Sustainable Forestry - AP Environmental Science
- What is afforestation?
- Planting trees on land not previously forested. Creates new forests on non-forested land to increase tree cover.
- What is the effect of clear-cutting on soil quality?
- Decreases soil fertility. Removes nutrient-rich topsoil and disrupts soil organism communities.
- Which practice involves managing forests for carbon storage?
- Carbon sequestration. Trees absorb and store atmospheric carbon dioxide in biomass and soil.
- Identify a key principle of sustainable forestry.
- Conserving biodiversity. Protects ecosystem variety and species richness for forest sustainability.
- What is the relationship between forests and climate change?
- Forests mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon. Trees absorb CO₂ and store carbon, reducing greenhouse gas concentrations.
- Name a social benefit of sustainable forestry.
- Supports local communities and economies. Provides jobs and income while maintaining cultural forest connections.
- What is clear-cutting?
- A forestry practice where most or all trees are uniformly cut down. Intensive harvesting method that removes entire forest stands at once.
- Name a technique to prevent forest fires.
- Controlled burning. Reduces fuel buildup and prevents catastrophic wildfire damage.
- Identify a method to reduce soil erosion in forests.
- Maintaining ground cover. Vegetation protects soil from water and wind erosion.
- What does FSC stand for in sustainable forestry?
- Forest Stewardship Council. International organization that certifies sustainable forest management practices.
- Which term describes the variety of organisms in a forest?
- Biodiversity. Measures ecosystem health through species richness and abundance.
- Identify a benefit of selective cutting.
- Maintains forest structure and biodiversity. Preserves habitat complexity and reduces erosion compared to clear-cutting.
- What is the main objective of the REDD+ program?
- To reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. International initiative compensating countries for forest conservation efforts.
- What is a riparian buffer?
- Vegetated area near a stream to protect water quality. Protects waterways from runoff pollution and maintains stream temperature.
- Name a tool used in sustainable forest management.
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Mapping technology for forest monitoring and management planning.
- Name a practice that promotes sustainable forestry.
- Reduced impact logging. Minimizes environmental damage during harvesting operations.
- What is sustainable forestry?
- Management of forests to maintain biodiversity and productivity. Balances environmental protection with economic use for long-term forest health.
- What is the goal of sustainable timber harvesting?
- To balance ecological health and economic needs. Ensures forest productivity while maintaining ecosystem integrity long-term.
- What is a forest management plan?
- A document outlining sustainable forestry practices. Strategic blueprint for responsible forest resource management and conservation.
- Which practice involves planting new trees to replace harvested ones?
- Reforestation. Restores forest cover by replanting trees in previously forested areas.
- What is the role of mycorrhizal fungi in forests?
- Enhances nutrient uptake for trees. Symbiotic relationship improves tree nutrition and forest health.
- What is agroforestry?
- Integrating trees and shrubs into agricultural systems. Combines forestry with farming to create diverse, productive land use systems.
- Identify a negative impact of unsustainable forestry.
- Loss of ecosystem services. Poor practices eliminate benefits like carbon storage and water regulation.
- What is the impact of deforestation on the carbon cycle?
- Increases atmospheric CO₂ levels. Trees normally absorb CO₂, so removal releases stored carbon to atmosphere.
- Name a disadvantage of clear-cutting.
- Loss of habitat and biodiversity. Removes entire ecosystems, disrupting wildlife communities and species diversity.
- Name a benefit of agroforestry.
- Increases biodiversity and soil health. Trees improve crop yields through nitrogen fixation and erosion control.
- Identify a policy that supports sustainable forestry.
- The Lacey Act. U.S. law prohibiting trade in illegal forest products.
- What is a keystone species?
- A species that has a disproportionately large impact on its ecosystem. Critical species whose presence maintains entire ecosystem structure and function.
- What is selective cutting?
- Harvesting only certain trees, preserving ecosystem health. Targeted harvesting maintains forest canopy and reduces environmental impact.
- What is an invasive species?
- A non-native species that harms ecosystems. Outcompetes native species and disrupts natural ecosystem balance.
- Which forestry certification ensures sustainable practices?
- FSC certification. Third-party verification system for responsible forest management standards.
- Which practice helps maintain genetic diversity in forests?
- Selective breeding. Maintains genetic variation to ensure forest adaptation and resilience.
- Identify a major cause of deforestation.
- Agricultural expansion. Primary driver of global forest loss for crop and pasture development.
- What is an ecological benefit of sustainable forestry?
- Preservation of biodiversity. Protects species variety and ecosystem functions for future generations.
- What is deforestation?
- The removal of a forest or stand of trees. Complete forest removal for agriculture, urbanization, or other land uses.
- What is the primary goal of conservation biology?
- To protect and sustain biodiversity. Scientific field focused on preserving species and ecosystem diversity.
- What role do forests play in the water cycle?
- Regulate water flow and quality. Trees intercept precipitation and maintain groundwater through transpiration.
- Identify a benefit of maintaining forest corridors.
- Facilitates wildlife movement. Connects habitat patches, allowing species migration and gene flow.
- What does 'multiple-use' forestry mean?
- Managing forests for various purposes like recreation and timber. Balances diverse forest uses including timber, recreation, and conservation.
- What is ecosystem resilience?
- The ability of an ecosystem to recover from disturbances. Measures how well ecosystems bounce back from natural or human disturbances.