Deforestation and Biodiversity Quiz

Deforestation is the second leading cause of global warming worldwide, and it produces about 24% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Deforestation in the tropical rainforests contributes more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere than the sum of all cars and trucks that drive on the world’s roads.

Across the world, forests are home to about 80% of terrestrial biodiversity, while many indigenous people (about 60 million) are completely dependent on the forest for their food and livelihood. Many more people live near forests and rely on them. In terms of the economy, forests provide 75-100 billion US dollars of goods and services every year.

Biodiversity is important for a variety of reasons. For one, biodiversity promotes healthier, maintained ecosystems that provide services to us, such as protected water resources and recovery from disasters. The genetic variety of crops, livestock, and marine organisms used for food ensures that humans are provided with a healthy, nutrient rich diet. A variety of diverse species ensures that natural enemy species, which are integral to biological control, are able to take care of pests in ecosystems.

Worldwide, the tropics contain the most biodiversity, with rainforests being the areas that are the most rich in species. Although the tropical forests only cover 6% of the Earth’s surface, they contain one half to three quarters of the world’s plant and animal species.

All of these are things that you can do to help fight deforestation. We also suggest recycling forest products that you use, choosing to buy recycled forest products, avoiding products that include palm oil, and supporting organizations that reforest and conserve.

Elizabeth Kolbert, author of The Sixth Extinction, says that human behavior, particularly pertaining to use of fossil fuels and climate change, has led to a “Six Extinction” where many species are considered endangered and are disappearing.

According to North Carolina State University, one large tree is able to supply a day’s supply of oxygen for four people. Trees are also able to absorb up to 48 pounds of carbon dioxide a year.  

A study conducted by the US Forest Service’s Northern Research Station found that between 1990 and 2007, global forests have removed 2.4 billion tons of carbon and have absorbed 8.8 billion tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere annually. This is equivalent to about one third of fossil fuel emissions. Forests, just like oceans, are carbon sinks.

According to the World Wildlife Fund, 31% of the Earth’s land is covered by forests. Forests produce oxygen and provide homes for both people and animals. Forests also provide food, water, clothing, and traditional medicine and act as carbon sinks.

Species are subject to overexploitation, which may be due to poaching, hunting, or harvesting. When the climate changes, animal species have to adapt; temperature differences may send signals that cause reproduction or migration at the wrong time, when species aren’t ready. Deforestation and habitat destruction, particularly for urbanization and development, also lead to the loss of biodiversity.