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Questions and Answers
Which of the following is a significant contributor to deforestation in India?
What secondary effect does commercial logging have on deforestation?
How does the growing population in India influence deforestation?
Which of the following is NOT a major consequence of deforestation?
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What impact does the expansion for agribusiness have on forests?
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What characterizes renewable resources?
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Which of the following is a non-renewable resource?
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What is a significant ecological benefit of forests?
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Approximately what percentage of the world's area is covered by forests?
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Which continent has the largest area covered by forests?
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What is one of the main commercial uses of forests?
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Which of these statements is true regarding non-renewable resources?
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Which of the following is considered an aesthetic value of forests?
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What is one of the ecological roles of forests?
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Which activity is NOT a main cause of deforestation mentioned?
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What are the long-term effects of deforestation described?
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Which of the following statements about forest exploitation is false?
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What is the estimated annual loss of forest land globally?
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What percentage of tropical forest may be lost if deforestation continues at the current rate?
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Which of the following is not an aesthetic value of forests?
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What type of practice is shifting cultivation associated with?
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Study Notes
Renewable Resources
- Renewable resources can be generated continuously and are inexhaustible
- Examples include wood, water, solar energy, wind energy, and geothermal energy
- They are considered clean and environmentally friendly due to low carbon emissions
Non-Renewable Resources
- Non-renewable resources cannot be regenerated once exhausted
- Examples include coal, petroleum, natural gas, and nuclear fuels
- They are not environmentally friendly and can have serious effects on health
- They release toxic gases when burned, contributing to global warming
Forest Resources
- Forests are important renewable resources
- They are essential for economic development, providing various products and environmental benefits
- Approximately 30% of the world's area is covered by forests
- Africa has the largest forested area (33%), followed by Latin America (25%)
- North America has only 11% forest cover, Asia and former USSR have 14%, and European countries have only 3%
- India's forest cover accounts for 20.6% of the country
Uses of Forests
- Commercial Values: Forests are a major source of commercial products like wood, timber, and pulpwood. About 1.5 billion people rely on fuel wood for energy. Timber is also used in various products like plywood, furniture, and paper. Forests provide food, fiber, edible oils, and drugs.
- Ecological Significance: Forests are habitats for wild animals and plants, supporting millions of species. They help mitigate global warming by absorbing greenhouse gases and producing oxygen. They act as pollution purifiers by absorbing toxic gases. Forests are crucial for soil conservation and regulating the hydrological cycle.
- Aesthetic Values: Forests offer beauty and tranquility, providing opportunities for recreation and ecosystem research.
Overexploitation of Forests
- Deforestation rates are high, with 1.7 crore hectares of forest lost annually. Overexploitation also occurs due to overgrazing and converting forests into pastures.
- Deforestation rates are lower in temperate countries compared to tropical regions.
- If current deforestation rates continue, 90% of tropical forests could be lost in the next six decades.
Causes of Deforestation
- Shifting Cultivation (Jhum Cultivation): This practice is common in tribal areas where forest lands are cleared for subsistence crops. It is a major cause of deforestation in tropics, accounting for 70%, 50%, and 35% in Africa, Asia, and tropical America, respectively.
- Commercial Logging: This is a secondary cause of deforestation as new logging permits often lead to shifting cultivation.
- Need for Fuel Wood: Increased population demand for fuel wood is a significant deforestation agent, particularly in dry forests.
- Expansion for Agribusiness: The increasing demand for cash crops like oil palm, rubber, fruits, and ornamental plants leads to expanding agribusiness, resulting in deforestation.
- Development Projects & Growing Need for Food: The growing demand for electricity, irrigation, construction, mining, etc., leads to forest destruction.
- Raw Materials for Industrial Use: Forest provides raw materials for industries, putting tremendous pressure on forest resources.
Major Effects of Deforestation
- Soil erosion and loss of soil fertility
- Decrease in rainfall due to the impact on the hydrological cycle
- Expansion of deserts
- Climate change and depletion of the water table
- Loss of biodiversity, flora, and fauna
- Environmental changes and disturbances in forest ecosystems
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Description
Test your knowledge on renewable and non-renewable resources through this engaging quiz. Explore the characteristics, examples, and environmental impacts of various resources, including forest resources and their global distribution. Discover the importance of these resources for sustainable development.
