1.
How big is the Amazon rainforest?
Correct Answer
B. 5 and half million square kilometres
Explanation
The Amazon rainforest is approximately 5 and a half million square kilometers in size. This vast area makes it the largest rainforest in the world. It spans across several countries in South America, including Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and others. The Amazon rainforest is known for its incredible biodiversity, housing millions of species of plants, animals, and insects. It plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate and is often referred to as the "lungs of the Earth" due to its ability to produce a significant amount of oxygen.
2.
The Amazon Rainforest is in northern South America:
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The Amazon Rainforest is indeed located in northern South America. It spans across several countries including Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. It is the largest rainforest in the world, covering an area of approximately 5.5 million square kilometers. The Amazon Rainforest is known for its incredible biodiversity and plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate.
3.
The Amazon Rainforest is:
Correct Answer(s)
A. A moist broad leaf rainforest
B. The largest rainforest in the world
C. Also known as the 'Lungs of the Planet'
Explanation
The Amazon Rainforest is a moist broad leaf rainforest, as it is characterized by its high levels of precipitation and diverse vegetation. It is also the largest rainforest in the world, covering a vast area in South America. Additionally, it is often referred to as the 'Lungs of the Planet' because it produces a significant amount of oxygen and plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate.
4.
For how many years have tropical rainforests been around?
Correct Answer
C. 55 million years
Explanation
Tropical rainforests have been around for 55 million years. This is supported by scientific evidence and fossil records that indicate the presence of tropical rainforests in various parts of the world for millions of years. These rainforests are known for their rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems, which have evolved over a long period of time. The longevity of tropical rainforests highlights their resilience and importance in the Earth's history.
5.
The highest layer of a rainforest is the canopy layer.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The given statement is false. The highest layer of a rainforest is actually the emergent layer, which is above the canopy layer. The emergent layer consists of the tallest trees that rise above the canopy and receive the most sunlight. The canopy layer is the second highest layer and is characterized by a dense cover of interconnected tree branches and leaves. It provides shade and is home to a variety of animals and plants.
6.
Which layer of the rainforest is the lowest?
Correct Answer
A. The Undergrowth
Explanation
The correct answer is "The Understory." The term "undergrowth" refers to the shrubs, small trees, and plants that grow beneath the main canopy layer of the rainforest. However, the question asks for the lowest layer, which is known as the understory. The understory consists of shorter trees and plants that receive less sunlight due to the dense canopy above them.
7.
To what height do most of the trees in the Amazon Rainforest grow to?
Correct Answer
D. 130 metres
Explanation
Most of the trees in the Amazon Rainforest grow to a height of 130 meters. The Amazon Rainforest is known for its incredibly tall trees, with some species reaching even higher heights. The combination of abundant rainfall, rich soil, and favorable climate conditions in the region allows these trees to grow to such impressive heights. The tall trees in the rainforest form a dense canopy, providing shelter and habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species.
8.
What animal are the rainforests in Borneo famous for?
Correct Answer
B. Orangutans
Explanation
The rainforests in Borneo are famous for orangutans. Orangutans are a species of great apes that are native to the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra. They are known for their distinctive red hair and their ability to swing from tree to tree using their long arms. Orangutans are highly intelligent and are critically endangered due to habitat loss and illegal hunting. They play a crucial role in maintaining the biodiversity of the rainforest ecosystem and are considered a flagship species for conservation efforts in Borneo.
9.
What is the largest threat to rainforests?
Correct Answer
B. Deforestation
Explanation
Deforestation is the largest threat to rainforests because it involves the clearing or removal of trees and vegetation, leading to the destruction of the forest ecosystem. This process is often driven by human activities such as agriculture, logging, and urbanization. Deforestation not only results in the loss of biodiversity and habitat for countless species but also contributes to climate change as trees play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Therefore, the elimination of trees through deforestation poses a significant danger to the existence and sustainability of rainforests.
10.
Half of the Amazon Rainforest may disappear by 2040.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The given statement suggests that half of the Amazon Rainforest may disappear by 2040. This implies that due to deforestation, climate change, or other factors, a significant portion of the rainforest could be lost within the next two decades. This prediction highlights the urgency to address and mitigate the threats facing the Amazon Rainforest in order to preserve its biodiversity and ecological importance.
11.
What creature can support a miniature environment for aquatic creatures?
Correct Answer
B. A Bromeliad
Explanation
A bromeliad is a type of plant that has the ability to create a miniature environment for aquatic creatures. It has a central cup-like structure that collects water, providing a habitat for small aquatic organisms such as insects, frogs, and even small fish. The bromeliad's leaves also help to retain moisture, creating a humid and suitable environment for these creatures to thrive.
12.
There are at least 1400 species of plants in the Amazon Rainforest.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement is true because the Amazon Rainforest is known for its incredible biodiversity. It is estimated that there are actually over 40,000 plant species in the Amazon Rainforest, making it one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. Therefore, it is reasonable to say that there are at least 1400 species of plants in the Amazon Rainforest.
13.
How much of the Amazon Rainforest is being deforested each year?
Correct Answer
C. 2.2 hectares
Explanation
Every year, approximately 2.2 hectares of the Amazon Rainforest are being deforested. This means that an area of 2.2 hectares, which is equivalent to about 5.4 acres, is cleared of trees and vegetation. Deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest has significant environmental consequences, including the loss of biodiversity, disruption of ecosystems, and contribution to climate change. The high rate of deforestation in this region is a major concern for global conservation efforts.
14.
Which rainforest has the highest canopy in the world?
Correct Answer
C. The Amazon Rainforest
Explanation
The Amazon Rainforest is the correct answer because it is known for having the highest canopy in the world. The canopy refers to the uppermost layer of the rainforest where the majority of the tree branches and leaves form a dense cover. The Amazon Rainforest has an incredibly diverse and dense canopy, with trees growing up to 200 feet tall. This dense canopy allows for a unique ecosystem to thrive, with various species of plants and animals living in the uppermost layer of the rainforest.
15.
Only a quarter of the world's species of animals and plants are found in rainforests.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The statement that only a quarter of the world's species of animals and plants are found in rainforests is false. Rainforests are known to be one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet, housing a significant portion of the Earth's species. It is estimated that rainforests are home to more than half of the world's species, making them crucial for global biodiversity.