Section 3 Rainforest Values and GeoTerms

Front

What percentage of the earth is covered by rainforest?

Back

6-7%

Front

What is the scientific value of the rainforest?

Back

Most complex ecosystem on Earth, provides a wealth of food and medicines

Front

What is the economic value of the rainforest?

Back

Exports like wood, rubber, chicle, etc.

Front

What is the environmental value of the rainforest?

Back

Controls the amount of water that reaches the ground, controls temperature by absorbing light and heat, takes in and stores massive amount of carbon dioxide

Front

What is the recreational value of the rainforest?

Back

Increases tourism (helps to increase the awareness of the need to preserve these environments)

Front

Why is the dumping of mercury in the Amazon River a problem?

Back

The mercury poisons fish, animals that eat the fish, and people who eat the fish and animals.

Front

What is biodiversity?

Back

The variety of plants and animals living in one area. The term can also mean the great variety of all living things on Earth.

Front

What is the carbon-oxygen cycle?

Back

The process by which carbon and oxygen cycle among plants, people, and animals, and the environment. People breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide.

Front

What is deforestation?

Back

Removing or clearing away the trees from a forest. Deforestation is often done to clear the land for farming or ranching.

Front

What is sustainable development?

Back

Using resources in ways that meet the needs of people today without harming the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.