AS EM Biodiversity

1. Biodiversity Loss

2. Case study
task………

3. INTRODUCTION:
• More than 50% of Earth’s rain forests have already been lost
• Rain forests that once grew over 14 % of the land on Earth
now cover only about 6%
• If current deforestation rates continue, they could disappear
completely within the next 100 years.

4. Threats to the forest:
• Population growth – people seek out new land to cultivate in the
forest.
• Logging for timber used in flooring and furniture
• Power plants and other industries cut and burn trees to generate
electricity.
• The paper industry turns huge tracts of rain forest trees into pulp.
• The cattle industry uses slash-and-burn techniques to clear ranch
land.
• Agriculture eg. soy industry or palm oil clear forests for cropland.
• Mining operations clear forest to build roads and dig mines.
• Governments and industry clear-cut forests to make way for roads.
• Hydroelectric projects flood acres of rain forest.

5. What is biodiversity?
• Biodiversity means biological diversity.
1. Species diversity - variety of animals and
plants
2. Genetic diversity – variations within species
3. Ecosystem diversity – interdependence
within species

6. DISCUSS
Exam style question:
"Destroying rainforest for economic gain is
like burning a Renaissance painting to cook
a meal." Discuss this statement, focusing
upon the consequences of reduced
biodiversity in tropical rainforests. [15
Marks]
[Original quote by Edward O. Wilson]

7. Task 1
1. Write one point on the importance of the rainforest in these
areas:
• Biodiversity
• Global climate
• Rainfall generation
• Soil degradation
• Water quality
• Industry
• Health
• Subsistence use
2. Create or find a diagram to show nutrient cycling in the
rainforest. Describe and explain the process of nutrient
recycling in the tropical rainforest.

8. Why is rainforest biodiversity important to people?
TASK 2:
• Which of these uses are subsistence? Explain your answer.
• Which of these uses could be sustainable? Explain your answer.
Industrial uses Ecological uses
Charcoal Protect water supply
logging Prevent floods and landslides
Gums, rubber, resins and oils Control soil erosion
Tourism Regulate climate eg. CO2 and O2 levels
Industrial chemicals Habitat for animals and plants
Medicines
Genes for crops
Fodder for agriculture
Fruits and nuts
Rearing silk worms and bee keeping