Chapter 2: Water, Climate, and Vegetation  "The Destruction of the Rain Forest"

Introduction In this chapter you have read about the various climate and vegetation zones around the world. Scientists believe that the destruction of the rain forest leads to global warming and the extinction of many plant and animal species. Therefore, they believe that the loss of the rain forest is a danger to all of humankind. The site you will visit is part of one group's effort to inform the public of the dangers of deforestation and steps we can take to halt this destruction. Destination Title: Rainforest Action Network Note: Clicking on the link above will launch a new browser window. Need help using your browser for this activity? Click here for tips. Directions Start at the Rainforest Action Network Web site. Click on Rainforest Information. Click on Fact Sheets. Scroll down to "Basic Rainforest Information." Click on Seven Things You Can Do To Save the Rainforest. After you have read through the information, answer the following questions. 1. What are seven things you can do to save the rain forest? 2. Click the "back" button. Scroll down to "Rainforest Destruction" and click on Rates of Destruction. What percentage of the earth's surface is covered by rainforests? How many acres of rainforest are destroyed per second? 3. Scroll down further to the topic "Tropical Moist Forests: Present Status in Select Countries." Which country has the highest percentage of annual deforestation? 4. Click the "back" button. Scroll down to "Rainforest Animals" and click on Species Extinction. What are the main causes of extinction? 5. Using this Web site and other sources, choose an endangered species that you would like to learn more about. Create a poster illustrating your chosen species, and include information about the species' habitat, why it is endangered, and what is being done to save it. Display your completed posters around the classroom.