Sec 1 GE 6-1 Functions of Forests

Is the largest rainforest in the world at 6.7 million km2

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The AMAZON

rainforest

​Rainforests produce up to 40% of the oxygen in the atmosphere!

Importance?

If there was no carbon storage, carbon dioxide in the atmosphere would build up. This would cause more greenhouse effect and cause the Earth to warm up (global warming).

New Species in Rainforests

are being discovered every year!

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In 2015, 381 new species were discovered including 216 plants, 93 fish, 32 amphibians, 20 mammals, 19 reptiles, and one bird

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https://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/fire-tailed-titi-monkey-and-pink-river-dolphin-among-381-new-species-discovered-in-the-amazon#:~:text=Wildlife%20Dropdown%20Links-,Fire%2Dtailed%20titi%20monkey%20and%20pink%20river%20dolphin%20among%20381,species%20discovered%20in%20the%20Amazon&text=A%20fire%2Dtailed%20titi%20monkey,recently%20discovered%20in%20the%20Amazon.

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​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JPPIsQn4Qk

​How does rainfall cause soil erosion?

1. Raindrops hits the soil with considerable force

2. Loosens soil particles

3. Little infiltration, rainwater flows over the soil

4. Loosened soil particles washed away by flowing water​

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​How do forests reduce soil erosion?

1. Leaves / branches slow down falling raindrops and hit the soil with less force, loosens less soil

2. Roots allow more rainwater to infiltrate, reducing surface runoff

3. ​Roots bind the soil together, makes it difficult to erode

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Landslides!

This is when a large chunk of soil and mud washes off a slope and can kill people and destroy homes

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHeKMQgQM-A​

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​How do waves cause coastal erosion?

1. Without mangroves, the land has loose sediments that are easily washed away

2. Waves hit the coast with full force as they are not slowed down​

3. Waves wash away sediments from the coast​

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How do mangroves reduce coastal erosion?

1. Roots of mangroves stabilise loose sediments making it less likely to be washed away

2. Waves hit the mangrove trees first, losing energy through friction

3. Weaker wakes are less likely to wash away sediments

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Coastal erosion can damage coastlines!

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Can be dangerous for people living there!

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​IMPORTANCE OF FORESTS TO THE ENVIRONMENT

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1. Generate oxygen

2. Carbon storage

3. Habitat for animals

4. ​Protection from soil erosion

5. Protection from coastal erosion​