Value of Tropical Rainforests Flashcards

All 4 cards in this deck

Give one value of tropical rainforests to people.

Medicines – around 25% of medicines come from rainforest plants.

Why are tropical rainforests described as a carbon sink?

Their trees take in CO2 for photosynthesis and store the carbon in their wood, leaves, roots and soil, so the forests hold huge amounts of carbon out of the atmosphere. Keeping them standing helps limit the greenhouse effect.

How do tropical rainforests help reduce the risk of floods and droughts in their region?

Trees intercept heavy rain and their roots help the soil soak it up, so water reaches rivers slowly and flooding is less likely. They also return moisture to the air, which keeps rainfall reliable and lowers the risk of drought.

Give two products people obtain from tropical rainforests, apart from medicines.

Any two of: hardwood timber, rubber, nuts, fruit, cocoa, coffee.