14. Forests and people — List five benefits that forests provide to humans
i) Oxygen production and improved air quality
ii) Timber and non-timber products (wood, fuel, fruits, medicines)
iii) Habitat for wildlife and high biodiversity (plants and animals)
iv) Carbon storage and climate/rainfall regulation
v) Soil protection and water regulation (prevent erosion and reduce flood risk)
(5 marks)Short explanation (one sentence each)
- Oxygen: Trees release oxygen through photosynthesis and help remove pollutants from the air.
- Products: Forests supply timber, fuelwood and many non-timber goods like fruits, nuts and medicinal plants.
- Biodiversity: Rainforests are home to a huge number of species, supporting ecosystems and potential resources (e.g., medicines).
- Climate: Forests store carbon dioxide and influence local and global climate and rainfall patterns.
- Soil & water: Tree roots hold soil in place, reducing erosion, and forests help regulate river flow and groundwater.
15. Problems of rainforests — Give two negative aspects
i) Poor, leached soils that are unsuitable for long-term farming
ii) Dense vegetation, high humidity and many disease vectors (insects, parasites) that make living and travel difficult
(2 marks)16. How people harm rainforests — Name two human activities that destroy or degrade rainforests
i) Commercial logging (illegal and legal), which removes trees and fragments habitats
ii) Clearing for agriculture (slash-and-burn, cattle ranching, palm oil and soy plantations)
(2 marks)Quick note:
Logging and agricultural clearing are the biggest human causes of rainforest loss; the problems listed in Q15 are reasons why rainforests are both valuable and challenging to manage sustainably.