent has
More informationStatus of the World s Soil Resources
5 December 2015 Status of the World s Soil Resources The Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils (ITPS), the main scientific advisory body to the Global Soil Partnership (GSP) hosted by the Food and
More informationChapter 18 Introduction to. A f r i c a
Chapter 18 Introduction to A f r i c a Ch. 18:1 Landforms & Resources 1. Africa s shape & landforms are the result of its location in the southern part of the ancient supercontinent of. Pangaea Over thousands
More informationENDANGERED AND THREATENED
ENDANGERED AND THREATENED Understand how species in the Sonoran Desert Region may become endangered or threatened and what is being done to protect them. ARIZONA SCIENCE STANDARDS SC03-S4C3-03&04, SC08-S1C3-07,
More informationUse this diagram of a food web to answer questions 1 through 5.
North arolina Testing Program EO iology Sample Items Goal 4 Use this diagram of a food web to answer questions 1 through 5. coyotes 3. If these organisms were arranged in a food pyramid, which organism
More informationWhat are the subsystems of the Earth? The 4 spheres
What are the subsystems of the Earth? The 4 spheres Essential Questions What are the 4 spheres of the Earth? How do these spheres interact? What are the major cycles of the Earth? How do humans impact
More informationSustainability and Wildlife Conservation Updates: the Malaysian Perspectives
Sustainability and Wildlife Conservation Updates: the Malaysian Perspectives MPOC Reach & Remind Friends of the Industry Seminar: Challenges and Opportunities in 2012 Royale Chulan Hotel 16 January 2012
More informationAlaska Forest Pest Control Supplemental Information. Category Twelve
Alaska Forest Pest Control Supplemental Information Category Twelve In general, applicators who apply pesticides to property other than their own, or act as a pesticide consultant must obtain certification
More informationSALEM COMMUNITY COLLEGE Course Syllabus. Course Title: Environmental Science I. Course Code: BIO103. Lecture Hours: 2 Laboratory Hours: 4 Credits: 4
SALEM COMMUNITY COLLEGE Course Syllabus Course Title: Environmental Science I Course Code: BIO103 Lecture Hours: 2 Laboratory Hours: 4 Credits: 4 Course Description: Environmental Science I is the first
More informationBiodiversity Concepts
Biodiversity Concepts WHAT IS BIODIVERSITY? Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth. For any kind of animal or plant each individual is not exactly the same as any other; nor are species or ecosystems.
More informationSection 1 The Earth System
Section 1 The Earth System Key Concept Earth is a complex system made up of many smaller systems through which matter and energy are continuously cycled. What You Will Learn Energy and matter flow through
More informationYou re One in Seven Billion!
You re One in Seven Billion! We ve all heard the expression, You re one in a million!. With the ever-growing number of people on the planet, it might be more accurate to say, You re one in seven billion!
More informationTHE ECOSYSTEM - Biomes
Biomes The Ecosystem - Biomes Side 2 THE ECOSYSTEM - Biomes By the end of this topic you should be able to:- SYLLABUS STATEMENT ASSESSMENT STATEMENT CHECK NOTES 2.4 BIOMES 2.4.1 Define the term biome.
More informationDiscover Entomology. Discover Entomology. A Science, a Career, a Lifetime. A Science, a Career, a Lifetime
Discover Entomology A Science, a Career, a Lifetime Discover Entomology A Science, a Career, a Lifetime What is Entomology? Entomology is the study of insects. Entomologists study bees, ants, beetles,
More informationThe Science and Ethics of Global warming. Global warming has become one of the central political and scientific issues of
The Science and Ethics of Global warming Global warming has become one of the central political and scientific issues of our time. It holds a fascination for scientists because of the tremendous complexity
More informationThe Tropical Rainforest Rainforest Series, Part 1 - by Mikki Sadil
Rainforest Series, Part 1 - Tropical rainforests are among the most mysterious of all geographical biomes in the world. A biome is an area with very distinctive plants and animals that have adapted to
More informationGrowing Cocoa Beans. Growing Region
Growing Cocoa Beans All chocolate begins with cocoa beans, the fruit of the cacao tree (also called a cocoa tree). Scientists know that the cacao tree originated somewhere in South or Central America.
More informationMadagascar: Makira REDD+
project focus Madagascar: Makira REDD+ Madagascar is considered to be one of the top five biodiversity hotspots in the world due to more than 75% of all animal and plant species being endemic while less
More informationBiology Keystone (PA Core) Quiz Ecology - (BIO.B.4.1.1 ) Ecological Organization, (BIO.B.4.1.2 ) Ecosystem Characteristics, (BIO.B.4.2.
Biology Keystone (PA Core) Quiz Ecology - (BIO.B.4.1.1 ) Ecological Organization, (BIO.B.4.1.2 ) Ecosystem Characteristics, (BIO.B.4.2.1 ) Energy Flow 1) Student Name: Teacher Name: Jared George Date:
More informationUnit 6 - Habitats. Kinds of habitats
Unit 6 - Habitats A habitat is a place where certain organisms (plant and animal species) naturally live and grow. Like your home, habitats support life by providing the food, water and shelter that its
More informationThe Story of REDD A real solution to deforestation?
The Story of REDD A real solution to deforestation? Find the movie on: www.fern.org/storyofredd REDD, or reduced emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, is one of the most controversial issues
More informationGLOBAL CIRCULATION OF WATER
Global Circulation of Water MODULE - 8A 27 GLOBAL CIRCULATION OF WATER More than three-fourths of the earth s surface is covered by water. Water is an odorless, tasteless, substance than can naturally
More informationEcology Module B, Anchor 4
Ecology Module B, Anchor 4 Key Concepts: - The biological influences on organisms are called biotic factors. The physical components of an ecosystem are called abiotic factors. - Primary producers are
More informationEcology 1 Star. 1. Missing from the diagram of this ecosystem are the
Name: ate: 1. Missing from the diagram of this ecosystem are the 5. ase your answer(s) to the following question(s) on the diagram below and on your knowledge of biology.. biotic factors and decomposers.
More information6.4 Taigas and Tundras
6.4 Taigas and Tundras In this section, you will learn about the largest and coldest biomes on Earth. The taiga is the largest land biome and the tundra is the coldest. The taiga The largest land biome
More informationTaking the Classroom Outside By Ashley Schopieray
Taking the Classroom Outside By Ashley Schopieray Background Introduction If you had the choice to spend the day outside or go to school and sit inside all day, which would you choose? Spending time outdoors
More information3. Which relationship can correctly be inferred from the data presented in the graphs below?
1. Recent evidence indicates that lakes in large areas of New York State are being affected by acid rain. The major effect of acid rain in the lakes is (1) an increase in game fish population levels (3)
More informationNatural Resources. Air and Water Resources
Natural Resources Key Concepts Why is it important to manage air and water resources wisely? How can individuals help manage air and water resources wisely? Air and Water Resources What do you think? Read
More informationFarming. In the Standard Grade Geography exam there are three types of farming you need to know about arable, livestock and mixed.
Types of Farming In the Standard Grade Geography exam there are three types of farming you need to know about arable, livestock and mixed. Arable farms are ones where the main way of making money is by
More informationreflect look out! organisms: living things
reflect Imagine that a student in your school fell down and is having difficulty breathing. Sirens wail as an ambulance pulls into the school parking lot. The emergency workers rush over to help the student.
More information2. What kind of energy is stored in food? A. chemical energy B. heat energy C. kinetic energy D. light energy
Assessment Bank Matter and Energy in Living Things SC.8.L.18.4 1. What is energy? A. anything that takes up space B. anything that has mass C. the ability to conduct current D. the ability to do work 2.
More informationClimate Change Mini-Simulation: Background Guide
Climate Change Mini-Simulation: Background Guide United Nations The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945 after the Second World War by 51 countries committed to creating
More informationChapter 7. 1. An (1) is a substance that speeds up the rate of a. biochemical reaction. All living (2) make enzymes.
Chapter 7 1. An (1) is a substance that speeds up the rate of a biochemical reaction. All living (2) make enzymes. 2. Large quantities of useful enzymes can be produced by culturing the (3) that make them
More informationPrinciples of Ecology
2 Principles of Ecology section 1 Organisms and Their Relationships Before You Read On the lines below, list the organisms that you have encountered today. You share the same environment with these organisms.
More informationChapter 3: Climate and Climate Change Answers
Chapter 3: Climate and Climate Change Answers Section A: Climate 1. (a) Explain what each of the following means: (4 x 1 mark) (i) climate the average weather of an area over a 25 30 year period (ii) maritime
More informationJoin the Celebration! www.gisday.com. Building understanding and collaboration in YOUR community...one GIS Day event at a time
Never seeing the world without a rain forest Deforestation occurs when forests and rain forests are destroyed faster than they are replaced. For the past five years, 7.3 million hectares of forest were
More informationGCSE BITESIZE Examinations
GCSE BITESIZE Examinations General Certificate of Secondary Education AQA SCIENCE A BLY1B Unit Biology B1b (Evolution and Environment) AQA BIOLOGY Unit Biology B1b (Evolution and Environment) FOUNDATION
More informationStage 4. Geography. Blackline Masters. By Karen Devine
1 Devine Educational Consultancy Services Stage 4 Geography Blackline Masters By Karen Devine Updated January 2010 2 This book is intended for the exclusive use in NSW Secondary Schools. It is meant to
More information5.1 Ecosystems, Energy, and Nutrients
CHAPTER 5 ECOSYSTEMS 5.1 Ecosystems, Energy, and Nutrients Did anyone ever ask you the question: Where do you get your energy? Energy enters our world from the Sun but how does the Sun s energy become
More informationUnit 6: Homework Questions
1. The most sustainable type of development is: A) dispersed development B) compact development C) satellite development D) corridor development E) strip development 2. Urban sprawl is synonymous with
More informationGCSE Biology. BL3HP Report on the Examination. 4401 June 2014. Version: 1.0
GCSE Biology BL3HP Report on the Examination 4401 June 2014 Version: 1.0 Further copies of this Report are available from aqa.org.uk Copyright 2014 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. AQA retains
More informationBirmingham City University / Students Union Aspects and Impacts Register. Waste. Impacts description
Birmingham City University / Students Union and Impacts Register Waste Production of non - hazardous waste Production of hazardous waste Storage of non - hazardous waste Potential for waste to be disposed
More informationLife Science Study Guide. Environment Everything that surrounds and influences (has an effect on) an organism.
Life Science Study Guide Environment Everything that surrounds and influences (has an effect on) an organism. Organism Any living thing, including plants and animals. Environmental Factor An environmental
More informationNitrogen Cycling in Ecosystems
Nitrogen Cycling in Ecosystems In order to have a firm understanding of how nitrogen impacts our ecosystems, it is important that students fully understand how the various forms of nitrogen cycle through
More informationWhat Is Holistic Planned Grazing?
What Is Holistic Planned Grazing? Holistic Planned Grazing is a planning process for dealing simply with the great complexity livestock managers face daily in integrating livestock production with crop,
More informationENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES
reflect How do you respond to environmental changes? Maybe you wear different types of clothes in different seasons. Maybe you only ride your bike during certain times of the year. What if you moved to
More information«Introduce a tax on Carbon Dioxide»
«Introduce a tax on Carbon Dioxide» by Bert Bolin and Måns Lönnroth Article published in Dagens Nyheter the largest Swedish daily newspaper on March 24, 1988 Preamble: Continued release of greenhouse gases
More informationStation #1 Interpreting Infographs
Energy Resources Stations Activity Page # 1 Station #1 Interpreting Infographs 1. Identify and explain each of the energy sources (5) illustrated in the infograph. 2. What do the white and black circles
More informationWhat are the causes of air Pollution
What are the causes of air Pollution Pollutant Particulate Matter (PM-PM 10 and PM 2.5 ) Description and main UK sources Particulate Matter is generally categorised on the basis of the size of the particles
More informationCan resource depletion be omitted from environmental impact assessments? 1
Can resource depletion be omitted from environmental impact assessments? 1 Bo P. Weidema, 2.-0 LCA consultants, http://www.lca.dk INTRODUCTION: The nature of the resource problem The main problem involved
More informationTuesday 14 May 2013 Morning
THIS IS A NEW SPECIFICATION H Tuesday 14 May 2013 Morning GCSE TWENTY FIRST CENTURY SCIENCE BIOLOGY A A161/02 Modules B1 B2 B3 (Higher Tier) *A137150613* Candidates answer on the Question Paper. A calculator
More informationFAQs: Gene drives - - What is a gene drive?
FAQs: Gene drives - - What is a gene drive? During normal sexual reproduction, each of the two versions of a given gene has a 50 percent chance of being inherited by a particular offspring (Fig 1A). Gene
More informationFacts on Biodiversity A Summary of the Millenium Ecosystem Assessment Biodiversity Synthesis
Facts on Biodiversity A Summary of the Millenium Ecosystem Assessment Biodiversity Synthesis EUROPEAN COMMISSION DIRECTORATE GENERAL ENVIRONMENT BIODIVERSITY contributes to many aspects of human well-being,
More informationExhibit Inquiry. Rainforest. Aug 11
Exhibit Inquiry Exhibit Inquiry Have students look for the following exhibits related to living things during their visit to the Ontario Science Centre: Where to go: (Level 6) What it's about: Tropical
More informationMaterials Needed: Time Needed: Adaptations: 2 flyswatters (optional) Vocabulary Definitions (below) Vocabulary Scramble Sheets (below)
Vocabulary Slap Game ( Flyswatter Game ) Directions: Project a Vocabulary Scramble sheet on a projection screen or Smart Board. Divide the class into two teams. Each team sends one person up to the screen.
More informationGuidelines for Degraded Landscape Management (Deliverable #16) September 30, 2013
Biodiversity and Agricultural Commodities Program BACP-Rainforest Alliance Grant-015 ( Applying sustainable cocoa practices through agroforestry in community forest areas as a tool for achieving biodiversity
More information1. Biodiversity & Distribution of Life
National 5 Biology Unit 3 Life on Earth Summary notes 1. Biodiversity & Distribution of Life Perhaps the best place to start in this topic is with Biomes. Biomes are regions of our planet which have a
More informationProcess 3.5. A Pour it down the sink. B Pour it back into its original container. C Dispose of it as directed by his teacher.
Process 3.5 Biology EOI sample test questions Objective numbers correspond to the State Priority Academic Student Skills (PASS) standards and objectives. This number is also referenced with the local objective
More informationShort title: The PES Experience in Costa Rica, Colombia and Nicaragua.
Regional Integrated Silvopastoral Ecosystem Management Project Costa Rica, Colombia and Nicaragua Authors: Stefano Pagiola and Agustin Arcenas Short title: The PES Experience in Costa Rica, Colombia and
More informationChesapeake Bay Governor School for Marine and Environmental Science
Choose the best answer and write on the answer sheet provided. 1. Which of the following is LEAST likely to be an effect of global warming? (a) Loss of fertile delta regions for agriculture (b) Change
More informationThe Pillars of Agricultural Literacy
The Pillars of Agricultural Literacy Overview The following standards offer a framework for agricultural literacy throughout life. Foundational Knowledge is addressed first. This section provides a guide
More informationCulture (from the Encarta Encyclopedia)
Culture (from the Encarta Encyclopedia) 1. Introduction Culture, in anthropology, is the patterns of behavior and thinking that people living in social groups learn, create, and share. Culture distinguishes
More informationtotally Tropical Rainforest Outreach Guide Sponsored By
totally Tropical Rainforest Outreach Guide Sponsored By Pre-Visit Checklist Review the Background Information with your students before the Zoo s visit. Review the enclosed Lesson Plans which compliment
More informationSustainable Energy Sources By: Sue Peterson
www.k5learning.com Objective sight words (consumption, terrain, integral, orbit, originated, contemporary, remote); concepts (sustainable, renewable, photovoltaics, gasification) Vocabulary consumption
More informationwww.irishseedsavers.ie Natural surface water on earth includes lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, estuaries, seas and oceans.
www.irishseedsavers.ie POND LIFE FACT SHEET Natural surface water on earth includes lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, estuaries, seas and oceans. A pond is a small body of fresh water shallow enough for sunlight
More informationWetland Vocabulary Organizer
Wetland Vocabulary Organizer Vocabulary Word Definition Wetland Picture Species Nutrients Sediment Groundwater Habitat Vocabulary Word Wetland Wetland Vocabulary Organizer Key Definition is an area that,
More information