a long-term shift in temperature, rainfall and weather patterns which has had natural causes in the past but is now due to human activities

effects or consequences that are not immediately caused by an event or action but happen as a result of it

something that poses a danger or harm to an environment, species or ecosystem

Threats associated with climate change in the rainforest

Geography

Characteristics of tropical rainforests

Plant and animal adaptations in tropical rainforests

Nutrient cycling and biodiversity in tropical rainforests

Deforestation in the tropical rainforest

Deforestation in Indonesia’s tropical rainforest

Value of tropical rainforests to people and the environment

Sustainable rainforest management

Biotic and abiotic characteristics of the taiga biome

Plant and animal adaptations in the taiga biome

Nutrient cycling and biodiversity in the taiga biome

Threats to the taiga from commercial development

Causes of biodiversity loss in the taiga biome

Creating and protecting wilderness areas in the taiga biome

Conflicting views on protecting/exploiting resources in the taiga biome

Using GIS to visualise and analyse deforestation

This unit teaches pupils about tropical rainforest and taiga biomes. Pupils learn about its biotic and abiotic characteristics, the adaptations of plants and animals and the threats facing its biodiversity. The unit considers opposing views on protecting and exploiting resources.

Tropical rainforest and taiga biomes

Increases rainfall consistently throughout the year

Decreases humidity levels, making rainforests cooler

Causes unpredictable rainfall and longer dry seasons

How does climate change impact rainfall patterns in rainforests?

What is a major consequence of rising temperatures in rainforests?

{{}} change has affected tropical rainforests by increasing temperatures, changing rainfall patterns and increasing the frequency of droughts.

It disrupts local climates and increases CO₂ emissions

Why does deforestation make rainforests more vulnerable to climate change?

Between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn

Where are tropical rainforests mainly found?

Seasonal, with hot summers and cold winters

What is the climate like in a tropical rainforest?

Which of the following is a characteristic of rainforest soil?

What is the emergent layer of a rainforest?

Which of the following is a plant adaptation in tropical rainforests?

They move slowly and have algae-covered fur

How have sloths adapted to rainforest life?

Threats associated with climate change in the rainforest

Lesson outcome