Deforestation- key terms

Question 1

Forest coverage of world land area

Answer 1

31%

Question 2

Deforestation annual forest loss

Answer 2

10 million hectares

Question 3

People living in or close to forests

Answer 3

350 million

Question 4

Forest

Answer 4

Land spanning more than .5 hectares with trees higher than 5m and a canopy cover of more than 10%.

Question 5

Biome

Answer 5

Large naturally occurring community of flora and fauna occupying a major habitat, e.g. forest or tundra.

Question 6

Primary Forests

Answer 6

Intact or old growth forests are forests that remain in virtually pristine condition, containing the full array of native species. Make up 34% of forests and declining.

Question 7

Secondary Forests

Answer 7

Regrowth forests or regenerated forests consist of native species but they have been disturbed by human activities, or humans have intervened in their development, such as through replanting. Make up 59% of forests.

Question 8

Plantations

Answer 8

Monoculture (only one plant type) of native or non-native trees planted for the commercial production of a particular species (eg rubber, blue gums) Make up 7% of forests.

Question 9

Tropical Forest

Answer 9

Characterized by consistently high temperatures, extremely high annual rainfall, dense multi-layered canopies of vegetation, high humidity, nutrient-poor soil, and an exceptionally high level of biodiversity.

Question 10

Boreal Forest

Answer 10

Tough, cold-weather forests, located in areas with short growing seasons, long, dry winters, and acidic, nutrient-poor soil.

Question 11

Temperate Forests

Answer 11

Well-defined seasons with a distinct winter characterize this forest biome. Moderate climate and a growing season of 140-200 days during 4-6 frost-free months.

Question 12

Sub-tropical Forests

Answer 12

Complex rainforests with a diverse range of plant species, closed canopies, and abundant leaf litter.

Question 13

Deforestation

Answer 13

The long-term reduction of tree canopy cover to below 10-30% of its original cover (depending on the type of forest). Conversion to other use.

Question 14

Forest degradation

Answer 14

Forests modified by human activities (selective logging, replanting, shifting cultivation & wood fuel collection. More than 10-30% of forest remaining.

Question 15

Fragmentation

Answer 15

Clearing of pockets of land mostly for roads, leaving pockets of forest. Over time, edges of forest pockets become degraded, and pockets become too small to support viable ecosystems.

Question 16

Afforestation

Answer 16

Trees are planted on land that was not previously forested (seeding or planting).

Question 17

Net forest change

Answer 17

Difference between deforested land (lost) and forest gains.

Question 18

Clearfelling

Answer 18

Large sections or all vegetation are cleared.

Question 19

Selection

Answer 19

Selected trees are felled, understorey remains intact.

Question 20

Group selection

Answer 20

A selection of the forest (coupe) is completely destroyed.

Question 21

Shelterwood

Answer 21

Only the mature trees are felled, with intervals.

Question 22

Seed-tree retention

Answer 22

Most trees are felled but some are left to assist with forest regrowth.

Question 23

Reforestation

Answer 23

Reestablishment of forest cover that had been removed either naturally or through human actions.