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Deforestation and Its Impact
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Deforestation
The removal of a forest or stand of trees where the land is thereafter converted to a non-forest use. Deforestation can lead to biodiversity loss, disruption of water cycles, and increased greenhouse gas emissions.
Slash-and-Burn
An agricultural method that involves the cutting and burning of plants in forests or woodlands to create fields. This practice can lead to soil degradation, air pollution, and habitat destruction.
Biodiversity Loss
The decline in the number, variety, and variability of living organisms. It is often a consequence of deforestation, resulting in the loss of species that rely on forest habitats.
Erosion
The process by which soil and rock are removed from the Earth's surface by natural processes such as water flow or wind and then transported and deposited in other locations. Deforestation exacerbates erosion by removing vegetation that anchors the soil.
Habitat Fragmentation
The process by which habitat loss results in the division of large, continuous habitats into smaller, more isolated remnants. Deforestation can cause fragmentation, impacting biodiversity and ecosystem stability.
Carbon Sink
Natural environments, like forests, that are able to absorb more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than they release. Deforestation reduces the number of carbon sinks, contributing to increased atmospheric CO2 levels.
Soil Fertility
The ability of soil to sustain plant growth by providing necessary nutrients. Deforestation often leads to soil degradation and reduced fertility, making the land less suitable for agriculture.
Climate Change
Long-term changes in temperature and typical weather patterns in a place. Deforestation contributes to climate change by releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere and reducing CO2 absorption.
Reforestation
The natural or intentional restocking of existing forests and woodlands that have been depleted. Reforestation can mitigate the effects of deforestation by restoring ecosystem services and biodiversity.
Illegal Logging
The harvest, transportation, purchase, or sale of timber in violation of laws. This practice contributes to deforestation and can lead to loss of biodiversity and increased greenhouse gas emissions.
Sustainable Forestry
The management of forests according to principles and practices that ensure the forest's biodiversity, productivity, regeneration capacity, and vitality are maintained. Sustainable forestry aims to reduce deforestation impacts.
Selective Logging
The practice of cutting down only some trees in an area, leaving others intact. Though less harmful than clear-cutting, selective logging can still lead to forest degradation and habitat fragmentation.
Clear-Cutting
A logging practice where all trees in an area are uniformly cut down. Clear-cutting can result in extensive habitat loss, soil erosion, and disruption of ecological balance.
Greenhouse Gases
Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. Deforestation contributes to the release of these gases, exacerbating global warming and climate change.
Biofuels
Fuels that are derived from biomass—such as plant materials and animal waste—instead of fossil fuels. The expansion of biofuel crops can lead to deforestation as forests are cleared to make way for energy crops.
Land Tenure
The legal regime in which land is owned or occupied. Uncertainty in land tenure can contribute to deforestation, as individuals or companies exploit forest resources without long-term management plans.
Watershed
The land area that channels rainfall and snowmelt to creeks, streams, and rivers, and eventually to outflow points such as reservoirs, bays, and the ocean. Deforestation in watersheds can lead to water quality degradation and increased flooding.
Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs)
Products other than timber that are harvested from forests, such as mushrooms, fruits, and medicines. Sustainable harvesting of NTFPs can provide economic incentives to conserve forest ecosystems.
Edge Effects
Changes in population or community structures that occur at the boundary of two habitats. Deforestation often creates artificial edges, which can lead to reduced biodiversity and altered conditions.
Desertification
The process by which fertile land becomes increasingly arid and desert-like. Though primarily caused by unsustainable agricultural practices, deforestation can also contribute to soil erosion and desertification.
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