1.
Costanza et al. (1997) estimated the value of global forest ecosystem goods and services at:
Correct Answer
D. $4.7 Trillion annually
Explanation
The correct answer is $4.7 Trillion annually. This estimate was provided by Costanza et al. (1997) for the value of global forest ecosystem goods and services. This value represents the economic worth of the various benefits that forests provide, such as timber, carbon sequestration, water regulation, and biodiversity conservation. The high value reflects the significant contributions that forests make to human well-being and the global economy.
2.
Forests are essential for preserving the world’s clean water supply
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Forests play a vital role in preserving the world's clean water supply. They act as natural filters, trapping and absorbing rainwater, which helps to replenish groundwater and maintain water quality. Forests also prevent soil erosion, reducing the amount of sediment and pollutants that enter rivers and lakes. Additionally, the roots of trees help to hold soil together, preventing runoff and allowing water to slowly seep into the ground. By protecting forests, we can ensure a sustainable and clean water supply for both humans and ecosystems.
3.
What are the three main sources of forest degradation:
Correct Answer
A. Commercial logging, fire, and gathering wood for fuel
Explanation
The three main sources of forest degradation are commercial logging, fire, and gathering wood for fuel. Commercial logging involves the cutting down of trees for timber, which can lead to deforestation and habitat destruction. Fire can cause significant damage to forests, destroying vegetation and disrupting ecosystems. Gathering wood for fuel, often done by local communities, can contribute to deforestation and degradation if not done sustainably. These three factors have a significant impact on the health and sustainability of forest ecosystems.
4.
Deforestation is:
Correct Answer
B. A reduction in forest cover
Explanation
Deforestation refers to the process of clearing or removing trees and vegetation from a forested area. It involves the permanent destruction or removal of the forest cover, resulting in a significant reduction in the total area covered by forests. This process is often driven by human activities such as logging, agriculture, or urbanization, and it has detrimental effects on biodiversity, climate change, and the overall health of ecosystems.
5.
Forest degradation is:
Correct Answer
A. A reduction in forest quality
Explanation
Forest degradation refers to a decline in the overall health and condition of a forest ecosystem. This can occur due to various factors such as logging, pollution, climate change, or invasive species. It is characterized by a reduction in the quality of the forest, including the loss of biodiversity, disruption of ecological processes, and deterioration of ecosystem services. Unlike deforestation, which refers to the complete removal of forest cover, forest degradation specifically focuses on the deterioration of the forest's health and functionality.
6.
Forests help control erosion and prevent deadly mudslides.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Forests help control erosion and prevent deadly mudslides because their roots hold the soil together, preventing it from being washed away by rainfall or flowing water. The dense vegetation of forests also acts as a barrier, slowing down the movement of water and reducing its erosive force. Without forests, the soil would be more susceptible to erosion, leading to increased sedimentation in rivers and streams. This can result in the destabilization of slopes and the occurrence of mudslides, which can be extremely dangerous and destructive. Therefore, it is true that forests play a crucial role in controlling erosion and preventing deadly mudslides.
7.
70% of our atmospheric oxygen (nearly 3 out of 4 breathes you take anywhere on the planet) is due to:
Correct Answer
C. pHotosynthesizing ocean organisms
Explanation
Photosynthesizing ocean organisms, such as phytoplankton, contribute to 70% of our atmospheric oxygen. These tiny plants in the ocean use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and nutrients to produce oxygen through photosynthesis. They play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, making them a major source of the oxygen we breathe. Rainforests and boreal forests also contribute to oxygen production, but they are not the primary source as compared to photosynthesizing ocean organisms.
8.
The certification seen on sustainably harvested wood / paper products “FSC” stands for:
Correct Answer
C. Forest Stewardship Council
Explanation
The certification "FSC" stands for Forest Stewardship Council. This organization is responsible for promoting responsible forest management and ensuring that wood and paper products come from sustainably managed forests. The FSC sets standards for forest management, certifies companies that meet these standards, and allows them to use the FSC label on their products. This certification helps consumers make environmentally conscious choices by supporting companies that prioritize sustainable practices in the forestry industry.
9.
Burning trees releases carbon which contributes to accelerating climate change.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Burning trees releases carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. This carbon dioxide traps heat and contributes to the greenhouse effect, leading to an increase in global temperatures and accelerating climate change. Therefore, the statement is true.
10.
The most biologically diverse ecosystems on land are:
Correct Answer
A. Forests
Explanation
Forests are the most biologically diverse ecosystems on land because they provide a wide range of habitats and niches for various plant and animal species. The dense vegetation, including trees, shrubs, and understory plants, creates a complex and interconnected web of life. Forests support a high diversity of species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. They also provide essential resources such as food, shelter, and breeding grounds for many organisms. The abundance of different species in forests contributes to the overall biodiversity and ecological stability of these ecosystems.
11.
Forests provide homes, security and livelihoods for:
Correct Answer
B. 60 million Indigenous peoples
Explanation
Forests provide homes, security, and livelihoods for 60 million Indigenous peoples. Indigenous peoples have a deep connection with the forest and rely on it for their physical, cultural, and spiritual well-being. Forests provide them with shelter, food, and resources for their livelihoods, such as hunting, gathering, and traditional practices. Additionally, forests play a crucial role in preserving Indigenous cultures and traditions, as they provide a sense of identity and belonging for these communities. Therefore, the presence and conservation of forests are essential for the well-being and sustainability of 60 million Indigenous peoples.
12.
___ of the world’s medicines are derived from rainforest plants
Correct Answer
C. ¼
Explanation
A quarter (¼) of the world's medicines are derived from rainforest plants. This means that a significant portion of the drugs used in medicine today have their origins in the diverse plant life found in rainforests. Rainforests are known to have a rich biodiversity, and scientists have discovered many valuable compounds and substances in the plants that can be used for medicinal purposes. Therefore, it is important to protect and conserve rainforests to ensure a continued source of potential medicines for the future.
13.
Less than ___ percent of rainforest plants have been tested for medicinal properties
Correct Answer
D. 1
14.
LTC’s Old Growth Forest contains some trees over___years old
Correct Answer
D. 300
Explanation
LTC's Old Growth Forest contains some trees over 300 years old. This means that there are trees in the forest that have been growing for more than three centuries. These trees are considered to be part of the old growth forest, which is a forest that has not been significantly disturbed by human activity and has reached a mature stage of ecological development. The presence of trees over 300 years old indicates the forest's long-standing history and its ability to support the growth and survival of these ancient trees.
15.
LTC’s Old Growth Forest is unique because plants native to the southern forests of Wisconsin are found in the northern portion of the Old Growth Forest while plants native to northern Wisconsin are found in the southern portion of the Old Growth Forest.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement is true because it states that plants native to the southern forests of Wisconsin are found in the northern portion of the Old Growth Forest, while plants native to northern Wisconsin are found in the southern portion of the Old Growth Forest. This indicates a unique situation where plant species from different regions are found in opposite parts of the forest, which is not commonly observed in other forests.