1. Ecosystem Threats and Environmental Risks.

2. “Ranching in Brazil”

5. ► Pg. 120 – Question 7 (a) & (b) ► 7 (a) How has ranching disrupted fragile relationships in the tropical rainforest ecosystem? ANS: Big areas of forest were cut down, and area was replanted with non-native grasses. Big areas of forest were cut down, and area was replanted with non-native grasses. Humidity balance affected and area was at risk of erosion. Humidity balance affected and area was at risk of erosion. Many animals disappeared. Many animals disappeared. Soil destroyed and nutrients were lost. Soil destroyed and nutrients were lost. The forest could not regenerate or sustain itself. The forest could not regenerate or sustain itself.

6. ► 7 (b) The governments of some tropical countries now regularly set aside fragments of rain forests as conservation reserves. What problems do you see in this attempt at protecting the rain forest ecosystem? ANS: Isolated forests do not protect life forms living in the area. Isolated forests do not protect life forms living in the area. Large species need large areas (forced inbreeding). Large species need large areas (forced inbreeding). Wind and weeds threaten perimeter area. Wind and weeds threaten perimeter area. Empty, outside area allows more access and disruption of the ecosystem. Empty, outside area allows more access and disruption of the ecosystem.

7. Climate Zones and Environmental Risk ► Tropical Climates ► Dry Climates ► Temperate Climates (mild winter/cold winter) ► Polar Climates ► Highlands Climate WHO CARES - DO YOU ?

8. ► Desertification – the spread of desert-like conditions in semi-arid environments.

9. “Desertification in the Sahel” ► Sahel is located along the Sahara Desert. ► Natural Environment: Hot, dry climateHot, dry climate 60-100mm falling during 1-3 months of the year60-100mm falling during 1-3 months of the year Droughts are commonDroughts are common ► Causes of desert advancement: Fragile environmentFragile environment Agricultural practicesAgricultural practices Population growthPopulation growth

10. Analyze value positions taken on environmental issues. How would each of the following feel about a gold mine being developed in a local wilderness area – what is their position? 1.President of a local environmental group. 2.Owner of Regal Goldfields – mine developer. 3.Owner of a local hunting lodge. 4.Chief naturalist for the wilderness area. 5.President of the local Fish and Wildlife Association. 6.An unemployed fisherman. 7.The wife of the fisherman – a part-time fish-plant worker. 8.The mayor of a local town. 9.The owner of a local trucking company. 10.The owner of a local restaurant.